As New Zealand’s official mark of quality for tourism, all businesses that have Qualmark are assessed on their environmental performance. In our latest Qualmark assessment we have been awarded the Qualmark Enviro-Silver rating, in addition to our Qualmark 5-star Holiday Park status. This means that we have scored 4 out of 5 in the Responsible Tourism Operations criteria.
The assessments minimum requirements include basic environmental practices and an environmental review of our Taupo holiday park. To show that we are operating at the top levels of environmental awareness, we must demonstrate that we are engaging in the following activities:
- Energy efficiency
- Conservation initiatives
- Waste management
- Community activities
- Water conservation
This is part of New Zealand tourism’s commitment to looking after New Zealand for future generations to enjoy.
Tourism has the potential to negatively impact upon the environment, but it also generates economic growth and creates jobs. That means in order to keep Taupo’s economy thriving we need to make sure our business operates in a way that improves sustainability.
At Lake Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Resort we believe in protecting the beautiful environment of Taupo and want to ensure that future generations can visit and enjoy it too. Accordingly, we’ve developed an environmental plan and welcome your support for this initiative. We understand you may feel passionately about this also, and we invite you to join us by enjoying our hospitality and supporting our environmental policy.
In developing our environmental plan we have considered the key issues of energy efficiency, water economy, conservation, community and waste management and have taken action accordingly.
Actions taken by our Lake Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Resort:
- Maintaining refrigeration, heating and air-conditioning to reduce energy consumption
- Thermally heating our swimming pools
- Installing flow restrictors
- Maintaining a high quality water / effluent output filtration system
- Using responsible measures to control pests
- Consciously supporting local suppliers
- Implementing staff environmental training
- Establishing a composting system
- Using our own mulch
- Buying in bulk, to reduce packaging
Some actions that are more easily noticed include:
- Use of energy efficient bulbs where possible
- Use of sensors to control lighting in areas open for use over 24 hours
- Reducing water use by using our own mulch and bark in the gardens
- Implementing our servicing policy to reduce chemical use and water use
- Actively referring other businesses in the community
- Actively displaying our ‘Responsible Tourism Statement’ and ‘How You Can Help’ information
- Implementing a history information sheet for the local area
- Providing recycling bins and soap, shampoo and conditioner dispensers
- Providing herb gardens in our communal kitchen areas
How you can help... Travel Wise
Around 20% of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions come from transport.
You can help reduce this and save fuel by:
- Walking and cycling instead of driving
- Try the Huka Falls walk or cycle out to the Craters of the Moon tracks
- Reducing your speed on the open road
- Switching off your engine when stopped
- Maintain your vehicles regularly and use them efficiently
- Remember to check your tyre pressure regularly to optimise fuel efficiency
Energy Wise
Using less energy helps reduce the amount of greenhouse gases in our air. This is important because fewer fossil fuels are being burnt to produce electricity.
You can help by:
- Switching off unnecessary lights and equipment at the wall when not in use
- Switching off the heater or air-conditioning unit when you go out or avoid using the air-conditioning by opening/closing windows
- Keeping the heated towel rails switched off
- Using the microwave instead of the stovetop
- Microwave ovens use 70% less electricity
- Hanging clothes on one of our washing lines to dry, instead of using the drier
Water Wise
Our lakes and rivers are our treasures and the habitat of many plants, fish and bird species. When enjoying our waterways, please be sure to keep them free of rubbish, spills and introduced species, so that they can be enjoyed by generations to come.
You can help by:
- Washing and drying your gear between waterways to prevent the spread of unwanted pests like Didymo (freshwater algae)
Water is a precious resource and we experience water shortages during the summer months. You can help by:
- Only using your dishwasher when you have a full load and select the correct cycle
- Washing dishes and rinsing vegetables in a sink of water rather than under a running tap
- Turning off the tap when brushing your teeth or shaving
- Having shorter showers
- Not defrosting frozen foods using running water
- If you need to defrost frozen foods fast, use the microwave
- Making sure you turn taps off properly, so that they don’t drip
Waste Wise
Litter free places are healthy places. Waste is hazardous if disposed of incorrectly and can attract pests and disease. Reduce the amount of waste you make and dispose of it responsibly. You can also help in the following ways:
- Please don’t litter. Always put all your rubbish in the bin provided or take it away with you when you leave
- Recycling aluminium, glass, plastic and cardboard using the facilities on site.
- Taking your own bags to the supermarket, or using recyclable cardboard boxes instead
- Buying in bulk instead of buying single use portions
- Reusing your water bottles
- Ensure that you use the correct dump stations for black and grey water. Please check if you are unsure
- Use rechargeable batteries, or if you have to buy single life ones, choose a mercury free brand and recycle
If you wish to make a suggestion or comment on our Environmental Policy or Sustainable Tourism, please contact us at Lake Taupo TOP 10 Holiday Park.
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| Qualmark Enviro-Silver Logo |
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| Lake Taupo TOP 10 Resort's recycled concrete wall. |
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| Environment friendly Lake Taupo TOP 10 Resort |
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| Trees in bloom at entrance. |
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