EMIRATES ONE&ONLY , A CARBON-NEUTRAL CONSERVATION BASED ULTRA-LUXURY RESORT Hospitality ON - Worldwide Hospitality Awards 2016 Best Initiative in Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility EMIRATES ONE&ONLY WOLGAN VALLEY - A CARBON-NEUTRAL CONSERVATION BASED ULTRA-LUXURY RESORT

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley, , Australia

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Summary The vision of Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley was to establish a completely carbon-neutral, conservation based ultra-luxury resort in Australia. The location selected for the development of this project was degraded cattle-grazing land in country NSW, Australia. This site was carefully regenerated and now serves to demonstrate how with planning, determination and commitment, a long-term sustainable resort operation can be fully integrated within the environment. Located 2.5 hours’ drive (190kms) from in the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains region, Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is set on 7,000 acres of carbon-neutral conservation and wildlife reserve and the resort successfully combines absolute luxury with a quintessentially Australian bush experience. Occupying just one per cent of the total land area, the resort features 40 elegantly appointed villas (each with private pool), a main homestead (with two restaurants and bars), health and fitness centre, spa, stables, a 25-metre outdoor infinity pool, tennis courts and various indoor and outdoor guest activities. The resort has a fully operational staff village with onsite accommodation for approximately 100 colleagues. The focus was to establish a luxury resort operating to the highest level of environmental credibility and integrity and to be certified annually as carbon neutral. The resort’s philosophy centres on creating a delicate balance between tourism and preservation, and protecting the natural environment is central to the core operating vision across all colleagues and management. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley achieved carbon neutral certification from internationally accredited Greenhouse Gas Certification Scheme shortly after opening in 2009 and has been re-certified as being carbon neutral for the past seven years. Greenhouse gas emission inventory assessments are carried out annually by Landcare Research New Zealand (carboNZero) - one of the world’s leading organisations in the assessment of carbon footprints and forest sinks.

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The resort is actively managed for biodiversity conservation outcomes under the principles of a carefully crafted rolling Five-Year Conservation Management Plan. Resort conservation work includes revegetation of wildlife habitat and stream banks as well as an on-going program aimed at controlling feral predators and invasive noxious plant species. Guests are actively involved in the conservation work and theresort works closely with numerous government, community and educational organisations to achieve best practice conservation objectives through: o Organisational Sustainability Policy and Procedures o Water and Energy Management o Waste and Recycling Initiatives o Environmental Education Initiatives o Colleague Initiatives o Innovative Guest Conservation Experiences o Nature-Based Conservation Priorities o Wildlife Ecology and Feral Free Initiatives o Food Philosophy o Design Philosophy o Research Initiatives o Accreditation

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Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley and Environs Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley Environmental Initiatives include kangaroo population dynamics monitoring and active promotion of biodiversity

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Organisational Sustainability Policy and Procedures Emirates One & Only Wolgan Valley’s sustainability policy and procedures are currently framed by a dedicated, ongoing Five-Year Conservation Plan 2012-2017 The Five-Year Conservation Plan outlines Sustainability Objectives and Schedule of Works and Projects. This includes resort projects for: o Water quality and ecology of the resort’s two waterways: Carne Creek and the Wolgan River. o Rehabilitation and revegetation of the riparian zone of Wolgan River and other ecologically sensitive areas. o Ongoing weed control to ensure the return of native flora and fauna. o Feral animal control for the protection of native animals. o Ongoing land regeneration and native plant propagation. o Bushfire management plans to protect people and place.

In addition, the Five-Year Conservation Plan outlines procedures to develop an efficient and precise system of waste management and the establishment of effective record keeping systems in accordance with carboNZero auditing.

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Water and Energy Management The resort was constructed using the best engineering practices to minimise water consumption. Each Villa has its own rainwater tank and 100% of the domestic water used at the resort is recycled. Black and grey water is utilised to irrigate the gardens and horse paddocks. Energy consumption is reduced by using energy saving materials including compact fluorescent and LED light globes, sensors and timers. The resort also employees the use of traditional windmills instead of electrical power to pump water from the main dam to the main water storage tank and from the entry pond to the top of the precinct. Solar heating is used extensively throughout the resort with over 100 solar panels for hot water systems and solar lighting illuminates pathways, signage and landscape features. Occupying only one percent of the 7,000-acre property, the resort is compact in its layout, reducing the resort’s human footprint. Efficient room orientation reduces heating and cooling requirements and all the buildings feature modern insulation ‘envelopes’ and wide traditional verandas which increase airflow around and through the buildings – reducing the need for air conditioning.

Waste and Recycling Initiatives The resort has dedicated plans for waste management and recycling. Solid waste is sorted into three categories: Recyclable Waste (plastics, cardboard, aluminium cans), Wet Waste and Non-recyclable Waste. Guests are provided with separate recycling bins in each Villa. Resort-wide, across all departments, goals have been set to minimise non-reuseable or non-recycled materials in packaging and, through bulk purchasing, most unwanted materials are reduced. Green waste (grass cuttings, weeds, tree and shrub cuttings) is taken offsite and mulched, processed and re-used for landscaping material. Waste from the stables (horse manure, wood shavings, horse urine and sand) are processed and used for topsoil and garden soil.

