The way we live in today’s society impacts upon the environment. Everyone can make a difference by minimising the amount of resources consumed, and the amount of waste produced.
The condition of our land, the purity of our waterways and the quality of the air we breathe are all important factors in our lives. The health of the environment is a gift we leave for future generations.
At Somewhere Unique at Wollombi in the Hunter Valley, we recognise that caring for the environment is directly linked to caring for the overall needs of our guests and the community. We accept the challenge to integrate environmental considerations into all relevant aspects of our business. We recognise that it is just as important to care for the environment today, as it is to ensure we continually improve our environmental performance for the future.
WHAT IS ECOTOURISM?
"Ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation".
The definition of Nature Tourism is:
"Ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas".
Somewhere Unique has been EcoCertified by Ecotourism Australia, being granted Nature Tourism Accreditation.
ENERGY FOR A CLEANER AND CLEARER FUTURE
Did you know that most of the electricity in NSW is generated by burning coal? This is one of the most cost effective methods of making electricity – but it is not very environmentally friendly.
Burning coal results in the generation of carbon dioxide, which in turn is a major contributor to the “greenhouse effect”. Global warming is attributed to the build up of greenhouse gases and many people view this as one of the world’s major environmental challenges.
Jack Green Energy offers consumers a choice between conventional coal-generated energy and electricity generated from clean, renewable and non-polluting sources, including the sun, wind, and hydro. Renewable energy is created from sources that do not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions or pollute the environment. It does cost a little more to generate electricity from these clean sources, but responsible consumers and businesses can make the choice.
At Somewhere Unique we ensure that an amount equivalent to 100% of the energy we use has been or will be generated by GreenPower generators using renewable energy sources and delivered to the national electricity grid.
REDUCING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Public transport is not readily available in many rural
areas, so cars have become an essential part of life. There
is however a simple way to reduce our car’s impact on
the environment. At
Somewhere Unique we have chosen to
take part in the
Greenfleet program, where
trees are planted every year to help create a forest, and
as they grow they will absorb the greenhouse gases that
our motor vehicles produce. Science shows that the
planting of trees will not only help to absorb our
car’s greenhouse emissions, but will also help to
tackle salinity, improve water quality and provide
essential habitat for native species.
DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION
The retreats at
Somewhere Unique have been designed
using passive solar architecture principles. This involves
designing buildings to make the best use of the sun’s
energy. In most Australian houses, this means large north
facing windows that allow in the low winter sun, but have
roof overhangs that stop the high summer sun from
penetrating. This will help make the retreats cooler during
summer and warmer during winter. A well designed passive
solar house will have comfortable, even temperatures all year
round and make good use of natural light. It will therefore
require less energy to heat, cool and illuminate. Cross-flow
air ventilation and large eaves reduce the need for constant
air-conditioning and heating.
One of the elements we considered to maximise the benefits of
passive solar design is that of thermal mass. This is the
amount of potential heat storage capacity available in
material. In a building, materials with a high thermal mass,
such as a concrete slab, can store heat during the day in
winter, and re-radiate it at night time. During summer the
thermal mass is protected from direct solar radiation and can
act as a heat sink in hot weather to give cooler indoor
temperatures, and vice versa in winter.
Insulation also plays an important role in maintaining even
temperatures in a passive solar home. Insulation keeps warmth
inside the house in cold weather, and prevents heat from
entering when it is hot.
Environmentally
friendly initiatives implemented during the construction
phase at Somewhere Unique include:
- The water tanks, roof, internal ceilings, and the majority of the external walls in the retreats are constructed from Colorbond steel. This product is thermally efficient and environmentally friendly - steel is one of the world’s most recycled products, and all steel made by Bluescope Steel includes recycled steel in its manufacture.
- Low-E glass has been used in the retreats - the special coating on this glass reflects long wave heat radiation back into the rooms during winter, and reflects the heat back outside during summer. This translates to a greater control of the internal environment, greater comfort for our guests, and lower heating and cooling costs.
- The use of Dulux EnvirO2 paints where possible. This paint range is certified by the Australian Greenhouse Office as 100% greenhouse neutral, and is both low odour and low VOC, creating lower emissions.
- The timber flooring we have chosen to use is bamboo from Style Plantation. This timber is sustainably sourced, fast growing, rapidly renewable, has very low manufacturing waste, and uses non-toxic water based glues and finishes.
- Toilets implement Smart Flush technology from Caroma, utilising a 4.5/3L dual flush cistern.
- Energy efficient light globes have been used where possible.
- The air-conditioning units chosen to keep our guests comfortable utilise inverter technology, making them more energy efficient than conventional air-conditioners. In conjunction, they are 6 star rated.
- Timber furniture
created for the retreat is built by
Wildflower Furniture
using
ecoSelect hardwood.
This timber is Australian grown, and is sourced from a
natural and renewable resource.
