Sustainability

'The Centre is a model of how tourism can support sustainable living - I hope it remains the success it ought to be, for humans and animals.'

Piers Pickard, Lonely Planet.

We are committed to the concept of sustainable living, consequently, from its very conception we were determined to build and operate a Conservation Ecology Centre and an integrated Ecolodge that are true in every way to our philosophy.

In developing our dream we have created a business dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity and ecological systems, that is transparently ecologically responsible, that tries in every way to impact minimally on the environment ... and that involves and inspires people.

Our remote location means we have no access to traditional services such as electricity, water or sewerage. We viewed this not as a shortcoming but as a wonderful challenge and have redefined independent living to include the very best of the old and new technologies. The Great Ocean Ecolodge is truly a landmark building, and one which showcases sustainable living to the world.

Power

All electricity used at the Great Ocean Ecolodge is generated on site from a 6kW Solar Remote Area Power System. Our electricity is generated by 80 BPSolar 75W solar photovoltaic cells and stored in a bank of 48 Sonnerschein A600S batteries. All the lights in the Ecolodge are long life and low wattage to minimise energy use and waste.

Water

We have installed rain water tanks to a capacity of 250,000L which are filled by water collected from the roof. Water is pumped from these into a header tank which gravity feeds into the Ecolodge on demand. Water saving shower heads are used in the ensuites.

Hot Water

Fresh rain water is heated by the Australian sun through a highly efficient solar hot water system, the clever design ensures lovely hot showers any time of the day or night.

Waste water

All waste water is treated in an Envirosep anaerobic treatment system and then used for irrigation around the Ecolodge. This ensures a safe green area which acts as a fire break.

Heating

A northerly aspect, carefully positioned windows and louvres, 250mm thick mudbrick walls, insulated ceilings and floors and well designed eaves all contribute to the passive solar design. These important features keep the use of electric lighting and gas heating to a minimum and ensure the Ecolodge remains beautifully cool in summer and delightfully cosy and warm in winter.

A Nectre Mark II wood stove was chosen to heat the Great Hall as these heaters have a high conversion efficiency. All wood used to heat the Ecolodge comes from renewable sources, and in future will be sourced from a small sustainable wood lot of blue gums and sugar gums growing in a previously cleared area of the property.

We thank BP Solar, Plasmatronics, Power Solutions Australia and Nectre for believing in us.

"To preserve our home and the priceless creatures that dwell within it you need only see the world as it is and have a vision of how it could be. Then hold fast to this vision and let it guide your steps, your voice, and your heart. If you can do that then there will be hope, there will be beauty, there will be joy, there will be life on earth (and you will never have to live in a world without pandas)." Bradley Trevor Grieve