These are goals that people all over the world should work toward, adopted at the United Nations Summit in 2015, and the S in SDGs stands for "Sustainable."
We need to preserve the natural environment of the planet we live on and pass it on to future generations. In order to realize such a sustainable society, there is a growing movement around the world for each individual to deepen their understanding of the environment and reaffirm "what they can do now," even if it is just a small thing.
Australia is home to many "sustainable accommodations" that are actively engaged in such environmentally conscious initiatives.
In fact, Australia was the first country in the world to introduce an ecotourism certification system that promotes tourism while maintaining and conserving the natural environment and historical culture. It is at the world's top level in creating a system for enjoying travel without damaging the environment.
So this time, we will introduce you to some eco-friendly "sustainable lodgings." While staying at an eco-friendly lodging, you can think about the environment that surrounds you... Such an ethical trip (ethical = environmental conservation and social contribution) is sure to be a special trip that is different from the usual.
Text: Miki Hirano Edited by Kohei Sasaki (CINRA. inc,)
A 19th century historic site transformed into cutting-edge eco-friendly hotel
Alto Hotel on Bourke
Located in the heart of Melbourne, Alto Hotel on Bourke is housed in a heritage-listed 19th century building, with an elegant neo-baroque exterior and contemporary, simple and chic interiors.
The exterior of the historic 19th century building © Alto Hotel on Bourke
While the look and atmosphere is reminiscent of a chic European boutique hotel, it is also one of the earliest hotels to take on various environmentally conscious initiatives.
A reading space where guests can relax at their leisure © Alto Hotel on Bourke
During construction in 2004, 97% of the windows (almost all of the guest rooms) were fitted with double-glazed glass and the amount of insulation in the walls was doubled, reducing the amount of electricity used for heating and cooling.
Furthermore, the hotel is unusually well-equipped with rainwater tanks for use in toilet drainage and other purposes, and also purchases electricity that is generated from 100% renewable energy sources and has switched 99% of its lighting to eco-friendly light bulbs, among other initiatives to continually protect the environment.
A simple yet cozy bedroom © Alto Hotel on Bourke
As a result, it was certified as Melbourne's first "carbon neutral hotel (a hotel certified to have greenhouse gas emissions below a certain standard)" and has won various awards and earned high praise as a "sustainable accommodation" that contributes to environmental conservation since it opened.
Additionally, according to an evaluation by EarthCheck, an international organization that certifies environmentally friendly hotels, the hotel has an extremely low environmental impact, using less than one-sixth of the electricity, and using less water and producing less than one-third of the waste, compared to the average for a typical hotel around the world.
Beekeeping on the rooftop, harvesting honey and serving it for breakfast © Alto Hotel on Bourke
However, there is absolutely no inconvenience during your stay! In fact, the air conditioner is not on 24 hours a day, and the shower water volume is adjusted so that it doesn't go too high, but you can stay comfortable without even noticing.
Alto Hotel is an eco-friendly hotel that pursues urban comfort while also being mindful of the environment, being kind to both its guests and the environment.
| Alto Hotel on Bourke | ||
|---|---|---|
| Web | ： | http://www.altohotel.com.au/ |
| address | ： | 636 Bourke Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000 Australia |
An antique-style recycled lodge near a World Heritage Site
Old Leura Dairy
The Blue Mountains, a World Heritage site, is a popular tourist destination in the west of Sydney. Old Leura Dairy is located in the small town of Leura, in this area of magnificent nature.
The Milking Shed, a lodge that can accommodate up to four people © Old Leura Dairy
The six detached lodges, built on a vast site, are casually furnished with antique-style furniture and tools like those found in rural farmhouses, giving off a nostalgic, warm feeling.
Old Lula Dairy uses recycled materials for all basic things, including the building and furniture. The reuse rate is about 80%! Discarded scrap materials, furniture, rusty gates and doors are revived and used to create a warm, handmade space.
The bathroom at Moe Manor, a cute antique-style lodge © Old Leura Dairy
The amenities provided are all eco-friendly, such as handmade soap and recycled toilet paper.
In addition to utilizing rainwater and taking on small daily initiatives such as composting food waste, some buildings have been fitted with "passive solar design" which uses strengthened insulation to make maximum use of solar heat, making a significant contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
The Straw Bale House lodge has a passive solar design © Old Leura Dairy
The site is planted with endemic species, as well as seasonal flowers and fruit-bearing plants, creating a paradise for birds, animals, and insects. No harmful herbicides or pesticides are used, and the site is designed to systematically capture plants, creatures, and the environment, allowing visitors to experience the importance of each.
