ECO-CONSCIOUS LUXURY

Soaring mountain ranges, glacial peaks and Lake Wakatipu’s stunning headwaters paint the backdrop for Camp Glenorchy Eco Retreat. The retreat, which was named one of Time magazine’s World’s 100 Greatest Places in 2019, is showing that luxury accommodation doesn’t have to cost the Earth.

As NZ’s only net-positive energy accommodation, Camp Glenorchy is pioneering an ambitious sustainable accommodation model. This year, the retreat was awarded the world’s first International Living Future Institute (ILFI) Certification of Sustainability for visitor accommodations.

The certification calls for the creation of building projects that exist as cleanly and efficiently as nature does. Achieving this commendation is no easy feat. Measuring up to 20 rigorous ILFI requirements, including net-positive water, energy and waste, Camp Glenorchy had to demonstrate results over 12 months of operation. To achieve its sustainability goals, Camp Glenorchy uses 500 solar panels and an innovative energy-management system that means it generates more power each year than it uses. “Our goals have been to do the right thing for both the environment as well as our local community,” says Paul Brainerd, co-founder of Camp Glenorchy’s parent company, The Headwaters.

“Achieving ILFI certification is an honour that acknowledges the collaboration, creativity and focus on holistic results that have driven the work of the team from the beginning.”

From luxury eco cabins to backpacker-style bunks, Camp Glenorchy hosts families, couples, groups, corporate retreats and special gatherings. All profits go directly to local charitable organisation, the Glenorchy Community Trust. campglenorchy.co.nz