How Our McLaren Vale Accommodation Is Growing Sustainability from the Ground Up
At Vale 194, we’ve come to see sustainability as something you grow into, not a checklist, but a mindset that evolves as you learn. After going through the building process, opening our doors, and now diving into carbon planning, we’ve realised just how many ways there are to make a difference, step by step. And as we figure it out, we’ll keep adding to what we do, because even small changes can add up, especially when shared.
McLaren Vale is leading the way when it comes to sustainability. As the most environmentally sustainable wine grape–growing region in Australia, it’s a place built on regenerative thinking, organic practices, water management, and climate-appropriate vineyards. We’re proud to be part of a region where sustainability is valued. Learn more about sustainability in McLaren Vale.
Here’s a look at the small but meaningful steps we’re taking at Vale 194, and how they contribute to a bigger picture of change. Link to each one to see more.
Our Sustainability Journey — From Building to Carbon Planning
Sustainability was front of mind from the very beginning. In designing and building Vale 194, we made considered choices to reduce our environmental impact. From double glazing and insulation to efficient appliances, and thoughtful choices like selecting local products such as milk, olive oil, beds, and quilts, we’ve aimed to reduce our environmental impact from the very beginning.
Now that we’re open, our focus has shifted to understanding our broader carbon footprint and identifying new ways to improve. We’ve recently undertaken a carbon and “halo†emissions review with support from the Tourism Industry Council SA (TICSA), helping us set goals for the future.
Learn more about our approach to sustainability at Vale 194.
Our Tourism Emissions Reduction Commitment
We’ve been officially accredited through the Tourism Emissions Reduction Commitment (TERC), a national program supported by the Tourism Industry Council of Australia. This involved completing a detailed emissions report and setting a clear reduction plan. It’s giving us insight into where our biggest impacts are, and how we can continue to improve over time.
View our full Tourism Emissions Reduction Commitment.
Supporting EV Travel in McLaren Vale
We want to make it easy for guests who are choosing electric vehicles, whether you own one, or hire one during your trip, to feel supported during their stay. EV chargers are available in Houses 3 and 4 at Vale 194. We also provide a list of public EV chargers across the region with links to an interactive map. There’s an incredible network of local businesses helping support this transition, and we’re proud to be one of them.
Read more about EV charging at Vale 194 and across McLaren Vale.
One Bottle at a Time — 10c Containers for Conservation
We’ve installed blue bins at each of our houses, making it easy for guests to recycle their 10c refundable drink containers during their stay. It’s a small thing to do , but a small thing done by many can add up.
Here’s how it works:
✨ Pop your eligible containers in the blue bin.
✨ Direct Collect takes care of the collection and sorting.
✨ Funds are donated to Biodiversity McLaren Vale, supporting their work to protect native flora and fauna.
Read more about our container program.
We’ll keep updating this space as we learn, grow, and discover new ways to help. We know that many of our guests are thinking about these things too.