Down Under Discoveries, based in the Peel Region of Western Australia, is a small but passionate nature-based tour and adventure business. Led by Chelle Fisher, the company has been providing eco-tours, hikes, kayaking adventures, and charters in the Tourism & Transport industry since December 2011. With a mission deeply rooted in empowering individuals and communities, Down Under Discoveries inspires and educates its customers through transformative outdoor experiences, fostering a profound connection with nature.

Challenges

Despite previous certification with Eco Tourism Australia, the COVID pandemic and subsequent changes, including a temporary closure and a shift in focus to mental health services by Chelle, led to a period of inactivity in structured sustainability practices. By December 2023, upon resuming operations in a new region, the team realised the need to revisit and enhance their sustainability commitments. With the cost of living affecting everyone, as a small business they had to choose carefully what investments they make for their business. Most climate or environmental certification programs, while amazing, are very expensive. So when they found out that the Tourism Council WA offered a free Emissions Reduction Program, was a great opportunity for them to reengage and provided them with another way to reflect, refine and grow.

Before adopting the Tourism Emissions Reduction (TER) Program, the primary challenge was managing the high carbon footprint associated with personal and employee commutes, a significant concern for the growing family and business operations.

Implementation of the Tourism Emissions Reduction Program

Chelle was reintroduced to structured sustainability efforts through an after-event update of the Tourism Council’s Sustainability Forum. Motivated to regain the level of commitment previously held under Eco Tourism Australia, Chelle found the TER Program platform a fitting tool to reassess and improve their environmental strategies. "I think Stage 2, Reducing, was the most impactful because it allowed us the chance to oversee our entire operations and see what we were doing and how we could improve," Chelle explained. The process of integrating the TER Program was smooth, benefiting from the groundwork laid by previous environmental management plans.

Results and Benefits

One immediate and significant benefit was enhancing family and business discussions about reducing fuel consumption, a crucial element given the reliance on vehicle commutes.

"The most noticeable benefit has been that as a family business, we have been able to come together and talk about ways of reducing our fuel consumption... Together we have been able to commit to using more public transport and linking multiple commute requirements to lessen the amount of trips and time commuting," Chelle noted.

This collective effort will lead to halving their energy consumption and substantial savings on fuel expenditures each month.

Future Prospects

With a renewed vigor for sustainable practices, Down Under Discoveries plans to continue its journey with the TER Program by staying updated with new sustainable strategies and regularly auditing its operations. Chelle wholeheartedly recommends the TER Program to other businesses for its ability to provide deep insights into operational impacts and facilitate real, measurable environmental improvements. "The platform provides an amazing opportunity to dive into the core of your business and really see the impact you currently have, how you can improve, and take measurable action to actually do it," she stated.

“Don’t get overwhelmed with it all. Just work with the stages, assess all areas of your business and think of it as an opportunity to really make a difference in reducing your imprint on the Earth, which in turn benefits all. It’s an amazing growth opportunity”, Chelle concluded.

Down Under Discoveries’ re-engagement with structured sustainability efforts through the TER Program showcases the resilience and adaptability of a small business in the face of industry shifts and global challenges. By revitalising their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint, they continue to inspire their community and customers, reinforcing the importance of each step taken towards a more sustainable future.

Check out their Tourism Emissions Reduction Commitment Plan here.

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