The Alpine Hotel
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Sustainability & Responsible Tourism

Our Story on Sustainability.

Caring for the place we call home — the people, history and natural beauty of Warburton and the Birrarung.

Our Emissions Plan Download Documents

Caring for the Place We Call Home

Sustainability is woven into the way we operate.

The Alpine Hotel has always been connected to the people, history and natural beauty of Warburton. Located in the heart of the Yarra Valley and alongside the beautiful Birrarung (Yarra River), we are fortunate to be surrounded by an environment that inspires our guests, our team and our community every day.

As custodians of this historic hotel, we recognise the responsibility we have to care for the place we call home. Responsible tourism is about more than simply visiting a destination — it is about protecting it, respecting it and ensuring future generations can continue to experience everything that makes Warburton such a special place.

From the choices we make in our kitchens and gardens, to the way we care for our heritage property and welcome our guests, we are continually looking for ways to reduce our environmental impact, support our local community and create a more sustainable future.

At The Alpine Hotel, we believe every action can make a difference.

Archival photograph of the original Alpine Hotel and Warburton road, with a Cobb & Co coach

Our Sustainability Approach

Practical choices, made every day.

At The Alpine Hotel, sustainability is reflected in the everyday choices we make. Through practical improvements and thoughtful decisions, we continue to look for ways to reduce our impact, support our local community and contribute positively to the future of Warburton.

  • Caring for our heritage

    We maintain and restore our 1885 hotel with care, so its character is preserved for the generations who follow.

  • Supporting local producers and businesses

    We prioritise Yarra Valley growers, makers and suppliers so more of what we serve begins close to home.

  • Investing in our people

    We provide training, fair conditions and genuine career pathways for our team here in Warburton.

  • Waste Reduction & Recycling

    We minimise waste sent to landfill by separating and recycling cardboard, cans and other recyclable materials. Throughout our guest accommodation, we have replaced single-use bathroom amenities with refillable dispensers and provide reusable glass carafes, helping to reduce unnecessary plastic water bottles without compromising guest comfort.

  • Protecting our natural environment

    We care for the forest, gardens and the Birrarung that surround us, and we tread lightly on them.

  • Creating inclusive and meaningful guest experiences

    We welcome every guest with accessible, thoughtful hospitality that connects them to this place and its stories.

  • Supporting responsible regional tourism

    We work with our neighbourhood and the wider region to encourage visitors to explore Warburton respectfully.

  • Reducing Emissions

    Through our participation in the TERC Emissions Reduction Program, we have measured our carbon footprint and developed a practical plan to reduce emissions. Our focus includes improving recycling, reducing energy use, sourcing locally, minimising food waste, and investing in more energy-efficient equipment as we continue to improve our environmental performance.

  • Liquid Recycling

    We recycle liquid waste generated through our kitchen operations, including used cooking oil and grease trap waste. These materials are collected and processed at the EPA-licensed ReWaste facility in Lilydale, where they are repurposed into generated energy instead of being sent to landfill. By giving these waste streams a second life, we reduce our environmental impact and support a more circular approach to resource management.

Emissions Snapshot

Where we stand today.

  • 387.1t Net carbon footprint, 12 months to June 2026
  • 15 Emissions reduction actions underway or complete
  • 2 / 2 / 11 Actions by Scope 1 / Scope 2 / Scope 3
  • 100% Renewable electricity — achieved

Source: Tourism Emissions Reduction Curriculum (TERC) — member number AU03009040. Emissions data estimated, verified and input by the member. Report dated 28 July 2026.

Emissions Reduction Plan

What we have done, and what comes next.

The Alpine Hotel is a member of the Tourism Emissions Reduction Curriculum (TERC). Our plan is structured in three stages — Measure, Reduce and Avoid — and is reviewed as actions progress. The full plan is available to download below.

Stage 1 — Measure

We are committing to take action to reduce carbon emissions. Our carbon emissions footprint for the 12 months to June 2026 is 387.1 tonnes, with no sponsored offsets applied, giving a net footprint of 387.1 tonnes. Emissions data was estimated, verified and input by the member. Our three largest sources are electricity use, stationary fuels and employee commuting.

Stage 2 — Reduce

We are adjusting our operations to reduce emissions across fifteen tracked actions.

Emissions reduction actions — Stage 2 (Reduce). Status as at 28 July 2026.
Action What we are doing By when Status
Purchase hybrid vehicles We will investigate the viability of purchasing the courtesy bus as a hybrid. By 2027 Underway
Reduce waste to landfill We continue to focus on recycling glass and tinware, and on the efficient disposal of old batteries. By 2027 Underway
Use sustainable products We continue to use natural chemicals such as eucalyptus, and we measure all other chemicals to ensure there is no overdosing into waterways. By 2027 Underway
Source locally We continue to prioritise sourcing from the Yarra Valley and from owner-operators as a first preference. By 2027 Underway
Adopt energy efficient equipment Washing machines will be replaced next, with the highest available star rating. By 2028 Underway
Reuse towels We have promoted stay-length use of towels, and offer fresh towels only on request. By 2025 Complete
Eliminate mini-fridges We have removed mini fridges from 28 rooms and operate a single fridge in the communal kitchenette. By 2025 Complete
Develop a food waste inventory We monitor food wastage closely and, after major events, forward frozen remains to the local food bank at Koha Community Café. By 2026 Complete
Eliminate paper-based check-in and check-out We use a QR code compendium to reduce paper waste across all 32 rooms. By 2026 Complete
Adopt sustainable commercial laundry services We wash only bulk loads and wait until there is a full load, and hang dry tea towels where possible to reduce energy use. By 2026 Underway
Offer plant-based menu options We offer an extensive vegan and vegetarian selection on our menu. By 2025 Complete
Reuse and recycle cooking oil We have engineered a new oil filtration system to extend the life of our oil, which is then recycled and collected. By 2026 Complete
Develop a seasonal menu We operate a seasonal menu to take advantage of local freshness and reduce transport time. By 2025 Complete
Train kitchen staff in energy efficiency We ensure natural gas and ovens are turned off during the two-hour kitchen pause period each day. By 2025 Complete
Measure food waste We review customer wastage and adjust portion sizes to reduce food waste. By 2025 Complete

Stage 3 — Avoid

We are adopting renewables for purchased power. Our Warburton site has achieved its transition to 100% renewable electricity.

