Brisbane is the first Australian city to join the SDG Cities Global Initiative which was started by UN urbanisation program UN-Habitat in 2020.
The program supports cities around the world to achieve the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which will result in a better life for all humans, help protect the environment and combat climate change.
“Brisbane has world-class venues, hotels, restaurants, events and attractions but we’re also being increasingly recognised for being clean, green and sustainable,” said Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, Adrian Schrinner.
“Our practical approach towards sustainability is not just about cutting waste and emissions but cutting costs for residents and making our city better for future generations.
“This accreditation recognises the raft of measures our Council team continues to undertake to keep Brisbane clean and green, to preserve our unique lifestyle and ensure we grow sustainably is working.”
The city’s ecosystem of visitor economy businesses is a significant part of Brisbane’s increasingly sustainable offering. Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre has been certified with EarthCheck for 12 years now, achieving Platinum Certification in 2021 and Tangalooma Island Resort was certified gold with EarthCheck last year.
Meanwhile young events and entertainment precinct Howard Smith Wharves took out the innovation, sustainability and energy efficiency category at the Australian Hotels Association national awards in 2022.
With Accor looking to certify all its properties across Australia through Ecotourism Australia, properties like Sofitel Brisbane Central, Pullman & Mercure Brisbane King George Square and Novotel Brisbane South Bank were some of the first properties in line for that certification, with more to come.
Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) – of which Brisbane’s convention bureau is a part – is also working towards having Brisbane certified as a visitor destination through EarthCheck. Brisbane already sits at number 37 worldwide in the Global Destination Sustainability Index, with its performance increasing once again in 2023.
