For the fourth consecutive year, Brisbane has continued its ascent up the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) retaining its ranking in the Top 40 global sustainable cities, ranked 33 out of 100 destinations worldwide and Top 5 in Asia-Pacific.

This meteoric rise represents a 22.5 per cent increase in Brisbane’s global sustainability rating since joining the GDS-Index in 2019.

In awarding Brisbane its rank, the GDS-Index – a program which also benchmarks and enhances the sustainability strategies of more than 100 destinations and their tourism supply chains – called out the city’s improved performance in supporting suppliers with training, capacity building and communications.

The impressive GDS-Index ranking comes hot on the heels of Brisbane achieving Bronze Benchmarking status by EarthCheck, the world’s leading global environmental management and advisory group for the travel and tourism industry.

Achieved as part of the Queensland Government’s Department of Tourism and Sport’s Eco-Certified Tourism Destination Program, the global accreditation signals Brisbane has exceeded best practice benchmarks across key social, environmental, cultural, and economic sustainability categories.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the improved ranking and EarthCheck’s Bronze Benchmark recognition supported the city’s global reputation for sustainability.

“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital and as Australia’s most biodiverse capital city we’ve been a leader in sustainability for over 20 years,” Cr Schrinner said.

“Our city is home to over 2,100 parks and 5,000km of paths and walkways for residents to enjoy, while our lifestyle precincts, world-class venues, and tourism operators, including Howard Smith Wharves and the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC), are leading the way in sustainable business practices. 

“This recognition reflects the work Brisbane does to reduce waste, emissions and costs for residents now and into the future.”

Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA), the city’s key driver of tourism, events, business growth and investment, was also awarded Bronze Benchmarked status as part of EarthCheck Certified corporate certification.

BEDA Chief Executive Officer Anthony Ryan said Brisbane’s inclusion in the GDS-Index 10 most improved leaders and EarthCheck’s bronze benchmark reflected BEDA’s commitment to championing sustainable economic growth for the region and an ongoing commitment to creating a sustainable workplace.

“Brisbane’s popularity as a place to live, work and visit has soared in recent years, with visitor spending hitting a record-breaking $10.7 billion, and our economy set to grow 68 per cent to $275 billion by 2041,” Mr Ryan said.

“At this time of unprecedented growth, BEDA will continue to spearhead collaboration across the city, encourage local businesses to adopt sustainable practices and create a vibrant city for residents and visitors by attracting conferences, sporting events and investment to Brisbane.

“We’re incredibly proud of this achievement but we’re just getting started.”

Brisbane’s events and tourism industry is also a key player in Brisbane’s sustainability trajectory, with more certified venues and experiences than ever committed to providing and further enhancing a sustainable product and visitor experience.

Queen’s Wharf Brisbane is the first development in the city to be awarded a coveted 6 Star Green Star – Communities rating for its social, environmental, and economic sustainability designs, while BCEC’s long-term commitment to sustainability saw it recognised with EarthCheck Platinum Certification.

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) Sustainability & Community Engagement Advisor Saffron Benner is steering the venue’s vision for a sustainable future, including targets for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of 2030.

“For more than 20 years, BCEC has been recognised as a leader in social and environmental sustainability and as a Platinum EarthCheck accredited venue, has maintained 12 years of rigorously audited sustainability excellence,” Ms Benner said.

“Innovation is embedded in BCEC’s DNA with initiatives spanning more than 30 waste streams, continually evolving energy and water conservation programs, diverting 60,000 kg of food waste annually and cutting energy use by almost 65 per cent.

“BCEC is proudly one of the city’s leading sustainability operators, and its vision is clear: to remain a world-class venue that continuously pushes the boundaries of sustainability while leaving a lasting, positive imprint on the community.”