Our Commitment to Sustainability

Our Commitment to Sustainability

At Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary, we take our responsibility to protect the environment seriously. As stewards of nature and advocates for wildlife conservation, we are dedicated to improving our environmental performance across all aspects of our operations. Our commitment to sustainability is woven into everything we do, from waste and energy management to water conservation and sustainable design. 

We aim not only to safeguard the natural world in which we operate but also to inspire our business partners and the broader community to join us in this mission. Below, we outline our key environmental impacts and the steps we’re taking to minimise them. 

Waste Reduction and Recycling

We’re working hard to minimise waste at its source by considering the full lifecycle of the products we procure. All staff are encouraged to repair, reuse, and recycle wherever possible. This ethos extends from the sustainably sourced products in our gift shop to the locally sourced and environmentally friendly items used in our on-site café. 

We’re proud participants in the Return & Earn program, which, over the past year, has saved more than 330kg of waste from going to landfill and prevented 662kg of carbon emissions. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to reducing our waste footprint and caring for the environment. 

Energy and Emissions

We’re working hard to minimise waste at its source by considering the full lifecycle of the products we procure. All staff are encouraged to repair, reuse, and recycle wherever possible. This ethos extends from the sustainably sourced products in our gift shop to the locally sourced and environmentally friendly items used in our on-site café. 

We’re proud participants in the Return & Earn program, which, over the past year, has saved more than 330kg of waste from going to landfill and prevented 662kg of carbon emissions. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to reducing our waste footprint and caring for the environment. 

Water Conservation

Water is one of our most precious resources, and we are committed to understanding and reducing our water footprint. Each department at the Sanctuary is encouraged to find ways to minimise water usage while upholding the highest standards of hygiene. 

We’re also focused on reducing the environmental impact of chemical runoff, opting for ‘green’ products where possible, to help protect our oceans and local waterways. 

Materials and Sustainable Design

We approach all building works and maintenance with sustainability at the forefront. We source materials that are certified sustainable whenever possible, and any new developments at the Sanctuary are designed with the goal of minimising environmental impact. 

Additionally, we ensure that everyday products, such as paper and wood, are sourced from recycled or sustainable sources. Products containing palm oil are required to be certified sustainable, and we aim for a percentage of recycled content in any necessary plastic items. 

Annual Sustainability Audit

To ensure accountability and track our progress, we conduct an annual Sustainability Self-Audit. This process is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. As a member of  Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA), we focus on six key SDGs relevant to our operations, ensuring that our efforts contribute to a more sustainable future for everyone. 

Staff and Visitor Education

Education plays a key role in our sustainability mission. We regularly update our staff on the Sanctuary’s sustainability initiatives and encourage them to get involved. Our talks and signage around the park include current information about the environmental challenges facing our planet, ensuring visitors leave not only with great memories but also a greater understanding of conservation. 

Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary is proud to be a member of the Sustainability Advantage Program, renewing our commitment to these objectives annually. For more information, visit NSW Environment: Sustainability Advantage. 

Together, we can make a lasting impact on the environment and ensure its protection for future generations. 

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