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.