Our Leave No Trace Commitment

Enjoy it. Protect it. Leave it as you found it.

Warburton's forests, waterways, mountains and walking trails are some of the region's greatest treasures. Through our Leave No Trace commitment, we encourage our guests to enjoy the natural environment responsibly and help protect the places that make this region so unique.

  • Reducing energy use during your stay
  • Conserving water through our linen reuse program
  • Recycling and reducing waste
  • Respecting our gardens and natural surroundings
  • Protecting local wildlife
  • Being considerate of other guests and the community

In your room

Our Leave No Trace commitment extends into the hotel and our guest rooms. We encourage guests to reuse towels where possible, conserve water, reduce energy use and minimise unnecessary waste.

Open the Guide Download

Responsible Purchasing

A local first approach.

Where quality, availability and supply requirements allow, we prioritise working with local and regional businesses who share our values around quality, sustainability and responsible practices. By choosing local suppliers, we help strengthen our regional economy, reduce transport distances and showcase the incredible produce of the Yarra Valley.

  • Slivas Coffee

    Providing quality coffee for our beverage service while supporting a local supplier.

  • Yarra Valley Tea Co.

    Showcasing locally produced teas and supporting regional producers.

  • Gippsland Jersey Milk

    High-quality dairy from a Victorian producer with a strong focus on quality and sustainable farming practices.

  • Timbarra Farms

    An organic farm in Don Valley near Mount Toolebewong, growing produce using organic farming principles while respecting the natural environment.

  • Peace Farm

    A community-focused organic farm and permaculture hub in the Yarra Valley, supporting sustainable food production, education and connection with nature.

  • Slivertine Farm

    A biodynamic market garden at Yarra Valley ECOSS in Wesburn, growing seasonal vegetables using organic and biodynamic practices.

  • Tommy Finn's Trout Farm

    A regional producer whose smoked trout features on our menu, showcasing the quality of local produce available throughout the region.

Celebrating Our Local Wine Community

Through our Wine Maker Series, we bring guests together with local winemakers to discover the stories behind the vineyards, learn about the craft of winemaking and experience the passion that goes into every bottle. These dining experiences showcase seasonal menus paired with carefully selected regional wines.

Reducing Waste, Reducing Impact

Practical initiatives across our operations.

Recycling and Giving Back

We maintain dedicated recycling systems across our front-of-house and back-of-house operations, with separated streams for cardboard, paper and eligible cans. Eligible cans are processed through Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme, and the funds generated are donated to Koha Community Café — a pay-what-you-can café promoting inclusion, social connection and support for people experiencing disadvantage.

Reducing Single-Use Plastics

We have replaced single-use bathroom amenities with larger, refillable dispensers in our guest rooms, reducing unnecessary plastic waste while maintaining a high-quality guest experience. We are progressively transitioning other operational plastic items towards bulk dispensers, reusable solutions and compostable alternatives.

Sustainable Guest Supplies

We provide Warbotanical natural hair and body care products — locally made amenities using natural ingredients including organic hemp, and free from SLS. Where possible we source durable, energy-efficient equipment and choose non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products.

Caring for Our Grounds

Across our grounds we prioritise native, low-water and locally endemic plant species suited to our environment, supporting local biodiversity including native birds and insects. We minimise chemical use, favouring chemical-free pesticides and herbicides, and engage local tradespeople and community members for maintenance and garden care.

Investing in Our People

Sustainability is about people, too.

As a local employer, we are proud to create opportunities for people within our community and the surrounding Yarra Valley region. Wherever possible, we seek to attract, train and develop local team members, helping create meaningful employment pathways within hospitality.

We are proud to support the next generation of hospitality professionals through school-based apprenticeships, trainee pathways and partnerships with training providers such as AVTES. These opportunities allow emerging talent to gain practical experience, develop industry skills and build a strong foundation for their careers.

Preserving Our Heritage for the Future

As a heritage-listed hotel dating back to 1885, sustainability also means protecting and preserving what already exists. By caring for our historic building, restoring and adapting existing spaces and continuing to operate as an important part of the local community, we help protect the character, stories and heritage that make Warburton unique.

Supporting Local Experiences

  • Rivasoul Sauna

    A wellbeing experience encouraging guests to relax, reconnect and embrace the restorative qualities of the natural environment.

  • Warburton Bike Park

    Supporting cycling tourism and encouraging visitors to experience the region's trails and outdoor adventures.

  • Cog Bikes Australia

    Helping visitors explore Warburton by bike through local knowledge, equipment and expertise.

  • Ride Time Yarra Valley

    Connecting guests with cycling experiences throughout the region.

  • Warburton Adventure Co

    Offering opportunities to experience the natural environment through adventure-based activities.

Documents

Download our sustainability documents.

Our policy, emissions reduction plan and reporting are published in full. Documents open in a new tab, or can be downloaded directly.

Our Commitment Continues

Sustainability is an ongoing journey.

Every decision — from the suppliers we support, to the way we care for our property, to the choices we encourage our guests to make — contributes to a positive impact. Together with our guests, team, local producers and community, we can help ensure Warburton remains a beautiful and sustainable destination for generations to come.

Get in Touch About The Alpine