"Go Green"
There is a range of government and industry initiatives to help tourism operators adopt better environmental management practices.
Check out the following web sites for some tips:
NSW Government Initiatives
www.greenhouse.nsw.gov.au/
Information on the leading initiatives of the NSW Government in climate change and greenhouse related issues.
www.greenhousegas.nsw.gov.au/
The NSW Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme is one of the first mandatory greenhouse gas emission trading schemes in the world.
www.basix.nsw.gov.au/
The Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) ensures homes are designed using specific water and energy targets. These principles can also be applied to other types of construction.
www.environment.nsw.gov.au/
The NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change offers grants under the NSW Green Business Program for projects that will save water and energy.
Australian Government Initiatives
www.greenhouse.gov.au/greenhousefriendly
Products and services which are certified as Greenhouse Friendly have been through a rigorous certification process based on the principles of life cycle assessment.
www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au/
Provides information on environmental performance of new light vehicles sold in Australia.
Approved Abatement Providers
The following are approved Greenhouse Friendly abatement providers and are also accredited under the NSW Greenhouse Gas Reduction Scheme:
www.co2australia.com.au/
Provides carbon credits to any company seeking high quality offsets from long term mallee plantings.
www.easybeinggreen.com.au/
Administers an energy consumption reduction project through installation of energy saving technologies in homes, businesses and communities.
Tourism Industry Accreditation
www.ecotourism.org.au/
Administers an Eco Certification program which provides an assurance that eco certified products are backed by a commitment to best practice ecological sustainability.
www.greenglobe.org/
Provides benchmarking and certification for tourism operators.
Others
www.geca.org.au/
Good Environmental Choice Australia is a not-for-profit organisation which runs a certification register for green products and services. It also provides advice on how to choose products and services which have a lower environmental impact.