Story by Matt Lennon (www.hotelmanagement.com.au)
Image: Crystalbrook Byron maintains its own beehives to source honey for use in its restaurant.
Crystalbrook Collection has partnered with travel and tourism sustainability accreditor, EarthCheck, to launch a new checklist of sustainability initiatives it will undertake as part of its commitment to a greener industry.
EarthCheck is the world’s leading scientific benchmarking, certification and advisory body and works closely with destinations and multi-national travel operators to find and action initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and refine business operations to improve the carbon footprint.
The institute’s Research Division brings together some of the finest minds working across universities and research to identify opportunities and challenges the sector faces with a view to solving real-world problems that will have a lasting impact and legacy.
In line with Crystalbrook’s #ResponsibleLuxury ethos, the company will work closely with EarthCheck to further reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, boost energy efficiency, introduce zero waste operations across larger areas of its properties and refine its ecosystem conservation efforts with a view to becoming a Certified EarthCheck Operator.
Crystalbrook already operates free of single-use plastics including straws and stirrers and sources 80% of its restaurant produce within a three-hour drive of each hotel. Recently announced efforts include upcycling and recycling food waste into new materials and maintaining a paperless operating environment.
Image: Kingsley’s joint research project will look at ways to upcycle food waste into new products.
Crystalbrook Kingsley in Newcastle is also working closely with the University of Newcastle by providing food waste for a study on upcycling and recycling currently underway with students.
Other notable accommodation and tourism clients of EarthCheck include Langham Hospitality Group, Peninsula Hotels, Rottnest Island, the Queensland Government and Tourism Australia.
Image: Crystalbrook Collection CEO, Geoff York.
“This partnership will allow us to take a huge leap forward in enhancing sustainable stays, ensuring that every guest that stays with us can feel good knowing they are travelling with a lighter footprint,” York said.
“EarthCheck is excited to be working with the Crystalbrook Collection to support its long-term commitment to Responsible Luxury,” added EarthCheck Founder and CEO, Stewart Moore.
“In a post COVID environment, today’s travellers are seeking transformational experiences that are safe and sustainable.”
Crystalbrook Collection CEO, Geoff York, said the ability to combine sustainability with luxury was at the core of the business.
