The GDS-Index is a destination-level programme that measures, benchmarks, and improves the sustainability strategy and performance of tourism and events destinations.
The GDS-Index is aligned with international standards; UN SDGs, GSTC Destination Criteria, UNWTO.
Click here to read more about the benchmarking methodology including data collection and verification, the four benchmarking categories, governance and criteria development and performance scoring methods.
This page highlights each destinations sustainability journey and will showcase their journey.
The 2023 GDS-Index comprises 69 indicators across four categories. Here is the total score and the score for the four categories for this destination.
Environmental
Social
Supplier
Destination Management Organisation
Environmental
Includes a city's performance pertaining to its policies and infrastructure, such as climate change commitment, carbon emissions, renewable energies, resource and water management, public transport, and air pollution levels.
Social
Indicates the performance of the city against indicators of SDG integration, Corruption, Personal Safety, Access to Information and Communications, Health and Wellness, and Inclusivity, using external sources such as the Social Progress Imperative Index, and Corruption Perceptions Index.
Supplier
Addresses the sustainability commitment and performance of the local meetings' industry supply chain, including airports, events agencies, hotels, venues, and restaurants.
Destination Management Organisation
Indicates the sustainability commitment, including questions pertaining to maturity of a destination's sustainability and regeneration strategy, leadership, communication of sustainability initiatives (to support client planners), and the accuracy of their reporting on sustainability operations.
With stunning natural assets, clear blue skies and a subtropical lifestyle, Brisbane embodies the best of Australia. The city is renowned for its clean air, rich biodiversity, natural habitat, generous green spaces, and a commitment to sustainability that has twice earned it the accolade of Australia’s Most Sustainable City. Initiatives that contribute to this success include investment in public transport, a low emissions bus fleet, and fast-tracking the acquisition of 750 hectares of at-risk bushland with the goal of 40 per cent bushland cover by 2031. Demonstrating leadership in sustainability, Brisbane City Council is certified carbon neutral in line with the Australian Government’s National Carbon Offset Standard, making it Australia’s largest 100 per cent carbon neutral organisation. The city’s commitment to sustainability continues with Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner recently announcing a plan to build five new green bridges, for pedestrians and cyclists, to ease traffic congestion and build a cleaner, greener and more active city.
Does Brisbane Economic Development Agency have a Sustainability Strategy?
Does Brisbane have a sustainable destination certificate?
Does Brisbane Economic Development Agency report on its sustainability performance?
Brisbane has a focus on environmental sustainability and aims to continuously build on its achievements. The city has performed well in a number of areas such as clear air, with fine particle matter per annum sitting very low (PM2.5 = 7ug/m3 & PM10 = 15ug/m3). None of the city's solid waste is disposed of in an incinerator and 100 per cent of the city’s wastewater receives centralised treatment. Soft mobility transport is easily accessible and there has been a greater focus on providing accessible electric vehicle charging stations. Brisbane has over 6000ha of green area, with more at-risk bushland acquired each year. The city is on its way to becoming a global leader in sustainability with a strong focus on preserving and activating parklands and outdoor facilities to maintain its reputation as a sub-tropical lifestyle city.
OF ELECTRICITY
FROM RENEWABLES
OF WASTE
RECYCLED
HECTARES OF GREEN
AREA PER 100 000
POPULATION
Brisbane is one of the fastest-growing cities in Australia and is known for its vibrant urban precincts, outdoor lifestyle and welcoming locals. Brisbane has a reputation for hosting successful meetings facilitated by the city's world-class venues, unique experiences, and new and refurbished accommodation options. Sustainability is a priority for the destination, with the city and its suppliers working with event planners to tailor meetings to their sustainability expectations. Brisbane’s venues and suppliers are passionate about sustainability. The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre is committed to operating one of the most environmentally responsible venues in Australia and is certified Platinum with EarthCheck. There are a number of key hotels in the destination focusing on sustainability with third party or in house sustainability certifications. Brisbane has highly experienced event managers and PCO’s that are dedicated to ensuring events meet sustainable expectations, and the city's convention bureau, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, has confirmed a commitment to sustainability through its recently launched Sustainability Action Plan.
OF HOTEL ROOMS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF VENUES
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
OF PCOS/DMCS
SUSTAINABILITY
CERTIFIED
Brisbane is an enviable place to live, work and play with a relaxed lifestyle, an inspiring collection of places to explore, and a friendly, welcoming population. Brisbane placed second in ECA International’s 2019/20 Location Rankings –a global list of the most liveable cities in the world for Asian expatriates. Brisbane is home to Australia’s second largest start-up community, with many local programs run by Brisbane City Council including a dedicated Social Enterprise Hub. Education is highly valued in the city, with 1.5 million Brisbane residents (61%) holding post-school qualifications, while close to 5% of residents hold a postgraduate degree. As a result, around 16.1% of the workforce is employed in knowledge intensive industries. With over 100 different religions, Brisbane is a community that celebrates difference. Brisbane’s public transport is fully accessible and the city offers an integrated Braille Trail. Brisbane City Council continues to be focused on creating an accessible and inclusive city for residents and visitors alike.
The GDS-Movement is a pioneering, international change agency that acts to catalyse socio-economic and environmental transformation in cities and regions. Our mission is to empower tourism and events professionals with the mindsets, skill sets, and toolsets to co-create more regenerative and resilient destinations to visit, meet, and live in.
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