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Millbrook's Sustainability Journey

To reduce our carbon footprint and the amount of toxins being released into the environment we have implemented multiple strategies to conserve natural resources, reduce waste and use environmentally friendly products.

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Our Vision

Millbrook's environmental vision is to actively reduce or mitigate any adverse effects on our environment. This is achieved by wise planning and development; enhancing natural watercourses and open areas; buying and sourcing produce locally when available; using our natural resources efficiently; reducing and disposing of all waste responsibly; and providing a socially and environmentally responsible product without compromising on our guest’s comfort and enjoyment.

Millbrook Resort and the Environment 

Qualmark is New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance organisation, providing a trusted guide to quality travel experiences in New Zealand. Every accommodation provider who is Qualmark rated has undergone a rigorous independent assessment and licensing process to become part of the Qualmark licensing system.

In addition to being awarded the Qualmark 5 Star Hotel Rating, Millbrook has also achieved a Qualmark Enviro Gold Rating, which recognises sustainable initiatives employed by tourism businesses in New Zealand, and is the highest environmental grading Qualmark issues.

Our stunning alpine setting and rural environment are an essential part of what attracts visitors to Millbrook, so it’s not surprising that preserving it for future generations is foremost in our thoughts. All businesses that have a Qualmark rating are assessed on their environmental performance, which recognises businesses for their initiatives in energy, waste, water, conservation and the community. Our Enviro-Gold Rating is in acknowledgement of Millbrook’s continued effort to operate as a sustainable resort.

Millbrook works hard to support our natural environment by undertaking a number of actions and making smart choices. We recognise the importance of taking these steps to achieve the best environmental performance possible whilst maintaining our luxury five-star product; which we recognise sometimes do not naturally co-exist.

Natural Environment Enhancements

Millbrook goes to great lengths to maintain and also build upon the geographical aspects of our land. We frequently measure the water quality of our natural water course including Mill Stream. This practice ensures that the water quality stays the same - or improves - throughout its water course across Millbrook. We also continue to make improvements to the banks and wetland within the resort, which has led to an increase in the native birdlife. Finally, we continue to plant a number of native trees around the resort, furthermore enhancing the natural environment.

Millbrook goes to great lengths to maintain and also build upon the geographical aspects of our land. We frequently measure the water quality of our natural water course including Mill Stream. This practice ensures that the water quality stays the same - or improves - throughout its water course across Millbrook. We also continue to make improvements to the banks and wetland within the resort, which has led to an increase in the native birdlife. Finally, we continue to plant a number of native trees around the resort, furthermore enhancing the natural environment.

Carbon Reduction

As a tourism business we want to contribute to New Zealand's goal of being net zero carbon by 2050. Strategies we have implemented to help achieve this goal include having a sustainable onsite Kitchen Garden. Our garden has an orchard with 80 fruit and nut trees that supply the resort with fruit all season long. Additionally, we use electric golf carts and hybrid mowers around the resort. This further reduces our overall fuel consumption and emissions. We also provide a regular shuttle for guests and staff to help reduce the number of individual vehicles on the road.

As a tourism business we want to contribute to New Zealand's goal of being net zero carbon by 2050. Strategies we have implemented to help achieve this goal include having a sustainable onsite Kitchen Garden. Our garden has an orchard with 80 fruit and nut trees that supply the resort with fruit all season long. Additionally, we use electric golf carts and hybrid mowers around the resort. This further reduces our overall fuel consumption and emissions. We also provide a regular shuttle for guests and staff to help reduce the number of individual vehicles on the road.

Waste Reduction Actions

To reduce our resort waste we have removed all plastic straws, only use recyclable takeaway coffee cups and provide recycling across the entire resort. All electronic waste goes to Molten Media Trust, an organisation that promotes ethical recycling of electronic equipment and computers. We chip and compost all green waste to use on communal landscape areas, and resort food waste gets diverted to local lifestyle farmers. In our hotel we have moved to digital compendiums, eliminating more than 20,000 pages of paper wastage each year. Our in-room dining menus are also now printed as a QR code on recycled paper.

To reduce our resort waste we have removed all plastic straws, only use recyclable takeaway coffee cups and provide recycling across the entire resort. All electronic waste goes to Molten Media Trust, an organisation that promotes ethical recycling of electronic equipment and computers. We chip and compost all green waste to use on communal landscape areas, and resort food waste gets diverted to local lifestyle farmers. In our hotel we have moved to digital compendiums, eliminating more than 20,000 pages of paper wastage each year. Our in-room dining menus are also now printed as a QR code on recycled paper.

Water Use Reduction Actions

Millbrook has implemented many strategies to reduce our water usage. We mulch all of our resort gardens to help retain moisture and reduce irrigation requirements. Throughout summer we only use water from the Arrowtown river to feed each of our water features. Where necessary, our ponds and streams include a recycling function to reduce top-up demands. Our irrigation system is controlled by a computer programme which means we have greater control over water usage and a majority of the watering takes place overnight to reduce evapotranspiration.

Millbrook has implemented many strategies to reduce our water usage. We mulch all of our resort gardens to help retain moisture and reduce irrigation requirements. Throughout summer we only use water from the Arrowtown river to feed each of our water features. Where necessary, our ponds and streams include a recycling function to reduce top-up demands. Our irrigation system is controlled by a computer programme which means we have greater control over water usage and a majority of the watering takes place overnight to reduce evapotranspiration.

Related Pages

Greener Stay

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A-Z of Millbrook's Sustainability

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Whakatipu Reforestation Trust

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Giving Back to the Community

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