YHA Sydney Harbour and Sustainability
SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES
Sydney Harbour YHA is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and being a responsible community member through a mix of heritage conservation and environmental sustainable
practices and services. Initiatives include:
Energy/Greenhouse gas reduction:
- 30KW Photovoltaic system installed on roof of hostel and Education centre in 2016 (partly funded by the YHA Sustainability Fund)
- Solar hot water panels
- Gas powered generator.
- Restricted air-conditioning (AC) controlled by reed switches on windows and temperature setting by staff.
- Key-card operated power saving devices in all bedrooms controlling lights and AC.
- Motion and sensor controlled lighting.
- Low energy light bulbs used throughout property plus abundant natural lighting.
- Bike storage and active promotion of public transport options - we have no car parking.
As a result of this properties energy saving measures, guests at Sydney Harbour YHA use approximately 27% less electricity and 44% less gas per night than those at YHAs other Sydney CBD properties.
Waste Minimisation:
- Each room has dual bins for recycling and other waste.
- Recycling, organic waste and general rubbish bins in guest kitchen.
- Recycling of paper, glass, plastic, aluminium, batteries, light bulbs, toner cartridges and clothes (donated to charities).
- Swap shelves for guests to leave things they don’t want. Free food shelves in kitchen.
- Biodegradable cleaning products.
- Sale of refillable water bottles- we don’t sell bottled water.
Water Saving measures:
- 40,000 litre rain water tank used to flush toilets.
- 40,000 litre storm water detention tank.
- All taps are 5-star WELS and showers are 3-star WELS rated.
- Dual flush 3L/4.5L toilets, waterless urinals, front loader washing machines.
- Signage encouraging guests to take shorter showers, turn off taps while brushing teeth, report leaks etc.
As a result of this properties water saving measures, guests at Sydney Harbour YHA use approximately 54% less water per night than those at YHAs other Sydney CBD properties.
Indoor Environmental Quality measures:
- Careful selection of environmentally accredited materials such as low formaldehyde laminex, recycled rubber flooring, natural wool carpet, pinboards made from 100% recycled PET, and rubbish bins from recyclable plastic.
- Building design with open walkways and central voids for natural light and ventilation.
- Operable windows with shade louvers that slide across the windows allow for natural ventilation and shading without energy use.
- Smoking only permitted on roof terrace and education centre balcony.
Social Sustainability:
- The Big Dig Archaeology Education centre providing school children the opportunity to learn about the archaeology of The Big Dig site and Sydney’s history
- Heritage interpretation of The Big Dig site, Australia’s largest urban archaeology area
- Sinking fund generated from a percentage of each guests overnight fee to provide for the ongoing conservation, interpretation and education of The Big Dig site.
- Donations to The Smith family funded by guest contributions
- Regular hostel activities to encourage guest interaction