Accommodation

2. Look for these accommodation features & services

• Certified by a recognised body like EarthCheck, Green Globe accreditation, Green Key certification or NABERS rating. See below for an in-depth explanation.
• Look for clear sustainability page explaining specific actions (not vague “we care about the planet”)
• Renewable energy use (solar panels or from renewable provider), water-saving systems (showers & toilets), waste reduction targets, LED lighting & solar panels.
• Multiple waste streams, recycling in rooms.
• Composting program, food redistribution to local charities (eg Second bite & Oz Harvest) & food options that include good plant-based meals.
• No bottled water (filtered refill stations instead)
• On-site restaurant uses local/seasonal produce
• Avoids individually wrapped food items.

3. Choose to be more sustainable while staying at your accommodation.

• Reduce unnecessary power use: Turn off lights & air-conditioning, heating and electronics when leaving your room
• Open windows instead of using the AC when possible. Keep the temperature moderate using AC..
• Limit your water use: reuse your towels and decline daily linen changes
• Reduce your waste: bring reusable coffee cup & water bottle, avoid takeaway containers & bring your own toiletries in refillable containers.
• Sort your waste/ Recycle into the correct bins.
• Choose plant-based meals more often, reduce food waste – avoid overloading buffet plates.
• Support local cafes over chains. (Chains usually rely on large-scale supply systems, long-distance transport, high energy use, and typically generate more packaging and food waste).

4. Become familiar with the reputable Eco certification bodies:

When selecting environmentally sustainable accommodation, several reputable certification systems can guide decision-making:

• Green Key International: A leading eco-certification for hotels and other hospitality establishments, Green Key International evaluates properties based on strict environmental criteria, ensuring a commitment to sustainable operations.
• Green Globe accreditation is another internationally recognised certification program that assesses and verifies how sustainably a tourism or hospitality business operates. Criteria used to evaluate a service or property include energy use, water conservation, waste management, and support for local communities. Strict environmental and social criteria must be met and continue to improve upon over time—to earn and keep the certification.
• EarthCheck: Originating in Australia, EarthCheck is a globally recognised benchmarking and certification program focusing on environmental sustainability in the tourism sector.
• NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System): An Australian initiative that measures the environmental performance of buildings, including hotels, across metrics like energy and water usage.

In general, higher-star hotels tend to have a larger carbon footprint per guest compared to lower-star hotels, but the relationship is not always straightforward.

Why Higher-Star Hotels Usually Have a Higher Carbon Footprint:

1. Larger Rooms & Luxury Amenities – 5-star hotels offer larger suites, high-end furnishings, and extra facilities such as spas, pools, and gyms, all of which require more energy to maintain.
2. More Energy-Intensive Services – Luxury hotels provide services such as 24-hour room service, multiple restaurants, and premium laundry, all of which consume more water, electricity, and gas.
3. Air Conditioning & Heating Usage – Higher-star hotels often have climate-controlled rooms and common areas that operate around the clock, contributing to a higher energy footprint.
4. Frequent Linen & Towel Changes – In luxury hotels, housekeeping changes linens and towels daily unless guests opt out, leading to more water and energy consumption.

Why Some 5-Star Hotels Might Have a Lower Footprint Than Expected:

• Sustainability Certifications – Some high-end hotels invest in green building materials, renewable energy, and water recycling systems, reducing their overall footprint.
• Efficient Operations – Newer luxury hotels may be designed with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or EarthCheck certifications, reducing energy consumption compared to older 3-star hotels.
• Eco-Friendly Initiatives – Some luxury hotels have extensive carbon offset programs, waste reduction measures, and locally sourced food, lowering their impact.

Carbon Footprint Comparisons (Approximate Estimates)

A 2019 study (Cornell Hotel Sustainability Benchmarking Index 2019) on the hospitality sector found the following average CO₂ emissions per guest per night:

• 1- to 2-star hotels: ~5–10 kg CO₂ per night
• 3- to 4-star hotels: ~15–25 kg CO₂ per night
• 5-star hotels: ~40–60 kg CO₂ per night (or higher, depending on location and amenities)

Bottom Line:

• On average, a 3-star hotel will have a lower carbon footprint than a 5-star hotel.
• However, some eco-certified 5-star hotels may have a footprint comparable to (or lower than) older, inefficient 3-star hotels.
• Sustainability certifications (like Green Key, EarthCheck, or NABERS) are a better indicator of low carbon impact than star ratings alone.

For our conference recommendations, choosing 3- to 4-star hotels with strong sustainability credentials would likely be the best way to balance comfort and environmental impact.

Examples:

Novotel South Bank Brisbane (4 stars) – Sustainable Tourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia, 4-star NABERS Energy rating, no plastics, bulk amenities, opt out of housekeeping, energy and water saving devices (sensor, LED lighting, flow reducers), bins in rooms with recyclable section, foot wastage into compost

Ivy & Eve Apartments by CLLIX (4 stars) – Ivy & Eve Apartments by CLLIX rely on a set of standardized eco-conscious policies defined by CLLIX Apartments and Hotels. The property implements active resource conservation, eco-friendly design features, and sustainable building practices to minimize its environmental footprint.