Alto Hotel on Bourke
Environmental Sustainability Fact Sheet
Congratulations again!
Winner of the 2010 Qantas Award for Sustainable Tourism
Overview
The Alto Hotel on Bourke, has made a commitment to a resource smart, environmental sustainable policy. With the help of guests and suppliers, the committed management and staff plus a significant capital investment, the hotel has made meaningful energy, resources and waste savings, therefore minimising their environmental impact. To stay true to their commitment, the hotel submits all energy, water and waste accounts for benchmarking by “Green Globe” an independent assessor.
Alto Hotel on Bourke is the first Melbourne CBD Hotel to receive the coveted EarthCheck Silver Certification, and has been awarded several sustainability awards. Also the first city hotel in Australia to offset all calaculated carbon output and therefore be carbon neutral.
Environmental Sustainability Fact Sheet
Carbon
Carbon audit conducted by the Carbon Reduction Institute shows a one night stay at Alto Hotel produces an average 13.5 kilograms of carbon, compared to the estimate for hotels as set by Sustainable Tourism CRC of 24-26 kilograms.
Electricity
100% of all electricity used is WIND generated - we use only Green Earth Electricity
95% of all lighting is based on energy efficient, FCL or LED globes
Rooms are fitted with energy saving key-tags that switch off lighting on leaving the rooms. Our energy use (electricity & gas) is limted to 36.3 megajules per guest, per night
Air-conditioners
Our A/C plant has a 6 star energy rating that uses inverter & movement sensor techology
Water
Rain water is used for public toilet cisterns, gardening and cleaning duties
Water flow restrictors to all showers and taps, 8 liters and 6 liters per minute, respectively
All toilets have a AAA rating. Our water use is limited to 123.1 litres per guest, per night
Gas
Hot water is heated "on demand" the energy savings of this is substantial
Carbon produced from gas use is offset via Origin Energy. Our energy use (electricity & gas) is limted to 36.3 megajules per guest, per night
Windows
All windows are double glazed, heat reflecting and are able to be opened. Balcony glass doors are heat reflecting and are 13mm thick, all this dramatically lowers air-conditioning use
Plastic
We use bio-degradable bin-liners and reuse all bulk containers
Toiletries
We have eliminated all plastic bottles for toiletries and replaced them with refillable, pump-action dispensers. These dispensers will hopefully never see landfill and the shampoo, conditioner and hand-soap used in them are biodegradable
Paper
Our Library works as a Book Exchange, enhancing the opportunity to have books read by another bookworm
Newspapers are complimentary, but must be ordered in order not to deliver to those rooms which may not want one
We use recycled or plantation timber paper on all printed items, copy-paper, toilet paper, etc
Waste
Waste is separated by Paper, Organic [vegetable], Plastic, Glass and General. Landfill is limited to 3.9 litres per guest, per night
Organic [vegetable] waste is composted onsite and does not do to landfill. Used cooking oil is collected and recycled into biodiesel
Transport
Complimentary recharging of electric vehicles from Green Earth electricity (100% renewable resources)
Airport transfers in a hybrid limousine available - fee applies
Encourage guests to walk to most major attractions which are within 2-10 minute walk of hotel - Carbon Neutral
Encourage guests to use public transport including airport shuttle bus, trams & trains all within 50-100 meters
Management initiatives such as:
Using recycled / refilled ink cartridges in all compatible printers
Using non-hazardous chemicals wherever possible
Submitting all energy, water and waste for benchmarking by outside agencies
First hotel in the Pacific region to use Saflocks biodegradable key cards made from cornstarch. Even our pens are biodegradable
Guest involvement initiatives
Guest involvement is welcome, yet not necessary as most systems and initiatives are designed to work automatically without any effort form our guests therefore to a point be unnoticeable.
Rooms are provided with dual-chamber waste bins - Our guest are encouraged to help by separating their waste into recyclable and general waste.
Guests are of course given an option not to have their toweling & linen changed daily.
Green Team:
All environmental initiatives are team efforts, implemented by the ALTO GREEN TEAM and supportedby everyone on the staff
Green Team Members are:
VANESSA RYAN
JENNY TRIMBOLI
GARY STICKLAND
ROBERT CHESTER
TRISTAN STEPHENS
SUZANNE & RICARDO KRAUSKOPF
The Alto Hotel's program is highly regarded and is recognised by multiple awards and accreditations as follows.
Winner 2009 and 2010 Qantas Award for Sustainable Tourism
Environmentally Friendly rating (AAA Tourism)
Green Globe Certified - Silver
Grow me the money (Victorian state-wide sustainability program) - Platinum member
Waste Wise Hotel - Sustainability Victoria
Finalist 2009 & 2008 - Premier’s Sustainability Award
Finalist 2008 Victorian Tourism Awards – Sustainable Tourism
Winner 2008 & Commendation 2007 – Sustainable Tourism,
HMAA Awards for Excellence
Winner 2006 – Community Responsibility, Environment, Business 3000
Resource smart & environmentally sustainable initiatives implemented include;
Best Practice
Based on data submitted to Green Globe and their assessment Alto Hotel exceeds best practice targets by at least 55% as demonstrated in the following table that is based on 2008/9 consumption data and 2007/8 targets. All figures are an average per guest night.
Alto Hotel Best practice Exceed best practice Worldwide average for all hotels
Energy (mega jules) Alto Hotel : 35.1 / Worldwide average: 240
Water (litres) Alto Hotel: 124 / Worldwide Average: 500
Waste (litres) Alto Hotel : 4 / Worldwide Average: 13
environmentally friendly accommodation, ecotourism, green travel