Leader in sustainable excellence: Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas recognised
Hotel's mission of sustainable progress a key driver in attracting the leisure and corporate market to Australia’s first eco-certified destination in Tropical North Queensland
Guided by the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Marriott International’s sustainability and social impact platform Serve 360, Sheraton Grand Mirage, Port Douglas was awarded first runner up as a leader in Sustainable Tourism Excellence.
The award was presented at the prestigious Expedia Group TNQ Tourism Industry Excellence Awards announced on Friday evening, October 27 at the Cairns Convention Centre.
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Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas has invested +$9 million in sustainable initiatives achieving a 22 percent improvement in energy intensity over the last 12 months by implementing a range of energy efficient procedures and community support programs designed to make a positive and sustainable impact in the Douglas Shire region.
Steve Molnar, General Manager at Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas said: “I am truly proud that our sustainability initiatives have been recognised amongst the best in the region.
“The resort strives to demonstrate exceptional leadership in sustainable tourism and best practices through our comprehensive, proactive approach to environmental conservation, community engagement, and continued investment to ensure improvements and innovation are continuous.
“Our sustainability programs and partnerships with local organisations and community groups are proving key drivers to attract both the leisure market and business events. Customers want to know that they can rely on us to help them travel as sustainably as possible. They’re conscious of their water and energy usage as well as waste, including food waste and they want assurance that they are leaving a positive impact on the surrounding environment”
Highlights include:
- Pools: Reducing reliance on fresh town water to fill 2 hectares of lagoon-style swimming pools by harvesting saltwater, installing new filtration systems and application of eco liners that offset evaporation of nearly 300,000 litres of water, daily
- Laundry: energy efficient laundry procedures/equipment = -20 percent energy consumption
- Rooms: LED light replacement = 50 percent more energy efficiency
- Bars: Ice machines = -18 percent energy consumption
- Kitchen: Combi ovens = -12 percent energy consumption
- Resort: HVAC optimisation = -7 percent energy consumption
- Rooms: Showerheads and taps with a 4.5 star water-saving rating in all rooms
- A 7-seat electric road vehicle, fleet of electric golf carts are active for resort operations, and 6 EV charging stations installed for guests.
- Gardens: Smart Irrigation systems to reduce reliance on freshwater
Waste and recycling
- Kitchen organic waste composting
- On-site mulch system producing over 15 cubic tons per year
- Participation in the ‘Containers for Change’ recycling initiative
- Cookers Bulk Oil Systems to collect and recycle 18,720 liters of oil annually.
- Refillable water bottles and Vestal Water stations, eliminating over 130,000 single-use plastic bottles per year
Responsible sourcing
- Commitment to responsibly sourcing eggs (all cage-free), seafood and animal proteins (inclusive of beef, lamb, pork, and poultry), sugar, drinking water, cocoa, coffee, guest room amenities, cleaning supplies, paper products and textiles
- Buying local – contributing over $75,000 annually to the local farming community
Community support
- The Resort partners with local training organisations to ensure workplace readiness and equal opportunity
- Support of local tour operators with over $600k generated via the Resort’s tour desk
The resort offers a regular ‘Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy’ experience in partnership with Tangaroa Blue Foundation, empowering guests to help protect the Great Barrier Reef via tracking of marine debris. This program is promoted to over 177M members worldwide!
“We employ 370 associates, making us the largest employer in Port Douglas. Our highly dedicated resort team has been instrumental in embracing impactful initiatives designed to drive positive change and support global targets, guided by our Marriott360 Sustainability and Social Impact Goals, as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
This award recognises the hard work and dedication of the entire Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas team,” said Steve Molnar.
“On behalf of Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas we congratulate the team at Small World Journeys for their exceptional work in running guided tours and camps teaching Australian and International students the importance of preserving the pristine environment that we stand on here in Far North Queensland.”
Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Port Douglas has also been recognised on an international scale at the inaugural Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023 and the Conde Nast 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards Survey.
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