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Environmental Education Initiatives The resort has a regular program of hosted educational visits for students and schools from the local and regional area, communicating the importance of sustainable tourism as well as educating students regarding career opportunities associated with tourism, hospitality and the environment. Financial and practical support has been given to regional universities to fund important research projects in conservation and wildlife biology projects including: o Kangaroo population dynamics. o Feral cats and the impact on the natural environment. o Research to prevent the spread of sarcoptic mange on Australia’s wombat population. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley also provides financial support for an innovative university-developed, citizen-science app named WomSAT devoted to raising community awareness about the devastating condition threatening Australia’s wombats. Colleague Initiatives The staff and management are actively involved in the conservation practices and are at the heart of ensuring the environmental credentials of the resort. Their involvement includes: o ‘Local First’ philosophy for employment and trade ensuring the regional community is approached first for any needs of the resort. o Colleagues have implemented a number of initiatives to minimise carbon footprint across the resort including waste and recycling management, wildlife research and community projects. o Colleagues actively engage in voluntary regeneration and reforestation work throughout the reserve.

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Innovative Guest Conservation Experiences Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley runs an innovative programme of environmental education hosted by the resort’s team of expert Field Guides. This programme invites guests to participate in conservation-related experiences through a ‘Conservation Hour’ activity, giving guests the chance to work alongside a Field Guide, contributing to wide-ranging conservation practices, from tree planting, weeding and watering to surveying wildlife, bird watching, or constructing nesting boxes for birds, possums and gliders. Environmental education also extends to young guests, through the resort’s school holiday program ‘Wolgan Rangers’. This program provides a range of nature-based experiences designed to develop awareness and enhance a sense of connection with the natural world. An enriching part of the guests stay, ‘Conservation Hour’ heightens guests’ sense of appreciation of Australia’s spectacular and unique wildlife and natural environment and ensures that guests of One&Only Wolgan Valley leave with an increased commitment to the environment and principles of sustainability.

Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley encourages guests to participate in conservation activities and learn about the environment with an expert Field Guide

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Tree Planting (Revegetation) Tree Planting (Revegetation) Tree Planting (Revegetation)

Seed Collection

WomSAT Data Collection Wildlife Tracking Weed Spraying

Feral Predator Traps

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Nature-Based Conservation Priorities One of the main objectives of the Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley Conservation Plan is to protect native wildlife by restoring the ecology of the reserve to better resemble that which existed in the valley prior to European settlement. Action has been taken to: o Improve water quality and aquatic habitat in the Wolgan River through streamside revegetation. o Planting of over 200,000 trees across the property, using seeds from native species collected onsite and grown at a local nursery. o Planting of native trees to restore wildlife habitat and establish key wildlife corridors between the property and the adjoining National Parks’ World Heritage Areas. o Control the spread of noxious and invasive weed plant species (at considerable annual expense). o Manage feral predators in partnership with government agencies and local landholders to manage populations of foxes, cats and dogs as these are considered introduced predators and are a major cause of extinction of native species.

Water quality and planting initiatives 11 EMIRATES ONE&ONLY WOLGAN VALLEY - A CARBON-NEUTRAL CONSERVATION BASED ULTRA-LUXURY RESORT

Site One: Site One: Site Two: Site Two:

September 2008 March 2016 September 2008 March 2016

Rehabilitation and re-vegetation outcomes along Rehabilitation and re-vegetation outcomes along Rehabilitation and re-vegetation outcomes along Rehabilitation and re-vegetation outcomes along Wolgan River. Wolgan River. Wolgan River. Wolgan River.

Examples of outcomes of revegetation and replanting on the banks of the Wolgan River

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Food Philosophy The food philosophy of Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is based on sourcing seasonal, regional and where possible, organic produce from within a 100 mile (160km) radius. This area spans from the Greater Blue Mountains to the surrounding regions of Orange, Mudgee and the Hunter Valley, and is one of the great culinary trails of Australia. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley’s commitment to local suppliers also significantly reduces the resort’s food miles and carbon footprint. Boutique providores and artisan producers are supported, and produce is grown on the reserve and in the nearby township. Guests are encouraged to discover the pleasures of ‘eating and drinking local’. Showcasing the quality and diversity of Australian produce, the resort’s menu changes daily according to season and highlights local food heroes. In order to educate and inspire guests to leave the resort with a commitment to eat local and reduce carbon footprint, the resort offers tours that provide the opportunity to meet some of these artisan producers who work hand-in-glove with the chefs of Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley.

