Environmental stewardship
Everything that we do is in full commitment to protecting, nurturing and maintaining the critical balance between the resort and the diverse eco-system of the Great Barrier Reef and its surrounding waters.
Elysian Retreat switched over to 100% solar power on the 16th of April 2019, becoming the first 100% solar powered island resort on the Great Barrier Reef. We operate a full commercial kitchen, spa, restaurant, bar and 10 air conditioned guest villas and hot water systems off solar power and batteries. The switch to solar power saves an estimated 39,420 litres of diesel from being burnt per year plus the additional fuel it would have used to transport the 39,420 litres of diesel to the island via barge. Considering the burning of fossil fuels is arguably the largest contributor to climate change, we felt that this was one of the biggest impacts we could make in terms of innovation in climate change action. This translates to 112 tonnes of carbon emissions for the fuel alone, excluding the transport of the fuel, which could easily need four 14 tonnes barges. The roll on effect of transporting this amount of fuel to an island is incredibly hard to determine, but quite substantial in terms of the logistics.
The accomplishment of an eco luxe resort run purely on battery and solar power with clean, quiet, sustainable energy proves that luxuries need not be sacrificed in the search for sustainability.
After calculating the carbon footprint through Carbon Neutral, 150% of the Carbon Emissions are offset for
each calendar year with carbon credits purchased and surrendered through selected Gold Standard projects.
The team have selected to invest in the Yarra Yarra Biodiversity project, Australia's first Gold Standard project
and the largest revegetation project based on carbon capture and biodiversity
*Every project certified by The Gold Standard must monitor, report and verify carbon savings and sustainable
development benefits for local communities. More information here. https://carbonneutral.com.au/australiannative-
reforestation-gold-standard/
Elysian Retreat first year results- Total Greenhouse Gas Emissions - offset 49.39 tonnes + 50% =
74.085tonnes of GHG emissions - to become Beyond Carbon Neutral Destination.
Our passion for the environment and renewable energy has put in place the philosophy behind the operational structures of Elysian Retreat. We have always felt that it was of the utmost importance to take the necessary steps to not only protect and preserve our natural assets, but also to minimise the impact we may have on them by reducing waste, saving and improving usage of water, power, fuel and emissions. Proudly the Elysian has attained Australia’s highest ecotourism certification and long term operational permits granted by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority in recognition of our commitment to environmental sustainability and best practice.
We will continuously and enthusiastically seeks ways to support the environmental performance in all areas of our operations by working with suppliers, clients, partners, customers and the community.
Special environmental measures are incorporated into our daily operations to protect and nurture the reef’s health. Biodegradable cleaning products are used and organic refillable guest amenities manufactured in Australia from wild native ingredients. Waste production is minimised through composting food waste, the implementation of a worm farm, growing our own fruit and vegetables, minimising the use of plastic and avoiding single use plastic. Reef safe sunscreen from Ethical Zinc is provided for guests to use to encourage an awareness of both what we put on our skin and into the ocean.
BioCycle® aerobic wastewater treatment systems are the modern, environment-friendly alternative to old-fashioned septic tanks. BioCycle® wastewater treatment systems digest solid wastes and use controlled natural processes to purify wastewater. This clean, odourless, disinfected water is then recycled through garden drippers for landscaping purposes.
All water on the island is filtered rain water and we work hard to conserve as much as possible with low flow aerators and taps and water saving appliances. We also actively encourage guests to be conservative with water usage.
As far as possible we choose suppliers with a similar ethos and passion for the environment.