News
Single-use plastic ban
It’s Plastic Free July! This global social movement has a vision to see a world without plastic waste. We can all take action to end plastic waste and enjoy a healthy world. The City of Sydney and the Sustainable Destination Partnership have taken the pledge to eliminate single-use items.
In November 2021 the NSW Government passed the Plastic Reduction and Circular Economy Act 2021 which bans certain single-use plastics.
From Wednesday 1 June 2022, NSW Government legislation bans certain single-use plastic items such as lightweight plastic bags, and from 1 November2022, single-use plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery, bowls, plates and more.
Sydney wins Global Destination Sustainability Index award
The Sustainable Destination Partnership was awarded the GDS-Index Innovation in Sustainability Award for outstanding collaboration. Working with accommodation, entertainment and cultural venues, the partnership was recognised for its commitment to reducing carbon emissions, improving waste management, procuring renewable energy, and reducing water use.
“We're thrilled our collective action on climate change has been recognised internationally by the Global Destination Sustainable Index,” said Pip Harley, sustainability engagement manager, City of Sydney.
The index also ranks the 2019 sustainability performance of 50 cities. Sydney has risen from 15th in 2017 and 9th in 2018, to 8th position this year.
Australian National Maritime Museum installs Australia's largest lightweight solar panel roof
In August 2019 the Australian National Maritime Museum launched the installation of its solar panel roof. In August 2019 the Australian National Maritime Museum launched the installation of its solar panel roof. The project was completed in conjunction with solar panel manufacturer SunMan and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. It is the largest lightweight solar panel roof installation in Australia. The innovative lightweight panels overcome the structural limitations of the building, which will contribute 25% of the museum's electricity use.
Sydney Opera House leads the way in sustainability on world environment day
On World Environment Day 2019 one of our partners and leading cultural institution, Sydney Opera House, announced an industry-leading power purchase agreement.
On World Environment Day 2019 one of our partners and leading cultural institution, Sydney Opera House, announced an industry-leading power purchase agreement. The agreement with energy retailer Flow Power will redirect its $2.4 million yearly spend on electricity toward sourcing power from renewable energy projects. Sydney Opera House also announced its 5 star Green Star performance rating from the Green Building Council of Australia and the launch of its artificial reef to increase marine biodiversity in the harbour.
Hilton becomes the first major hotel company to adopt science based emissions targets
In May 2018 Hilton announced it will cut its environmental footprint in half and double is social impact investment by 2030. With this commitment, Hilton will become the first major hotel company to adopt science based targets to reduce carbon emissions. The commitment will see Hilton reduce emissions by 61% in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and the Science Based Targets Initiative.
Businesses play an integral role in solving the climate crisis and we hope Hilton’s commitment inspires other Partners to follow.
Industry leaders from the hospitality, events and property sectors have come together to sign up to the Sydney Single-use Pledge.
More than 50 organisations have so far taken the pledge, including Sydney Opera House, Fox Studios and Star Entertainment Group.