Our 2029 strategy
Mission
To make Sydney a leading sustainable destination.
Objectives
The Sustainable Destination Partnership works collaboratively to:
- improve the environmental performance of the built environment in Sydney’s accommodation and entertainment sector
- increase the uptake of renewable electricity, improve energy and water management, implement circular economy and electrification solutions and lead the sector towards net zero emissions in line with Sustainable Sydney 2030-2050 goals
- engage proactively with regulators, business associations and governments, demonstrating leadership and verifiable outcomes to shape and influence key environmental policies, regulatory frameworks and practices
- provide up to date information for members on regulatory and policy changes
- facilitate peer-to-peer learning, knowledge exchange, and collaboration across our membership base
- champion, validate and promote our objectives and verified outcomes to inspire climate action across the sector and wider community
- support Sydney to consistently rank within the top 10 of the Global Sustainable Destination Index and to be Australia’s top ranked destination
- enhance social sustainability by supporting inclusivity, equitable opportunities, and wellbeing, achieving measurable positive impacts on local communities and stakeholders.
Leadership Panel
Purpose
To provide the Partnership with strategic leadership and oversight, advocate to regulators and industry associations and position Sydney as a leading sustainable destination.
Structure
The Leadership Panel is made up of representatives from member organisations, including the SDP Chair, Deputy Chair and Chairs and Deputy Chairs of the Working Groups.
Membership
To be confirmed through a nomination process at the Annual Planning Workshop.
Working Groups
Circular economy
To implement best practice waste avoidance, resource recovery and materials management across our value chains and to demonstrate the impacts of circularity in practice.
Net zero, energy and water
To move the sector towards net zero emissions through decarbonisation and electrification of existing buildings and continue to deliver improved energy and water management across SDP member portfolios.
Advocacy and social impact
- To actively promote the work of the Partnership to build Sydney’s reputation as a sustainable destination, encouraging industry collaboration towards climate action.
- To advocate for the resources and support industry needs to succeed in the net zero transition.
- To support local communities, strengthen social cohesion and deliver meaningful social impact.
Targets
Circular economy
- 80% of our collective waste materials are recovered by June 2029, with an interim target of 75% by June 2027
- 10% reduction in total waste by June 2029 from a 2025 baseline*
- All partners to demonstrate a recycled content preference in procurement
- All partners to demonstrate organics separation
*Note, baseline of 2025 is used because of lack of reliable data from our 2018 program baseline year
Net zero, energy and water
- 60% reduction in partners’ emissions by June 2029 from a 2018 baseline, with an interim target of 50% reduction by June 2027 from a 2018 baseline
- 10% average emissions intensity reduction per building by June 2029 from a 2025 baseline*
- 50% of partners’ collective electricity use is renewable by June 2029, with an interim target of 30% by June 2027
- 40% reduction in collective potable water consumption from 2018 baseline by June 2029, with an interim target of 30% reduction by June 2027 from a 2018 baseline
- 10% average water intensity reduction per building by June 2029 from a 2025 baseline
*Note, baseline of 2025 is used because of lack of reliable data from our 2018 program baseline year
Advocacy and social impact
- Maintain top 10 global ranking in the annual Global Destination Sustainability Index
- Maintain status as top-ranked Australian destination in the annual Global Destination Sustainability Index
- Partners each submit 1 case study per year, as part of Annual Reporting. Case studies should include 300 words, a quote and a photo
- Deliver a video case study each year