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Destination NSWAnnual Report 2024-25SustainabilitySydney triumphs on Global Destination Sustainability Index

Sydney triumphs on Global Destination Sustainability Index

Destination NSW partnered in a submission that resulted in Sydney achieving top 10 status on the 2024 Global Destination Sustainability Index.

Destination NSW partnered with the City of Sydney (CoS) and BESydney on the Sustainable Destination Partnership’s submission to the 2024 Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI) for Sydney.

The Sustainable Destination Partnership is a collaboration of hotels, backpacker hostels, serviced apartments, cultural institutions, entertainment venues and industry influencers working together to make Sydney a sustainable destination.

In October 2024, GDSI 2024 announced the Top 40 sustainable destinations from around the globe, with SDP's submission resulting in the city achieving top 10 status after being ranked 29th in 2023.

It was also the only Australian city to be listed in the top 10 and ranked second in the Asia-Pacific region and in the Metropolis
category behind Singapore.

This global recognition highlights how Sydney continues to be a leader in sustainability, driven in part by the Sustainable Destination Partnership, which supports the event and hospitality sectors to do business more sustainably.

Destination NSW, CoS and BESydney have committed to participating in the 2025 Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI). Rankings are expected to be announced in the first half of the 2025–26 financial year.

SDP highlights since 2018

  • 31 per cent reduction in emissions
  • 12 per cent of electricity sourced from renewables
  • 105 million mj of gas consumption reduced
  • 21 per cent reduction in water consumption
  • 4 million kWh of electricity saved
  • 69 per cent of collected waste diverted from landfill
  • 60 building ratings and certifications implemented in 2024