Derwent River hotel in Hobart, Tasmania
How this holiday makes a difference
Environment
At Woodbridge we take our environmental responsibilities seriously. We are more concerned with environmentally responsible action than green certifications, credentials or posturing. We believe in putting principles into action.
The renovation of our wonderful 1825 heritage listed building is in itself a grand example of recycling. The building was derelict, and faced demolition. Restored, it will now live on for at least another two centuries. Within the building we have re-used and recycled wherever possible, and construction used plantation timber and low impact thermally efficient materials.
Power use is minimised with the use of timers and low energy-use appliances. Our light bulbs are low wattage . We have double glazed windows and insulated ceilings, walls and floors to conserve energy. Our guests have the option of reverse cycle air conditioning, overhead fans, and wall heaters, and each room is wired separately so that guests can choose to further minimise their usage.
Our guests love the old world charm of the open fires, but acknowledge that they are not only inefficient but also environmentally unfriendly. Guests are encouraged to use the romance of the fires for short periods only. Every chimney is fitted with a close-off hatch so that heat will not be lost up the flue when the fireplace is not in use.
Our baths and showers have been chosen to meet our guests’ dual requirements of bathing satisfaction and environmental awareness. Towels are replaced every second day unless guests indicate otherwise.
Our gardens are watered with irrigation drippers and sprinklers positioned, timed and programmed to minimise water wastage.
At our rural annexe property, Truffle Lodge, we have planted over 600 trees, and we are working with Greening Australia to remove exotic weeds, rehabilitate the river banks and re-establish native plantings.
We are keenly aware of the privilege of the clean air and pure water that we enjoy in Tasmania, and at Woodbridge we take whatever steps we can to preserve this for future generations.
Community
At Woodbridge, we support the following organisations with financial and in-kind support -
Red Cross Australia, Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Diabetes Australia, and Women's Plans Foundation. We have provided auction prizes for all of these organisations, to assist their fund-raising, and attend their functions to assist with their promotions.
We employ locals, and purchase locally whenever possible. The renovation of Woodbridge employed 35 locals, some for the full two years, and materials were sourced from local suppliers.
Our menu is based on local produce, and our wine and beer list is almost totally locally sourced, from local valley winemakers and breweries. Even our jams are hand-made by two local jam-makers.
We are actively involved in our local and regional tourism organisations. We are core members of Team Tasmania, a group of businesses working with Tourism Tasmania, to promote and market Tasmania internationally.
We are members of Brand Tasmania, which seeks to promote Tasmania and its services and products to the world. We work with a network of other local suppliers and providers, in creating packages and experiences for visitors to our region. Because of our affiliation with an international marketing group, we are able to provide exposure for these businesses which they would otherwise be unable to achieve.
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