Our Sustainability & Eco-friendly Policy

About Qualmark Enviro Awards

Since August 2008, the environmental performance of all tourism businesses with a Qualmark have been assessed under Responsible Tourism Operations criteria as part of on-site quality assessments. Businesses performing well in reducing environmental impact in five key action areas (energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation, community activities and conservation initiatives) are eligible to apply for an Enviro-Gold, Enviro-Silver or Enviro-Bronze Award.

The initiative, referred to as Qualmark Green, was unveiled to the tourism industry by the Minister of Tourism on 27 May 2008. The introduction of the Responsible Tourism criteria marked a ‘world first', with New Zealand being the first country to have a fully integrated quality and environmental performance tourism assurance system.

We at Pounamu Apartments believe in protecting the beautiful environment of Queenstown & New Zealand. We have therefore developed an Environmental Plan and welcome your support for this initiative.

Our Sustainability commitment will be an ongoing journey that will improve with time and we would like to share some of our initiatives with you.

We use only 100% biodegradable or non-toxic cleaning products, kitchen and laundry detergents.
We use Pacific Green 100% recycled toilet tissue (the first range in NZ to be listed in the Ministry of the Environment's Govt3 paper Buyers Guide).
Our bathroom amenities we use are The Koha Spa Range, which is 100% biodegradable formulations enriched with Harakeke (flax) Oil and Manuka Honey.
Our toiletry soap is the from The Koha Spa Range which is 100% pure vegetable based.
We have reduced water and detergent waste by servicing our Apartments at end of stay (unless at Guests request at an additional charge).
Our toilets automatically half flush; a second flush can be used when required.
We use Organic Teas and Coffees.
We source our products from local or Fair Trade producers where possible.
To use low energy light bulbs where practical.
We have set our hot water temperature at 65 degrees.
The under-floor heating pumps have been rewired to be controlled by the thermostats which are set to 23 degrees max.
We have reduced surplus lighting around the complex and removed unnecessary light bulbs to reduce energy wastage.
We buy Power and Gas in bulk to reduce costs for Owners.
We encourage our Staff and Guests to recycle their rubbish, using the recycle bins located between blocks 1 and 2 and in Block 3 (at the top of driveway).
We encourage our Staff and Guests to always turn off lights and equipment when not in use.
Our Apartments are well insulated and double glazed to maintain and hold temperature & to reduce Noise Pollution.
Investigation of additional hot water pipe insulation from the boilers to the Apartments.

We hope you leave Pounamu Apartments knowing your actions and support helps us maintain or enhance our beautiful country New Zealand.

Media release

June 22 nd 2010.

Pounamu Apartments Queenstown earns environmental award

Pounamu Apartments have gained a Qualmark Enviro-Silver Award, recognising its high standards in environmental practices.

To earn New Zealand tourism's official environmental award, Pounamu had to show effectiveness in energy efficiency, waste management and water conservation, with community activities and conservation initiatives also considered under Qualmark's environmental criteria.

All businesses carrying the Qualmark logo must meet standards for environmental practices, says Qualmark chief executive, Geoff Penrose, with the awards recognising top performers in this area.

“Environmental practices are evaluated as part of our quality assessment process and Enviro Awards are granted to businesses showing a high degree of commitment to caring for the environment and their community,” says Mr Penrose.

Over 470 businesses have achieved Enviro Award status - recognising their commitment to Qualmark's responsible tourism criteria and environmental practices.

Qualmark® is New Zealand's trusted guide to quality travel experiences - helping travellers identify over 2,300 great places to stay, things to do and ways to get around.

Accommodation, activities and transport businesses carrying the Qualmark® logo have been independently assessed to meet tough quality standards and environmental criteria - earning New Zealand tourism's official quality mark

Qualmark is jointly owned by Tourism New Zealand and the New Zealand Automobile Association. The programme is run as an industry service, on a not-for-profit basis.