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Design Philosophy Built by Australian architecture firm Turner + Associates Architects, well known for leading edge eco-design, the resort’s architecture and construction incorporates Ecologically Sustainable Design principles, including rainwater collection, full recycling of all domestic water, heat exchange technology to reduce electricity consumption and the use of solar panels for all hot water systems. The resort’s rooms are carefully oriented to reduce heating and cooling requirements, with wide traditional verandahs which increase airflow around and through the buildings, and it makes use of traditional windmills instead of electrical pumps. The resort was also built with strong reference to its Australian identity and local rural history. Its design, inspired by the Federation period, is reminiscent of traditional rural architecture and a highlight of the property is the original homestead (dating from 1832) which has been painstakingly restored. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley embraces its spectacular natural setting, built predominantly of timber and sandstone with traditional steel roofing in order to blend into the landscape. During the construction of the resort, natural and recycled materials such as sandstone and timber were sourced within a 100km radius of the property and fallen ‘old wood’ Eucalyptus trees found on the reserve were milled to create unique furniture pieces. The interiors of Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley reflect the resort’s commitment to supporting regional artisans, with much of the furniture and artwork commissioned locally. Local carpenters were engaged to create the resort’s signature Wolgan Valley Furniture Collection from Australian hardwood, much of it recycled, and ironsmiths from the region created the resort’s lamps, furniture and door knockers. Local artists contributed unique pieces to the resort, from hand-made porcelain jugs and colonial-style leadlight windows to lamps made from industrial artefacts.

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Design Philosophy

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Research Initiatives In addition to ongoing support of university research projects into native fauna, new innovative research projects have also been launched including: o Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley has sponsored the development of WomSAT, a citizen-science app led by the University of Western Sydney, to educate and involve the community regarding the devastating impact of sarcoptic mange on wombat populations. o Joint research application to the Australian Research Council in support of genetic research into wombat mange.

Accreditation o Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley became the first resort in the world to achieve internationally accredited carbon neutral certification o The carboNZero CertTM certification indicates that greenhouse gas emissions associated with the resort operations are independently measured and verified in accordance with international standards. o In 2016, the resort reaffirmed our position as a global leader in sustainable tourism by successfully achieving carbon-neutral status for the seventh year in a row with a carboNZeroCertTM recertification.

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Accreditation o Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley was one of the first hotels in the world to achieve carbon neutral certification from internationally accredited Greenhouse Gas Certification Schedule. o Re-certified for the last seven consecutive years. o Greenhouse gas emission assessments carried out by carboNZero indicate the resort has reduced emissions by 6% over the last five years.

Awards o Tourism Accommodation Australia (TAA) Awards of Excellence (Australia): ‘Best Environmental Practices’ o Banksia Foundation Awards (Australia): ‘Environment Ministers Award for a Cleaner Environment’

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Wildlife Ecology and Feral-Free Area With approximately 4,000 acres of land dedicated as a wildlife reserve, the Wolgan conservancy project re-establishes and secures a future for many of the region’s indigenous species, which were under critical pressure from introduced flora and feral predators. The long-term aim is to reintroduce endangered species to the site. Almost 40 km of barbed wired fencing were removed from the property to decrease the number of wildlife being fatally snared while attempting to jump over or pass under the fence. In January 2009, the resort completed a trial feral-free zone covering a 50-hectare area to reduce the impact of feral animals on native fauna. Australia has the highest rate of mammal extinctions in the world and introduced feral predators such as cats, foxes and rabbits are the greatest threat to surviving species. Ten feral species are found within Wolgan Valley alone, including cats and red foxes which have almost eradicated all the small and medium-sized local native mammals. The feral-proof fence is designed specifically to keep out feral animals. It features ‘flappy tops’, which prevent them from climbing over fences as well as from entering the enclosed area, and three sets of very large fence gates. In the event of a bushfire, these gates can be opened to enable animals to escape the enclosed reserve through open areas. They also allow Rangers and Field Guides to drive in and out of the feral-free area.

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In Conclusion Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley is a unique resort, combining ultra-luxury with a world-leading example of carbon neutral conservation and sustainable design. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley was the first resort in the world to achieve internationally accredited carbon-neutral certification when it opened in 2009, and remains the only resort in Australia with this standard of accreditation. In addition to being built according to Ecologically Sustainable Design principles - including rainwater collection, domestic water recycling, heat exchange technology and solar panels - Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley undertakes extensive and wide-ranging conservation at the property. The focus of these programmes is the protection of regional biodiversity and the restoration of habitat, and the resort’s extensive conservation work helps to re-establish and secure a future for many of the region’s 1,500 native and endangered species. Conservation work routinely undertaken on the property includes re-vegetation of wildlife corridors and stream bank areas for wildlife habitat and erosion control. The resort also runs an ongoing programme of assisted natural regeneration, with significant investment in weed control and the removal of invasive plants to protect the diversity of regional native species. A program for feral animal control is funded by the resort, which includes comprehensive monitoring of the behaviour and movements of foxes, dogs and feral cats. The resort is run by passionate conservationists, and supports and engages with its local community. Guests of the resort are also encouraged to be involved in a wide range of conservation-related experiences, from planting trees during ‘Conservation Hour’ to assisting with wombat preservation. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley ensures that it delivers on its sustainability objectives via an ongoing rolling Five-Year Conservation Management Plan and aims to be at the forefront of sustainable tourism in the years to come.

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