Alto Hotel Melbourne Green Hotel Accommodation

Environmental Initiatives –

Australia’s first carbon-neutral hotel

 

Alto Hotel on Bourke: Pioneering Sustainability in Australian Hospitality

At Alto Hotel on Bourke, we are proud trailblazers in sustainable hospitality. Being the first hotel in Australia to attain the prestigious EarthCheck Gold Certification is a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship. Over the years, our dedication has been recognized through multiple sustainability awards, solidifying our position as a leader in eco-conscious hospitality.

Carbon Neutrality and Beyond: Our Green Initiatives

We’ve gone above and beyond mere certifications. Alto Hotel was the inaugural city hotel in Australia to offset its entire calculated carbon output, achieving full carbon neutrality. However, our sustainability journey didn’t end there. Post-Covid, we intensified our green efforts.

A Plastic-Free Oasis: Redefining Hospitality Standards

In our pursuit of a plastic-free environment, we’ve taken decisive actions. Plastic toiletries have been entirely eliminated, replaced by eco-friendly dispensers that are not only convenient but also refillable. Miniature plastic toiletries are now a thing of the past. Our minibar is also completely plastic-free, offering an array of delightful treats without the environmental cost.

Hydration, Responsibly: A Pioneering Water Refilling Station

We understand the importance of staying hydrated, but we also recognize the need for responsible consumption. Hence, we’ve introduced a complimentary water refilling station. Guests can enjoy filtered still and sparkling water, encouraging a sustainable habit of refilling their own bottles. We are now officially part of Melbourne City Council’s “Choose Tap” initiative, signifying our commitment to reducing single-use plastic in our community.

Recycling and Reuse: Preserving Resources, Empowering Communities

During our recent refurbishment, we took sustainable practices to heart. Seventy percent of our furniture items were recycled, avoiding unnecessary landfill waste. Collaborating with local charities like the Salvation Army and St. Vincent’s, we ensured our old furniture found a new home. Additionally, we opted for refurbishment over replacement wherever feasible. Our restaurant seating and tables were given a facelift, embodying our ethos of preserving resources and empowering communities.

At Alto Hotel on Bourke, sustainability isn’t just a practice; it’s a way of life. Join us in our journey towards a greener, more responsible future.

 

 

Environmental Sustainability Fact Sheet

Carbon

Carbon audit conducted by the Carbon Reduction Institute shows a one night stay at Alto Hotel produces an average 11.8 kilograms of carbon, compared to the estimate for hotels as set by Sustainable Tourism CRC of 24-26 kilograms.

Electricity

100% of all electricity used is generated from renewable sources – we use only Green Power Electricity

95% of all lighting is based on energy efficient, FCL or LED globes

Rooms are fitted with energy saving key-tags that switch off lighting on leaving the rooms. Our energy use (electricity & gas) is limited to 36.3 megajoules per guest, per night

NABERS 6 star rating – (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) is a performance-based rating system for existing buildings

Air-conditioners

Our A/C plant has a 6 star energy rating that uses inverter & movement sensor technology

Water

Rain water is used for public toilet cisterns, gardening and cleaning duties

Water flow restrictors to all showers and taps, 8 litres and 6 litres per minute, respectively

All toilets have a AAA rating. Our water use is limited to 123.1 litres per guest, per night

Gas

Hot water is heated “on demand” the energy savings of this is substantial

Carbon produced from gas use is offset via Origin Energy. Our energy use (electricity & gas) is limited to 36.3 megajoules per guest, per night

Windows

All windows are double glazed, heat reflecting and are able to be opened. Balcony glass doors are heat reflecting and are 13mm thick, all this dramatically lowers air-conditioning use

Food

Select locally grown or produced items where practical

Honey from our own rooftop beehive & fresh herbs from our planter box garden

Toiletries

We have eliminated all plastic bottles for toiletries and replaced them with refillable, pump-action dispensers. These dispensers will never see landfill and our Botany shampoo, conditioner and hand-soap are all biodegradable and proudly Australian made produced locally in Melbourne.

Paper

Our Library works as a Book Exchange, enhancing the opportunity to have books read by another bookworm

Newspapers are complimentary, but must be ordered in order not to deliver to those rooms which may not want one

We use recycled or plantation timber paper on all printed items, copy-paper, toilet paper, etc

Waste

Waste is separated by Paper, Organic [vegetable], Plastic, Glass and General. Landfill is limited to 3.9 litres per guest, per night and we use use bio-degradable bin-liners

Organic [vegetable] waste is composted onsite and does not go to landfill. Used cooking oil is collected and recycled into biodiesel

Transport

Complimentary recharging of electric vehicles from Green Earth electricity (100% renewable resources)

Airport transfers in a hybrid limousine available – fee applies

Encourage guests to walk to most major attractions which are within 2-10 minute walk of hotel – Carbon Neutral

Encourage guests to use public transport including airport shuttle bus, trams & trains all within 50-100 meters

Management initiatives such as:

Using recycled / refilled ink cartridges in all compatible printers

Using non-hazardous chemicals wherever possible

Submitting all energy, water and waste for benchmarking by outside agencies

Our key cards are made from wood and are recyclable. Even our pens are biodegradable.

Guest involvement initiatives

Guest involvement is welcome, yet not necessary as most systems and initiatives are designed to work automatically without any effort form our guests therefore to a point be unnoticeable.

Rooms are provided with dual-chamber waste bins – Our guest are encouraged to help by separating their waste into recyclable and general waste.

Guests are given an options not to have their towelling & linen changed daily or Room cleaned daily with our “Service on Request” system

Green Team:

All environmental initiatives are team efforts, implemented by the ALTO GREEN TEAM and supported by everyone on the staff