Hunter Valley YHA

SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES  

Hunter Valley YHA is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and being a responsible community member through a mix of conservation and sustainable practices and services.  Initiatives include:

Energy/Greenhouse Gas Reduction:

• Solar hot water system with electric booster
• Low energy lighting used within the hostel
• Sensor activated lighting in laundry and outside
• Bathroom exhaust linked to lighting
• Low energy electric heating
• Hostel dryer has moisture sensor to turn off when linen is dry
• Large outdoor clothes lines for drying clothes
• Computers turned off at night
• Promotion of public transport
• Participate in Earth Hour

Waste Minimisation:

• Recycling stations in kitchens, common areas and office areas.
• Recycle paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, aluminium and steel cans and printer cartridges
• Use environmentally friendly cleaning products
• Use 100% recycled paper
• Sell refillable water bottles and do not sell bottled water
• Reduce packaging by buying in bulk
• Participate in Clean Up Australia Day

Water Saving Measures:

• Rainwater tank on site used to flush toilets, supplement showers and laundries and water gardens
• 5 star WELS rated taps and showers
• Dual flush toilets
• Signage in bathrooms and kitchens encouraging guests to minimise water usage
• Drought resistant plants in the garden.

Other

• Low formaldehyde wood products
• Low volatile paints
• Café built with 90% sustainable building supplies including many recycled items
• The property has two dams and a creek running through it with a pathway throughout so that guests can get close to nature and enjoy the fields, waterways and wildlife.