Sustainability at Mantra Southbank Melbourne

Merely moments from the city's vibrant arts and entertainment heart, Mantra Southbank Melbourne offers large, contemporary apartments with excellent hotel facilities and meeting spaces.

Cognizant of our environmental footprint, we along with Accor, are partnering with Ecotourism Australia to achieve a Sustainable Tourism Certification. Our commitment to sustainability spans energy and water conservation, food waste control, and the elimination of single-use plastics. Below are some of the initiatives we have implemented to date.

Guest Amenities

At Mantra Southbank Melbourne, we have made the ongoing commitment to reduce single-use plastics in our guest rooms. As part of this initiative, we have made a significant decision to eliminate single-use dry amenities, taking a bold step towards a plastic-free environment by:

• Removing single-use plastic amenities such as toothbrushes, combs, and shower caps from our guest rooms. Instead, guests can request dry amenities by visiting our friendly team at reception.
• Eliminating single-use mini-sized plastic containers by fitting all rooms with large, mounted toiletries; shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
• Eliminating single-use plastic water bottles, with the instalment of filtered tap water.
• Removing imported sparkling water, sourcing locally produced sparkling water in large sized glass bottles – eliminating plastic and reducing the carbon footprint.

In-room Cleaning, Housekeeping 

• Initiated ‘no housekeeping’ rates allowing guests to use the self-catering function of our units.
• Introduced ‘Skip the Clean’ by providing complimentary loyalty points when guest with housekeeping included opt for points over in-room cleaning.
• Utilising biodegradable products such as garbage bags.
• Introducing Sustainable Pillows and Doona’s made from recycled plastic bottles.

Food and Beverage

In our food and beverage offerings we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint by setting reduction targets on food waste including over production and preparation waste. Additionally, we use local suppliers for breakfast and conferencing menus wherever possible. In line with our single use plastic removal, we have also implemented the below in our F&B outlets:

• Removed single use plastic containers from buffets such as jam portions
• Removed plastic water bottles from meeting set-ups with the introduction of self-service ‘water silos’, and filtered tap water with both still and sparkling options
• Removed imported sparkling water from beverage lists/mini bar sourcing locally produced sparkling water in large sized glass bottles – eliminating plastic and reducing the carbon footprint.

Recycling

Our building has general waste disposal and recycling options for carboard and plastic, minimising our impact on landfill.  We also weigh our food waste and have annual targets to reduce.

In addition, we plan to implement:

• Recycling of all glass
• Provide food waste to certified organic service providers
• Implement and enhance the recycling of metal, electronics, batteries, globes

Community Support

We are committed to maintaining strong connections with our local community and give back wherever possible:

• Utilise our local Southbank grocers, IGA and Woolworths for in-room grocery requirements
• Use Bunnings in proximity to Southbank for maintenance, tools and hardware supples
• Partner with Photography Studies College South Melbourne displaying student works in property.
• Exploring Involvement with International DarkSky Victoria

Acknowledgement of Country

Wominjeka, or welcome in the Woi-wurrung language of the Wurundjeri people and Boon Wurrung language of the Bunurong People of the Eastern Kulin.

We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we operate, the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung of the Kulin Nation and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

We are proud to be a Sustainable Tourism Certified hotel with Ecotourism Australia. The Sustainable Tourism Certification program assesses our environmental, socio-economic, cultural and responsible management principles to ensure we are minimising our negative impacts and maximising benefits for the environment, communities and culture. This achievement reinforces our ongoing commitment to delivering sustainable hospitality and creating positive impacts for our team, guests, local community and planet.

Accessibility

Mantra Southbank Melbourne strives to accommodate all needs, including mobility challenges. We have four accessible one-bedroom units and while they are not connecting rooms, we can assign a carers room adjacent to the accessible room. The rooms are spacious in design providing ease of movement and comfort for all guests including a wide bathroom with free standing shower.

With the exception of our level two conferencing room all areas of the building are mobility accessible, including our pool where we proved a stair lift and as well a pool hoist to lift guests in and out of the spa or pool. For the Level two conferencing room we do provide a ramp for access through the carpark entrance. Additionally, our friendly staff are available to assist with any specific needs.