Environmental Credentials and Principals background

Charles and Melissa Tym, the owners of Shawwood Estate have long been advocates of environmental local causes and sustainability in general. Following are just some of the causes we have been actively involved with over the last several years to support positive environmental outcomes.

Links are provided below if you would like to learn more about any of the issues that are impacting NSW and the Mudgee Region.

· The fight against Coal Seam Gas Narrabri

· The campaign against a toxic Lead mine that is being constructed near Lue

Melissa Tym

Melissa has been a voluntary director of a Not For Profit organisation Geni.Energy for the last 5 years.

Geni. Energy's mission is to create a sustainable future by promoting renewable energy solutions, particularly in Narrabri and northwest NSW, focusing on job creation and investment from the renewable energy sector. They aim to help communities and businesses transition to a cleaner, greener future, offering services like renewable energy consulting, community engagement, and policy advocacy.

Actively Supported Environmental Groups Causes

· Lock the Gate

· Environmental Defenders Office

· The fight against Bowden Lead Mine Lue

· Great Artesian Basin Protection Group https://www.gabpg.org.au/

· Mudgee Regional Action Group https://www.lueactiongroup.org/

· Save the Drip - the fight against Coal Mine Expansion Mudgee

Websites of Local Environment Groups supported by Shawwood Estate

· Mudgee District Environment Group https://mdeg.org.au/

· Save The Drip: https://www.facebook.com/savethedrip/

· Mudgee Coal Alert: https://mdeg.org.au/mudgee-coal-alert/

🌿 Sustainability & Climate Action

Shawwood Estate - Luxury Accommodation
Location: Mudgee NSW
Date: May 2025

🌏 Our Vision

At Shawwood Estate, we are committed to offering an exceptional guest experience while protecting the natural environment and supporting our local community.

Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do—from the materials we've built with to how we power and manage our villas.

This plan outlines the measures we’ve successfully implemented to minimise our environmental impact and maximise our positive contribution to the community and the planet.

⚡️ Energy and Carbon

All villas are powered by a mix of grid and locally produced renewable energy, sourced through on-site solar arrays, on-site batteries and low-carbon grid generators.
Most months (except for mid winter) Shawwood Estate is 75% self sufficient in power generation.
All lighting is LED and smart-controlled, and appliances are rated for maximum efficiency.
Passive solar design, thermal insulation, and energy-efficient windows help maintain comfort with minimal energy use.
Energy use is continuously monitored, with regular audits to ensure we remain on track toward carbon neutrality.

💧 Water Conservation

Fitted with low-flow fixtures, dual-flush toilets, and high-efficiency appliances to reduce water use.
All water is locally sourced via Rainwater harvesting systems that support both accommodation and garden irrigation.
Our native garden landscaping requires minimal watering and enhances biodiversity.
Guests are invited to participate in our towel and linen reuse program.

♻️ Waste Reduction and Circular Practices

We operate a minimum-landfill waste program, supported by onsite composting and robust recycling sorting stations.
All single-use plastics have been eliminated. We provide guests with unlimited locally harvested filtered water and glass or aluminium alternatives.
We purchase only biodegradable, compostable, or recyclable products for operations and guest amenities.
Food waste is composted or diverted to local farms for animal feed.

🛏️ Sustainable Design and Operations

The villas were constructed using the framework and material from an existing structure
All villas are constructed using locally sourced, sustainable materials where possible, with a focus on passive design for minimal energy use.
Cleaning products are non-toxic, biodegradable, and sourced from certified eco brands.
Smart home features, including keyless entry, motion sensors, and guest feedback systems, enhance environmental performance while improving user experience.

🌱 Biodiversity and Land Stewardship

Our gardens are planted with indigenous, water-wise species that support local pollinators and wildlife.
There is minimal use of lawn (40 sq metres) and mostly native pasture (10 hectares) surrounding the villas
We maintain and protect native wildlife habitat and limit artificial lighting to reduce the impact on nocturnal species.
There has been no woodland or pasture clearing to develop the villas and the 14 hectares of woodland habitat has been preserved in its natural state
No broad scale pesticides or herbicides are used on-site with only the occasional small scale and very localised use of herbiside to control noxious weeds; we employ almost entirely organic land care practices.

🍽️ Local and Ethical Sourcing

We source 100% of our food and beverage offerings from within our region—prioritising organic, low-waste suppliers.
Villas feature locally crafted furnishings and décor, telling the story of our community and culture.
Our purchasing policy supports ethical, low-footprint brands for all guest amenities.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Community and Cultural Responsibility

Over 100% of our team are residents of the local area. We offer ongoing sustainability training.
We support various local initiatives, especially around environmental issues.
Our guest activities and tours are run by approved local operators, ensuring genuine local experiences with shared benefit.

🌟 Guest Engagement and Education

Each villa includes a Sustainability Welcome Guide, outlining how guests can actively contribute to our low-impact practices during their stay.
Sustainability information and performance updates are shared on our website, social media, and within printed in-villa materials.
The following information is included in the Shawwood Digital Guidebook for Guests

o At Shawwood Estate we are environmentally conscious, so we have implemented the following to help keep our property and our planet in better condition for future generations.

o Our bathroom/kitchen products are refilled from bulk.

o We use only rainwater (hence no baths, only showers)

o Have an enviro cycle septic system which irrigates our gardens, (please only toilet paper down the toilet)

o Gardens are irrigated by (grey water) and our own bore water

o Compost organic matter on the property (there is a bin on your kitchen bench)

o Source local produce

o Have installed a 26kW solar array and a 40kW battery installed.

o Recycle on the property - paper, glass, hard clear plastics and aluminium, (unfortunately, Mudgee does not recycle PET drink containers like juice and milk cartons, soft plastics or black plastic, please place these in the general rubbish).

✅ Monitoring, Certification, and Transparency

We are in the process of becoming accredited as a sustainable Hospitality provider.
We actively track key performance indicators on energy, water and waste.
Our Sustainability Impact Report is under development and will be available upon request or via our website.

🔁 Continuous Improvement

Sustainability is a journey. Though we’ve implemented industry best practices in most areas, we are consistently seeking new ways to innovate and improve.

Climate Action & Sustainability