Sustainability at Scenic World
Sustainability at Scenic World
Situated adjacent a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, Scenic World’s location, experiences, and interactions with the environment make us unique. We are a responsible tourism business focused on minimising our carbon footprint and serving as environmental stewards for future generations. As directed by our vision and values; "we are passionate custodians of a historic site, with a stropng connection to our WorldHeritage-listed region. We are committed to protecting and sharing our unique Blue Mountains environment with the world."
Scenic World is accredited by Ecotourism Australia as a Green Travel Leader. Our accreditation prompts us to continually improve and evolve our environmental footprint in line with our values; "Passionate about the Environment" and "Always Evolve", and pushes us to do better, be better and think better about the incredible, fragile environment surrounding us at Scenic World.
You can view our Environmental Policy here.
Calculation of our carbon footprint through the Carbon Active Certification Scheme, with the 2022 Carbon Emission for the whole organisation 4625 tonnes, which is 9kg CO2-e per visitor*. Scenic World is currently undergoing verification and certification under this scheme.
*this information is still being verified by Carbon Active
Recent sustainability initiatives on site include:
- Designing our rides to maximise efficiencies. Electricity generated by the Scenic Railway & Cableway as they descend is fed back into the grid, helping to offset electricity used as they ascend. The 2017 Skyway cabin upgrade was designed to increased capacity without additional energy requirements.
- Installation of 350 solar panels. This system will offset 120 tonnes of CO2 per annum, equivalent to taking 25 cars off the road.
- Our Pulpmaster sustainably manages organic waste. The natural composting system processes organic waste from food, beverages and packaging which is then redirected to farms to support their business. It’s expected approximately 100 tonnes of organic waste will be diverted from landfill each year and turned into compost.
- All Scenic World wristbands are recyclable. Just pop your wristband in one of our recycling bins at the end of your visit.
- Partnering with the Blue Mountains World Heritage Institute to support the local environment. Through its philanthropic program, Scenic World Shared, we support projects including the Citizen Wildlife Monitoring Program, an archaeological survey of the Bleichert Ropeway, and an education program for staff and visitors.
- Installing water efficient fixtures and timers in the bathrooms, and waste water management procedures in our commercial kitchen.
- Lighting is 80% LED and non-LEDs are phased out upon expiry.
- Car charging stations for electric and hybrid vehicles are located in our public carpark.
- Using Havencab cleaning services, a family business with a zero waste goal. Havencab uses sustainable practices that reduce energy, water, waste, chemical usage and carbon emissions.
- All food & beverage packaging, utensils, plates and cups are either biodegradable or compostable (including coffee cups). Since transitioning to Biopack biodegradable products, we have offset a total of 24 tonnes of CO2 emissions. That’s equivalent to 9986 litres of fuel, 95,104 kms in a vehicle, or taking seven cars off the road!
- The F&B department’s food wastage output is consistently below the industry standard of 5%. Approximately $10 billion worth of food is wasted every year in Australia.
- Constructing the elevated Scenic Walkway over the Jamison Valley floor, replacing existing walking tracks that caused erosion. No trees were damaged or removed during construction and we continue this minimal intervention approach, only intervening in the natural regeneration of the ecosystem when preventative work is necessary to ensure our visitors safety.
How can I travel to Scenic World sustainably?
We're so glad you asked! If you are visiting Scenic World and would like to reduce or offset your carbon footprint we suggest the following:
1. Catch public transport instead of driving a car, you can check train times to Katoomba here.
2. Already in Katooomba? Walk, cycle or catch the bus to Scenic World. Select the 'Explore More' option in our Unlimited Discovery Pass and you can jump on the carbon-neutral Explorer Bus to travel to dozens of stops across the upper mountains, including stopping at Scenic World every hour
3. Are you renting a car? Consider an electric car instead of a petrol, and charge up at Scenic World from our green powered EV charge stations
4. Use a travel offset calculator and buy an offset for your trip
Tips for travelling sustainably
Here are some tips for lightening your impact and maximising your sustainable travel.
1. Use public transport wherever possible
2. Offset any of your transport that isn't already carbon neutral
3. Buy local! It's not only a fun way to get to experience the region's food, drinks, industry, arts and culture, it's a means to support the community your visiting and also has a lower carbon footprint than imported goods
4. Stay in places that are EcoTourism accredited—rest easy knowing that these businesses and attractions are already operating sustainably
5. Make sure the souvenirs you buy are authentic, and don’t buy souvenirs made from rare or endangered plant or animal species
6. Follow the 'leave no trace' principles, with the aim of leaving nothing but footprints (and try to not even leave these!)
7. Pack light! Consider the impact of your luggage, for example, less suitcases on a plane mean less weight and less fuel burned