RECYCLING PROGRAM
On average, each Australian generates 2.25 kg of waste per day, making us one of the biggest per capita producers of waste in the world. Recycling involves the conversion of waste into a usable material or resource. The process of recycling includes the collection and sorting of recyclable material, as well as the processing of those materials into products that can then be re-sold.
Some of the things we recycle at Somewhere Unique include newspapers, cardboard, glass bottles, PET plastic, steel cans, aluminium cans, and printer cartridges. Did you know that only 11% of office paper is being recycled, and over 18 million printer cartridges still wind up in landfill every year? It’s not difficult to separate these items from our general rubbish – every little bit counts!
Food scraps at Somewhere Unique are composted, using an Aerobin system. This system is easy to use - just open, drop and close. It allows us to contribute positively to the environment with aerated composting of house and garden waste, rather than these items being added to landfill.
All lawn clippings, prunings from trees, and other green waste is disposed of on the property. A large percentage of it is chipped and used as mulch on the gardens. On average, 35% of household waste going to landfill in Australia is green waste, so by retaining all this type of waste on the property, we are keeping landfill to a minimum. The use of organic mulch also reduces the need for fertilisers.
RECYCLED PRODUCTS
Small changes make a difference. We switched to Reflex recycled paper a few years ago for our office needs - only a small increase in price per ream over the standard Reflex, and you wouldn’t tell the difference! The stationery needs of Somewhere Unique are met by a printer utilising recycled paper and card, and environmentally sound printing methods. Even our pens are encased in recycled paper! Within each retreat the toilet paper, tissues and paper towel are all made from recycled paper product.
WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT
As we are on a rural property, we are expected to treat our own waste water on-site – this includes water from such things as showers, toilets and the washing machine. To efficiently treat the waste water created on the property, we chose to use the Garden Master Bio-Logic System. The treatment process starts when the waste water leaves the kitchen, bathroom or laundry and drains into the treatment tank. Different bacteria present in waste water and sewage require different physical conditions to grow. Some thrive when there is an absence of oxygen, and others require the physical presence of oxygen. The unique design feature of the Garden Master System facilitates both primary and secondary treatment of the waste water through the sequence of special chambers where these processes are carefully monitored and controlled.
In order for the bacteria in the Garden Master system to do their job, it is essential that foreign objects aren’t put down the sink or toilet. This includes any types of bleaches or anti-bacterial products. Our treated waste water is colourless and odourless, and can be recycled to provide irrigation to gardens and lawns. The Garden Master System is pollution free, safe, reliable and economical to operate.
WATER MANAGEMENT
As in most country areas, limiting water usage is always a priority. We use rain water for all our water needs at Somewhere Unique, and have designed the buildings to provide maximum water catchment (that is, a large roof area!) We can currently store over 170,000 litres of water on the property.
One of the ways we limit our water usage is to use front-loading washing machines. As you can imagine, we do many loads of washing each week! Independent tests show that front-loaders perform better overall than top-loaders – they use less water and energy, and are not as tough on clothes. We have also chosen dual-flush toilets, which are AAA Water Conservation Rated. The half flush uses only 3 litres of water, compared with 11 litres for older single flush toilets. Utilising drought tolerant native plants in our landscape design will enable us to minimise water requirements on the property. Water is a natural resource that needs conserving!
HOT WATER SUPPLY
We have chosen instant gas systems to supply our guests with hot water - these units have a 5 star energy rating. They heat as much water as you need, and only when you need it. So there are no heat losses, and you’ll never run out of hot water. We chose gas over electricity, as gas produces much less of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide than electricity to heat the same amount of water.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
- Breathe fresh air. Open your windows and give the air-conditioning a rest.
- Choose the right bin – please place recyclable items into the bins provided. This includes glass, PET, paper, cardboard, and compostable materials.
- Don’t forget to turn off lights, air-conditioning, heaters and other appliances when you leave the retreat.
Ecotourism Australia
Ecotourism Australia was formed in 1991 as an incorporated NPO, and is the peak national body for the ecotourism industry.
Web: www.ecotourism.org.au
The International Ecotourism Society
As the world's oldest and largest ecotourism organization, TIES is committed to promoting the principles of ecotourism and responsible travel. With the goal of uniting conservation, communities and sustainable travel, TIES serves its members in over 90 countries, as the global source of knowledge and advocacy in ecotourism.
Web: www.ecotourism.org
Green Globe
Green Globe shows your organisation is serious about the environmental, social and economic performance of your organisation.
Web: www.greenglobe.org
OTHER ECOTOURISM ACCREDITED BUSINESSES IN THE HUNTER REGION
Banjo's Bushland Retreat
Web: www.banjosretreat.com.au
Eaglereach Wilderness Resort
Web: www.eaglereach.com.au
Hookes Creek Forest Retreat
Web: www.hookescreek.com.au
Hunter Wetlands Centre Australia
Web: www.wetlands.org.au/hwca/
