Brisbane City YHA Groups

Brisbane City YHA is committed to reducing its environmental footprint through a mix of conservation and sustainable practices and services.

Initiatives include:  

Energy/Greenhouse gas reduction:

• Solar Hot Water System which contributed to a 30% reduction in gas usage after implementation
• Low energy lighting used throughout the hostel
• Motion sensor lighting
• Key card activation of lighting and air-conditioning in private rooms
• Air-conditioning controlled by a building management system
• Bathroom exhaust operates only when required
• Unused computers and monitors turned off at night
• Promote the use of public transport
• Bike rental with free bike storage
• Participation in Earth Hour

Waste Minimisation:

• Recycling stations in kitchens, lift landings, office areas and all rooms.
• Recycle paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, aluminium and steel cans, batteries, clothing and printer cartridges.
• Have a dedicated area for guests to leave things they don’t need but other people might
• Use partially recycled paper in office
• Sell refillable water bottles and fabric shopping bags 
• Stopped selling bottled water in vending machines
• Installed bubblers in reception and kitchen for guests to refill water bottles
• Grow a herb garden for guest use

Water Saving measures:

• 80,000 litre on site rain water tank used to flush toilets
• Water efficient taps and showers (3 star WELS rating) 
• Dual flush toilets 
• Signage in bathrooms encouraging guests to minimise water usage
• Signage in rooms to encourage guests to turn off the lights and air conditioning 
• Front loader washing machines
• Drought resistant planting in gardens

Water saving practices at this property reduced overall water consumption by over 780 kilolitres (15%) in 2014 compared to 2013.