Sustainability....What's in it for me?

Sustainability is a continual improvement process that can help you improve all aspects of your operation including your bottom line. Sustainability makes so much sense for tourism businesses in Queensland because the natural environment is a large part of what makes an internationally recognised tourism destination.

“Incorporating sustainable practices into our daily procedures has been by far the biggest cost saving factor we have implemented. Some very simple procedures have saved us thousands of dollars and have inspired our team who now believe they can make a difference by following these simple procedures.” (read more) Alicia Woods, General Manager of the Blue Horizon Resort

 

The benefits of making sustainability a focus in your business may be different to other businesses but generally include:

Your Future: Research completed by the CSIRO in 2010 reveals that business vitality could be threatened by:

• 2030 Warmer and drier
• 2030 Warmer and wetter
• 2050 Hotter and much wetter

The climate projections used for this project were temperature and rainfall, as well as wind speed, solar radiation and relative humidity for summer and winter.

Climate Futures Industry Tool - helping Tourism businesses prepare for climate change

Your Customers: Customers are becoming discerning in their purchase decisions. As interest grows on climate friendly businesses you need to demonstrate to travellers your sustainability credentials to remain competitive.

Your Business: Sustainability practices can help reduce your operating costs attract and retain staff with sustainability values, and meet current and predicted regulatory requirements for carbon reporting.

Your Community: A philosophy of sustainability can increase local community support and referrals to your business. It provides an avenue through which you can share your knowledge and engage your community.

Your Environment: Queensland’s clean beaches and waters, pristine natural environments and wildlife are a key attraction for international and domestic visitors. Thinking green will mean you are protecting and enhancing these natural resources for future generations.

Your Industry: Queensland and Australia need to remain competitive globally with destinations that are increasing their sustainability credentials.

Your Suppliers and Investors: Suppliers such as Banks, Insurers and Governments are increasingly asking businesses to provide a summary of their sustainability credentials and commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

For more information on the benefits of operating more sustainably check out the factsheets below or visit the Sustainable Tourism CRC Sustainability Portal – Sustainable Tourism Online

Related Factsheets

Sustainability, Triple Bottom Line and ‘Greenwash’

Case Studies