Green Operators

Eco Certification Program

The Eco Certification Program was developed by industry for industry, addressing the need to identify genuine ecotourism and nature tourism operators in Australia.

Ecotourism and Nature Tourism certification provides industry, protected area managers, local communities and travellers with an assurance that a certified product is backed by a commitment to best practice ecological sustainability, natural area management and the provision of quality ecotourism experiences.

Under the program, ecotourism is defined as “ecologically sustainable gtourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that foster environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation.”

Alice Springs Desert Park

The development of the Alice Springs Desert Park was based on a vision for a major tourism interpretive and conservation facility which would be environmentally sustainable and include plants and animals displayed in integrated habitats to present the environment as it really is in Central Australia.

These created habitats have matured to a level that there has been a measurable increase in biodiversity levels on the site. Moreover it has reversed the damage caused to the site by years of use as town commonage. This desert conservation facility means that the Park is involved with collaborative research and captive breeding programs, ranging from seed biology to research into the breeding of endangered mammals for National Recovery Programs.

The Park has adopted environmental sustainability objectives that enable visitors to better understand, Respect, Enjoy and Look After the desert environment including the natural and cultural features for future generations.

Alice Springs Helicopters

Alice Springs Helicopters is committed to complying with relevant Environmental legislation and regulations and proactively works with other Alice Springs Airport stakeholders to improve the management of the environment, resources and communities in the regions in which we operate and promotes the company's commitment to the environment to our employees, tenants, customers and neighbours.

The owners of Alice Springs Helicopters own and maintain more than 300 hectares of native vegetation in south-eastern South Australia as our contribution to offsetting our carbon emissions.

Darwin Central Hotel

Darwin Central Hotel has been accredited under the AAA Tourism Green Stars as an ‘Environmentally Friendly Hotel’. By creating a more proactive, resourceful and vibrant facility, DCH is taking positive steps towards a healthier future for all Territorians and its visitors.

Bamurru Plains Wildeness Lodge

Bamurru Plains Wilderness Lodge on the Mary River Flood Plains is a low-lying lodge set in the wetlands. With a mission to provoke, inspire and change people’s views about conservation issues, the 240 solar panel powered lodge was built and designed to blend in with and have a minimal impact on the environment. The business focuses on servicing small numbers of high yield visitors and a percentage of the guest fees is donated to the Australian Wildlife Conservation. Bamurru Plains uses eco-friendly detergents and cleaning products, recycles religiously, offers filtered water and composts its waste.

Europcar

Europcar has committed to offset the carbon emissions of every vehicle in its 7000 strong fleet. Every time Europcar replaces one of its cars, the new car will have its carbon emissions offset by our partner Greenfleet, who will plant 17 trees per vehicle. These trees will help to create a forest, and as they grow will absorb the greenhouse gases that each car produces in one year. Customers can make a AUD$2 donation to Greenfleet every time they rent with Europcar who will then match every client donation.

Hertz Car Rental

The Hertz Green Collection offers a range of environmentally friendly, fuel efficient cars. In Australia, our first green car is the feat of modern technology, Toyota Prius. As a Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD), the Prius is an innovative combination of petrol and electric power, delivering low emissions and and excellent fuel efficiency. In Australian Government Standard testing, the Prius achieved fuel consumption of 4.4 litres / 100 km under the combined cycle. That's up to 50% less fuel consumption than a comparably-sized family car.

Budget

Budget introduced Hybrid vehicles into its fleet in 2007. In addition Budget uses recycled water in our automatic car washes and has a policy of soft issue marketing publications on our website and CD ROMs. In car GPS is replacing hard copy street directories and maps. The company has a senior management committee working on a carbon gas emissions strategy document. The resultant policy will become effective in 2008.