The Studio, a small lodge perfect for couples © Old Leura Dairy
Old Leura Dairy's motto is to combine "environmental friendliness" with "comfort." It is an eco-lodge that is kind to not only its guests, but also the environment and the creatures that live there.
| Old Leura Dairy | ||
|---|---|---|
| Web | ： | https://www.oldleuradairy.com.au/ |
| address | ： | 61 Kings Road (corner of Eastview Avenue), Leura NSW 2780 Australia |
Stay overnight at the zoo with a beautiful night view of Sydney and enjoy a night tour
Roar and Snore
Taronga Zoo is a historic zoo that opened in 1916. It is currently run as an NPO supported by the New South Wales government.
The name "Taronga" means "beautiful view" in the language of the original Australian Aboriginal people. As the name suggests, this is a great location with a spectacular view of Sydney Harbour, one of the three most beautiful harbours in the world!
Tent-style accommodation set in a great location overlooking Sydney Harbour © Taronga Zoo
The unique overnight experience program "Roar & Snore" is popular among local families, as it allows you to stay the night at the zoo and observe the animals' habits up close.
This program involves staying in tented accommodation set up within the zoo and walking around the zoo at night with experienced zookeepers, helping participants deepen their understanding of the ecology and environment of animals.
Permanent tents that require no preparation or setup and are comfortable to stay in © Taronga Zoo
At the zoo at night, you can see the active behavior of nocturnal animals that are hard to see during the day. The reason why night-time animal observation is so important is that most of Australia's native wildlife, including koalas and kangaroos, are nocturnal.
Maybe you'll see koalas becoming more active at night? © Destination NSW
Learning about the ecology of wild animals around us is very important for preserving the natural environment. If natural areas such as forests and wetlands are not healthy, animals cannot live there, and in the end, this will have a negative impact on us humans as well.
Taronga Zoo is not just a place to raise and exhibit animals. It also works to protect wildlife and research native species, treating wild animals that have been injured in road accidents or by pets and releasing them back into the wild.
Enjoy an aperitif at the observation deck overlooking the Opera House © Taronga Zoo
Additionally, we are engaged in various activities to protect the natural environment around us and the global environment, such as utilizing solar energy, reducing waste, and planting trees.
Roar & Snore is a two-day, one-night nature experience program where you can learn about the environment while interacting with animals at a zoo that is serious about environmental conservation.
| Roar and Snore at Taronga Zoo | ||
|---|---|---|
| Web | ： | https://taronga.org.au/sydney-zoo/accommodation/roar-and-snore |
| address | ： | Bradleys Head Rd, Mosman NSW 2088 Australia |
Experience the world's most beautiful driving route through the wilderness over four days
Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk
The Great Ocean Road is a popular tourist destination that can be reached by car in 2-3 hours from Melbourne.
Known as "the most beautiful drive in the world," this spot is home to a series of rugged, beautiful coastlines, but Twelve Apostles Lodge sits quietly amid the lush forest.
The lodge is made of wood and designed to blend in with its surroundings © Australian Walking Company
Twelve Apostles Lodge offers accommodation combined with an active experience program that involves a four-day walk with an experienced guide along part of the area's popular Great Ocean Walk (approximately 44km).
The lodges, which use an abundance of wood, are designed to blend in with the surrounding nature. Each building is designed with a "passive solar design" that maximizes solar energy and is designed to minimize electricity and water consumption.
Spacious bedroom © Australian Walking Company
The lodge uses rainwater and spring water, and the wastewater that is produced every day is purified before being returned to nature, or composted together with food waste, through small, everyday efforts that continue to be undertaken steadily.
The walking tour will take you through the forest and along a scenic course that offers views of the beautiful coastline. A guide who is well versed in the local nature will explain the ecosystem, including the plants and animals, as you walk, making it so interesting that you will forget how tired you are.
Walking with beautiful ocean views © Australian Walking Company
After enjoying a walk in the great outdoors, you can enjoy a delicious meal made with plenty of local ingredients and a good night's sleep in a comfortable bed.
Relax in the foot spa after a tiring walk © Australian Walking Company
The Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk is a special experience program that allows you to deepen your understanding of the environment while thoroughly enjoying spectacular scenery, nature, and local ingredients (only available from September to May, when the weather is perfect for walking).
| Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk | ||
|---|---|---|
| Web | ： | https://www.australianwalkingcompany.com.au/twelve-apostles-lodge-walk/ |
| address | ： | 70 Stafford Rd, Johanna VIC 3238 Australia |
What do you think? All of these are unique facilities that overturn the concepts of vacation, travel, and lodging. Not only are the buildings and interiors stylish and clean, but many of them also come with experience programs and activities, so even beginners can easily participate.
Staying at a sustainable inn in a foreign land where you can feel close to nature and reflect on your own way of life is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Miki Hirano
She has lived in Australia for 21 years. As a travel journalist, she writes for various media outlets and appears on radio and television, while also working as a media coordinator. Her main areas of expertise are travel, the environment, wildlife, food, and sports. She also holds an Australian wildlife qualification.
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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
