Sustainability & Emissions
A lighter footprint, by design.
Sierra Escape exists so guests can slow down, reconnect, and leave the land as they found it (ideally, a touch better). We operate with a simple rule: fewer structures, fewer hard surfaces, and smarter use of resources—without compromising comfort.
Our approach
• Small scale, low impact: Limited accommodation and light-touch builds reduce land disturbance and water/energy demand.
• Right material, right place: Durable finishes and smart maintenance that extend lifespan and reduce waste.
• Local first: We preference regional partners and producers to keep dollars (and freight emissions) in Mudgee.
• Measure → reduce → (only then) offset: We’re building an emissions baseline and will prioritise reduction before offsets.
Emissions: our plan
We’re formalising how we track and reduce our carbon impact across Scope 1, 2 and relevant Scope 3 emissions.
2025–2026 priorities
• Baseline: Prepare our first whole-of-property emissions snapshot and publish a summary on this page.
• Reduction plan: Set practical annual targets for energy, purchasing and waste.
• Supplier requests: Ask key partners for basic emissions info (freight distances, packaging, materials).
• Offsets: If needed after reduction, select reputable, independently verified projects and disclose volumes/sources.
What we do today
Water
• Rainwater/tank-led supply where feasible and low-flow tapware/showers to cut use.
• Guest guidance on mindful use (shorter showers, towel reuse).
• Grounds care tailored to local conditions: drought-tolerant planting and minimal irrigation.
Energy
• Efficient lighting and appliances; timers/smart controls to avoid waste.
• Passive choices (aspect, cross-flow, insulation) to stay comfortable with less energy.
Waste
• Separation on site: cardboard recycling and general waste, clearly signed.
• Reduce before recycle: bulk amenities and refills where practical to cut single-use plastics.
• Supplier brief: preference for low-packaging goods and recyclable materials.
Land & wildlife
• Minimal footprint: compact structures/decks to protect soil and vegetation.
• Weed control and revegetation; encourage native species/habitat.
• Low-glare, low-spill lighting to respect the night sky and local fauna.
Purchasing & local economy
• Local producers featured in hampers and recommendations, dispersing visitor spend into the community.
• Maintenance/services sourced locally where possible to reduce freight and support regional jobs.
How guests can help
• Keep showers short; reuse towels.
• Turn off lights/heating/cooling when heading out.
• Use the provided recycling; leave packaging so we can dispose of it correctly.
• Explore local—every cellar door and farm shop visit cuts freight and supports the region.
Accountability & updates
We’ll post an annual sustainability summary here each year: water use patterns, waste diversion %, what we improved, and next year’s targets. Have a suggestion? Tell us—we’re always learning.
