Efforts to boost the River City’s green credentials have seen its 2022 Global Destination Sustainable (GDS) Index score soar by 6 points to 71%.

The leap makes Brisbane Australia’s fastest-growing sustainable city, according to the worldwide movement to drive sustainable destination management.

Brisbane was ranked across Environmental, Social, Supplier and Destination Management categories, benchmarking the city against global green juggernauts Gothenburg, Copenhagen and Stockholm.

Anthony Ryan, CEO of Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), said being part of the GDS-Index sets a high bar for Brisbane to be a global leader in sustainability.

“We want to be one of the most sustainable destinations in the world and since joining the index in 2019 we’ve continued to improve at a rapid pace,” Mr Ryan said.

“We believe our improved ranking will help attract more people and business to Brisbane, whether that’s attracting eco-conscious travellers to event organisers and purpose-led investors.

“We see the greatest opportunity with our city’s suppliers and are keen to work with venues, hotels and restaurants to become local leaders in sustainability.

“There are already several Brisbane businesses and venues leading the charge. From Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and Tangalooma Island Resort achieving platinum and gold EarthCheck certification respectively to Howard Smith Wharves’ national accolades for their ingenious sustainability practices.

“We have bold ambitions and would love to see Brisbane rank among the top 30 cities in 2023.”

Brisbane performed strongly across the Social and Destination Management categories and boasted the biggest rank improvement compared to Sydney and Melbourne.

BEDA will progress its plans in early 2023 with the rollout of a destination eco-certification program for the city with State Government funding support.

The program will work towards a globally recognised sustainability certification through EarthCheck for the city, including a roll-out of tourism industry training to assist local businesses on their sustainability journey.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the city’s green and clean credentials continue to go from strength to strength.

“This year we made history by becoming the first Australian city to be awarded the United Nation Habitat’s Sustainable Development Goals Cuties Global Initiatives Silver Certification,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Brisbane is also committed to hosting the first climate-positive Olympic and Paralympic Games, setting a new global standard in sustainable event management.

“With sustainability at our core, Brisbane continues to be a leading city to visit, work and do business.”

View the 2022 GDS Index results here.