Program 3: Engaged Communities
The tourism industry accounts for 5 per cent of Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. As one of Australia’s top tourism destinations, the Upper Blue Mountains was chosen for a pilot project focussed on helping tourism businesses reduce their carbon footprint - see the website. Environmental auditors worked with tourism owners to identify opportunities to reduce their emissions from energy, water, waste and purchasing. Education programs are being rolled out at TAFE to upskill tradespeople to implement the review recommendations.
The project has led to a national campaign and website which will be ongoing.
Program
Project leader
Dr Josh Byrne and Prof. Peter Newman
Project status
Complete
Project period
1/2017 to 12/2018
- Publications
- News
- Partners
Fact sheet
RP3010 FACTSHEET: Reducing the carbon footprint of tourism and communities
We have developed a community-based program that enables tourism businesses to lower their carbon emissions and enhance sustainability Participating businesses are audited and rated on energy, water and waste; are provided with resources and other support to improve efficiency; become part of an online community network.
RP3010 Factsheet: Reducing the carbon footprint of tourism and communities (1026815 PDF)
CRCLCL Project Posters
Research Snapshot Poster - RP3010
Research Snapshot A3 size poster from Participants Annual Forum 2014
Research Snapshot Poster - RP3010 (485641 PDF)
News articles
Towards Zero Carbon video series launched
Seeing is believing, and a new video series from the CRC for Low Carbon Living (CRCLCL) entitled Towards Zero Carbon illustrates how six years of innovative research is now becoming a reality.
Four videos kick off the series that reveals how CRCLCL research projects about ports, tourism, schools and buildings are lowering carbon emissions in all aspects of urban life.
Media Release: Low Carbon Living Tourism Business, Resident and Visitor Program Launched in Australian First
27 May 2016
In an Australian first the Blue Mountains launched Australia’s first region-wide low carbon tourism initiative. Backed by the CRC for Low Carbon Living, the program includes a website and app that promote local businesses reducing their carbon footprint.
Surveys showed strong support: 94% of visitors and 85% of residents said they’d prefer low carbon services, and nearly 70% would use a tool to find them.
Thirty businesses—ranging from hotels to tour operators—underwent audits assessing energy, water, and waste use. Based on their carbon reductions, they received bronze, silver, or gold ratings. Some achieved up to 15% reductions in a year.
One standout, Silvermere Guest House, cut potable water use by 40% and plans to expand solar power and adopt a solar robotic mower.
The program is designed to be replicated in other regions, offering a model for sustainable tourism across Australia and beyond.
Low Carbon Living Expands Nationally
1 March 2018
Over 80 Blue Mountains businesses have adopted low-carbon practices through the Low Carbon Living program, which will launch across Australia on 22 March 2018. Led by the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute, the initiative helps tourism operators reduce waste, energy, and water use.
Regions like the Southern Highlands, Hunter Valley, Byron Bay, and Kangaroo Island are next in line. Research shows strong public support, with most visitors and residents preferring businesses that cut carbon.
“This empowers communities to act on climate change,” said Dr John Merson.
CRC for Low Carbon Living Program Leader Associate Professor Alistair Sproul will speak at the launch of Low Carbon Living Australia.
Low Carbon Business Buzz
15 June 2016
2016 article, 'Low Carbon Business Buzz', Blue Mountains Gazette, Jennie Curtin
"A plan to turn the Mountains into a low carbon destination has already captured the imaginations of both locals and visitors"
Read the full story in the below PDF
ScienceMeetsBusiness.com: First low carbon finder app
8 June 2016
2016 article, 'First Low Carbon App Finder', ScienceMeetsBusiness.com
"In an Australian first, the tourism business community in the Blue Mountains has proved that a low carbon future for businesses and users is possible, with the launch today of one of the most extensively researched low carbon regional programs."
The Fifth Estate: Blue Mountains launches low carbon tourism program
8 June 2016
2016 article, 'Blue Mountains launches low carbon tourism program' 26 May 2016, The Fifth Estate
"There’s a strong future for eco-tourism in NSW’s Blue Mountains, following the launch of a CRC for Low Carbon Living-funded program designed to promote businesses that reduce their carbon footprints."
Media Release: Low Carbon Living Tourism Business, Resident and Visitor Program Launched in Australian First
27 May 2016
In a national first, the Blue Mountains tourism industry has launched a groundbreaking low carbon program, backed by extensive research and supported by a new website and app. The Blue Mountains Low Carbon Living initiative helps promote businesses that have reduced their carbon footprint and allows residents and visitors to make eco-friendly choices.
A 2016 survey showed strong support: 94% of visitors and 85% of residents were concerned about their carbon footprint, with nearly 70% willing to use a tool to find low carbon businesses.
Funded by the CRC for Low Carbon Living, the program includes a transferable audit and rating system developed by the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute. Businesses are rated gold, silver, or bronze based on reductions in energy, water, and waste.
Some businesses, like Silvermere Guest House, have cut energy use with solar panels and reduced water use by 40%. Plans include further improvements like solar-powered lawn mowers.
Tourism contributes 5.6% of Australia’s emissions. CRCLCL CEO Professor Deo Prasad says this project offers a scalable model for other regions and countries aiming for a low carbon future.
The launch event was held at Lillianfels Hotel, Katoomba, featuring local business and research leaders.
Partners on this project
- TAFE Sydney
- UNSW Sydney
- The University of Melbourne
- NSW Government Office of Environment & Heritage
- Curtin University