YHA Sydney Harbour

Energy Efficiency:

• We’re powered by the sun! 30KW Photovoltaic system, a fancy word for solar panels, are installed on roof of the hostel and Education centre and partially funded by the YHA Sustainable Hostels Fund to power our hot water – learn more here!
• Air-conditioning (AC) controlled by reed switches and key cards on windows and centrally controlled for maximum #efficiency  
• External moveable louvres outside of windows in the rooms to help regulate temperature through other means that don’t involve air conditioning
• Low energy light bulbs with motion sensors mean there’s no lights on in empty rooms, we’ve got plenty of natural light
• Bike storage and active promotion of public transport options – the easiest way to reduce your carbon footprint!

As a result of this property's energy saving measures, guests at YHA Sydney Harbour use approximately 27% less electricity and 44% less gas per night than those at YHAs other Sydney CBD properties.

Waste minimisation:

• Recycling stations in rooms, kitchens, common areas and office areas. We recycle anything from printer cartridges or our paper, to tinnies of beer and plastic containers, light bulbs, old batteries and even organic waste!
• No plastic bottles or plastic bags on site, we only sell reusable bottles and keep cups, with refill stations across the hostel
• Swap shelves give second hand goods, clothing, food and more, new life
• Biodegradable cleaning products for a happy earth and a happy hostel!

Water conservation:

• Our huge 40,000 litre rain water tank flushes our toilets and a second storm water tank to preserve as much water as possible!
• All our taps are 5-star! WELS five star that is, and our showers are 3-star WELS rated.
• Taking efficiency to the next level with dual flush toilets, waterless urinals and front loader washing machines.
• Get educated with signage encouraging guests to take shorter showers, turn off taps while brushing teeth, report leaks etc. 

• As a result of this property's water saving measures, guests at YHA Sydney Harbour use approximately 54% less water per night than those at YHAs other Sydney CBD properties.

Social sustainability:

• The Big Dig Archaeology Education centre provides school children the opportunity to learn about the archaeology of The Big Dig site and Australia’s largest urban archaeology area 
• Funds generated from a percentage of each guests overnight fee to provide for the ongoing conservation, interpretation and education of The Big Dig site. 
• We also partner with the local community by supporting The Smith Family charity for children experiencing poverty