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.
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.
Brisbane is a green city with an enviable subtropical climate and rich biodiversity. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Australia and is known for its vibrant urban precincts, outdoor lifestyle and friendly locals. Brisbane is the second city in the world to have attained Gold Level in the United Nations Habitat’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Cities Global Initiative, an exciting acknowledgement of the strides taken to protect and grow a sustainable city of the future. Initiatives that contribute to Brisbane’s success include investment in connected and low-emissions public transport networks, active transport bridges to connect footpaths and bikeways between the city and suburbs, and incentives to encourage the design of more energy efficient buildings across Brisbane. Demonstrating leadership in sustainability, Brisbane City Council’s Clean, Green, Sustainable strategy details the approach and actions to deliver a sustainable city now and for future generations. Brisbane Economic Development Agency (BEDA) is responsible for championing sustainable economic growth for the region and spearheads collaboration across the city. In 2025, BEDA was awarded Silver Certification with EarthCheck, highlighting the agency’s commitment to sustainability.
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. Tracking against the city’s Clean, Green and Sustainable vision, Brisbane has performed well in a number of areas such: as clean air; reduced household carbon emissions; reduced waste generation and increased resource recovery; improved quality and network of natural habitat and green spaces within the city; and increased sustainable transport and active travel infrastructure and patronage. Brisbane has rich biodiversity with more than 800 species of wildlife and over 2,500 species of native plants. In 2025, Brisbane Airport achieved its target of becoming Net Zero. With 85% of residents living within 400m of public open space, 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
THE CITY’S
2030 CARBON
REDUCTION TARGET
HECTARES OF GREEN
AREA PER 100 000
POPULATION
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. A number of key hotels in the destination focus on sustainability with third party sustainability certifications. Brisbane has highly experienced event managers and PCOs 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 by achieving Silver certification through EarthCheck.
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 fantastic lifestyle, an abundance of attractions to explore, and a diverse population. Brisbane is a multicultural city that prides itself on being a vibrant and inclusive destination. The Better Brisbane Index 2022-2023 highlights that 92% of Brisbane residents reported a positive quality-of-life. 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 City Council is dedicated to creating accessible and inclusive public transport and public space options. Furthermore, the city’s Sustainable Growth Strategy ensures Brisbane is responding to the changing needs and requirements for housing into the future.
The GDS-Movement is a pioneering, data-driven international change agency that acts to catalyse socio-economic and environmental transformation in cities and regions across the world. 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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