Announced by Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner at the Asia Pacific Cities Summit in Brisbane last week to over 118 mayors and 1,200 delegates from around the world, this accolade further establishes the city’s reputation as Australia’s cleanest and greenest region. 

This major coup for the city follows a 4% YOY increase of Brisbane’s score in the 2023 Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI) results; the leading sustainability benchmarking and improvement programme for destinations around the world.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the UN’s gold level recognised all the work Council does to ensure Brisbane remains clean, green, and sustainable.

“Brisbane has world-class venues, hotels, restaurants, events and attractions but we’re also being increasingly recognised for being clean, green and sustainable,” Cr Schrinner said. 

“Our practical approach towards sustainability is not just about cutting waste and emissions but cutting costs for residents and making our city better for future generations.

“This accreditation recognises the raft of measures our Council team continues to undertake to keep Brisbane clean and green, to preserve our unique lifestyle and ensure we grow sustainably is working.”

Brisbane’s events and tourism industry is also a key player in Brisbane’s sustainability trajectory, with more certified venues and experiences than ever committed to providing and further enhancing a sustainable product and visitor experience.

Globally acclaimed Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre’s strategic commitment to sustainability across environmental, social, economic factors for their staff, clients and community has attracted a number of social and environmental sustainability credentials, including Earthcheck Platinum Certification, recognising that the Centre operates at the highest environmental standards.

In 2022, Howard Smith Wharves - Brisbane’s newest dining and entertainment precinct - won the Best Environmental & Energy Efficiency Practice category at the 2022 Australian Hotel Awards (AHA) for Excellence. 

This category recognises a strong commitment to the environmental practises and policies implemented throughout the precinct, including sustainable luxury hotel Crystalbrook Vincent, and their fine-tuned focus on energy efficiency, water saving and recycling.

Just across the bay on Moreton Island (Mulgumpin), Tangalooma Island Resort achieved internationally recognised Gold Earth Check Accreditation in November 2022, the world's leading scientific benchmarking and certification program for sustainable tourism. 

Last month, four Brisbane Accor properties - Sofitel Brisbane Central, Pullman & Mercure Brisbane King George Square, Novotel Brisbane South Bank and ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth Street - all received Sustainable Tourism Certification from Ecotourism Australia, while Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary is consistently improving its venue and operations to reduce its carbon footprint, including solar power, waste reduction measures, geothermal energy and water conservation solutions.

Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), Brisbane’s Convention Bureau, is committed to continuing Brisbane’s journey towards becoming one of the world’s most renowned sustainable destinations.

In 2023, BEDA is actively engaging the broader visitor economy to adopt sustainable practices through participating in the Eco-certified Tourism Destination Program facilitated by EarthCheck.