Sustainability
Discover a range of environmental initiatives at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
Conservation at Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley
At Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, we wish to be recognised for creating positive environmental outcomes, and we are deeply committed to achieving best practice environmental and social sustainability. To achieve our goals, we have developed extensive Sustainability and Conservation plans. These guide all facets of the resorts operations and our aim to return the surrounding landscape and environment back to what it was prior European settlement in the early 1800s.
RECYCLING AND WASTE MINIMISATION
All waste is sorted into recyclable, wet and non-recyclable and all plastic items are currently being replaced with environmentally sustainable items. The resort recently opted to take part in a bin-trim program, which will see food waste converted into water, and also received approval from NSW Environment Protection Authority to turn green waste into water for irrigation. In 2018, the resort installed three outdoor filtered water stations to encourage guests to use the multi-use bottles provided on arrival to further reduce use of glass and plastic bottles. Guests are encouraged to take these bottles home to continue this practice.
ENERGY CONSERVATION
Green building principles were embedded in the design and construction of the resort, and we constantly explore new ways to decrease our reliance on coal-fired electricity. This includes energy-saving technology such as fluorescent and LED globes, sensors and timers, as well as solar panels for hot water and exterior lighting. The resort’s outdoor swimming pool is warmed with environment-friendly heat exchange technology, and double glazing the windows in the Main Homestead has improved heating and cooling efficiency of the interiors and reduced energy usage. Since opening, the resort has achieved a 48% reduction in electricity consumption.
SUSTAINABLE FOOD AND PURCHASING
At Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, guests eat and drink locally and sustainably. The resort works closely with local artisan producers, sourcing seasonal and, where possible, organic produce, and showcasing local food heroes from cheese-makers to vintners, orchardists to trout fishermen. Menus are designed to educate guests on the provenance of the food they are consuming, and guests are also invited to discover the resort’s on-site garden.
CARBON NEUTRAL
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley has proudly maintained its carbon-neutral certification for 10 consecutive years since opening, from the internationally accredited Greenhouse Gas Certification Scheme, Toitū (previously known as carboNZero). This has been achieved through a combination of initiatives, including energy management, large-scale rehabilitation of native grasslands and woodlands, protection of existing vegetation, waste management and operational practices, such as the ongoing commitment to removing single-use plastic from the resort.
WATER CONSERVATION
Rainwater is collected and filtered onsite and accounts for 70% of the resort's drinking water. The remaining 30% comes from the pristine Carne Creek that runs through the reserve. The resort has an onsite water treatment plant enabling extensive recycling of grey and black water for irrigation, cleaning and industrial use. 100% of used water is recycled. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley has recently joined Streamwatch, a citizen-science monitoring program, established by Sydney Water, to monitor the health of Carne Creek and Wolgan River waterways and track improvements to our natural waterways over time.
REVEGETATION
As a former grazing property, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley was subject to heavy grazing of domestic livestock, significant clearing of local vegetation, and erosion damage to the two waterways which run through the resort. The resort is committed to revegetation and environmental restoration, via extensive tree planting and supporting the processes of natural regeneration including the strategic control and eradication of invasive and noxious plants. Over 200,000 trees have been planted across the property, with a strong focus on the streamside revegetation of Carne Creek and the Wolgan River.
GUEST ENGAGEMENT
Environmental education underpins all our nature experiences and tours. The resort’s expert Field Guides have qualifications in biology, zoology, environmental management, ecology, biodiversity and conservation. Guests can also participate in daily conservation work which includes seed collection, tree planting, pest control, WOMSAT and wildlife monitoring. Our Wolgan Rangers’ educational program offers inspirational nature experiences for young children, with activities including following animal tracks, building bush shelters, exploring for ancient plant fossils, seed collection and wombat surveys.
WOMBAT PRESERVATION
A debilitating condition affecting Australia’s wombat population is Sarcoptic Mange, spread to wombats via introduced feral predators. In conjunction with Emirates, the resort funds research into this disease through a partnership with the academic community, particularly the University of Western Sydney. The survival and protection of Australia’s iconic wombat population has been significantly enhanced by the introduction of new technology, the WomSAT app and website. Proceeds from the Signature Nocturnal Tour and the sale of wombat toys at the Heritage Boutique support this vital research.
TRANSPORT INITIATIVES
Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley offers guests the opportunity to choose a company called Evoke for their transfers to and from the resort. Evoke use Tesla cars and are audited annually as 100% carbon neutral. The resort also has two hybrid vehicle charging stations and two Tesla charging stations available for guests to recharge hybrid and full electric vehicles whilst staying at the resort.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
The resort maintains a historic colonial homestead relic, dating back to 1832. The restoration work was undertaken in accordance with UNESCO Burra Charter guidelines and received an ‘Award of Recognition’ from Heritage Australia. The homestead is of historical significance and serves as a reference of Australia’s early pastoral industry. Tours of this heritage precinct are facilitated daily, allowing guests to learn about this history.
Contact
For further information and bookings please contact Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley Guest Services:
+61 2 6350 1800
info@oneandonlywolganvalley.com