Eco-friendly and sustainability

Image of Treghan's gardenOur Approach

At Treghan, sustainability sits alongside comfort – not in place of it.

We believe it is possible to offer a high-quality stay while caring for the environment, supporting our community, and protecting what makes this place special.

Treghan Lodge combines luxury with a commitment to contribute towards the sustainability of our environment, while endeavouring to minimise the impact of our property and tourism business on the planet. We also aim to help educate travellers in caring for our beautiful country and provide information about Aotearoa’s cultural heritage.

The environment at Treghan is tranquil, restful and beautiful, and we want to make sure that coming generations continue to enjoy the property while contributing to its sustainability.

We understand that all businesses create a social and environmental impact, including Treghan, but we aim to minimise adverse effects by using resources sensibly, buying carefully, and disposing of waste responsibly.

Supporting People and Community

To us, creating a better tomorrow also means supporting our people and our community.

We are committed to creating a positive, collaborative environment for our team, where they feel valued and supported.

We also work closely with local suppliers and businesses, ensuring that wherever possible we buy locally, reduce transport impact, and support the wider community.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, there is a strong connection to the natural environment. For Māori, every mountain, river and tree has a story. These stories form part of identity and help shape a sense of place.

We value and respect this connection, and aim to reflect that sense of care and protection in the experience we offer our guests.

The Tiaki Promise

Tiaki means ‘to care and protect’ in Te Reo Māori.

Under the Tiaki – Care for New Zealand initiative, the Tiaki Promise encourages travellers to care for the land, waterways and communities while travelling in Aotearoa.

In 2018, we became partners with Tourism Industry Aotearoa and their sustainable tourism programme, developed alongside key organisations across the country.

We are committed to the four pillars of this programme:

  • Economic sustainability
  • Visitor sustainability
  • Community sustainability
  • Environmental sustainability

Our sustainable environmental practices

When we purchased Treghan, we built two new two-bedroom guesthouses, created a one-bedroom self-contained guesthouse, and refurbished the existing property.

Throughout this process, we implemented a range of practical sustainability measures.

These include:

  • Installing a bio-cycle sewage system for Birdsong and Tranquility Retreats, allowing grey and waste water to be recycled for garden irrigation
  • Fitting double glazing with draught-proof seals to improve energy efficiency and comfort
  • Installing high-quality insulation throughout the guesthouses
  • Collecting rainwater through 31,000 litre tanks for use in guesthouses and gardens
  • Installing efficient filtration systems for water use
  • Using Energy Star rated appliances wherever possible
  • Using energy-efficient LED lighting throughout
  • Installing underfloor heating systems designed to minimise energy use
  • Using solid oak flooring to reduce environmental impact
  • Designing verandahs and overhangs for natural heat control and shade
  • Installing LED drive lighting with timers
  • Using low VOC paints throughout

In addition, we:

  • Collect rainwater for use across the property
  • Provide eco-friendly and organic cleaning supplies and toiletries
  • Use biodegradable and environmentally friendly cleaning products
  • Encourage guests to reuse towels rather than replacing them daily
  • Use dual flush toilets to conserve water
  • Grow organic seasonal fruit and vegetables for guest use
  • Source organic or spray-free produce wherever possible
  • Offer organic New Zealand wines
  • Purchase local goods and produce where possible
  • Support local artists through our onsite gallery
  • Provide recycling facilities in all guesthouses
  • Separate and recycle waste into glass, plastic, metal, paper and cardboard
  • Use irrigation timers to reduce water usage
  • Plant native and exotic trees for shade, shelter and carbon mitigation
  • Use LED lighting across the entire property
  • Install solar lighting for pathways and gardens
  • Use motion sensors to reduce unnecessary lighting
  • Offer employment to local residents
  • Train staff in sustainable practices and health and safety
  • Monitor energy, water and waste usage regularly
  • Recycle linen and clothing through local organisations
  • Use energy-efficient heat pumps
  • Provide guests with information about our sustainability practices

Planting  For The Future

While it is not possible to eliminate the carbon footprint of travel entirely, we take steps to reduce our impact.

For every guest stay, we fund and plant a tree or shrub at Treghan.

Initially, this was done on behalf of guests. Since April 2018, we have invited guests to take part in the planting process themselves.

If guests are unable to participate, we provide an image of their tree being planted, so they can still be part of the experience.

Since taking over the property, we have planted more than 7,000 trees, shrubs and plants, contributing to the ongoing greening of Treghan.