At the Wellington Cable Car, we are committed to preserving and caring for the environment and our taonga by using sustainable practices. Our dedication to environmental responsibility has been recognised through several certifications. We are proud to have achieved Carbon Zero certification with Ekos, showing our ongoing commitment to neutralising carbon emissions. Furthermore, we have been awarded the Gold Sustainable Tourism Business Award by Qualmark, recognising excellence in sustainable tourism practices. We are proud to have been acknowledged for our continuous initiatives and efforts, and we are constantly striving to embrace more sustainable practices.
How is the operation sustainable:
The Wellington Cable Car operates on a straightforward yet efficient counterbalance system. It features two carriages connected by a single cable that loops around a bullwheel at the top of the hill. A motor, smaller than that of a Ford Ranger, is located underneath the Kelburn terminal in the maintenance winding room and drives this cable. As one carriage ascends, the other descends, utilizing gravity to create a balanced and energy-efficient operation. Alongside this, we export 500-600 kWh of electricity back into the grid each month using a regenerative braking system. This process captures and reuses energy that would otherwise be lost, enhancing the overall efficiency of our operations.
What we are doing:
At the Wellington Cable Car, we focus on sustainability through many methods. These include; sorting bins for efficient waste separation, monthly tracking to monitor and improve waste management, and using phenol-free recyclable ticketing paper to reduce environmental impact. These initiatives have helped our recycling increase by 83%. Furthermore, since adding these recycling and organic bins, we have been able to divert 20% away from the landfill. That is over 700kg of waste being recycled or composted!
At the Kelburn terminal, we’ve partnered with the Urban Wildlife Trust to install bird dots on our glass windows. These dots make the glass more visible to birds, helping to prevent collisions. Since we put them up in 2022, we’ve seen a significant decrease in bird collisions and help keep our feathered friends safe around the Kelburn terminal.
The lights at the Kelburn terminal are now equipped with timers to minimize electricity usage. These timers are also installed for our tunnel lights, ensuring that we only use the necessary amount of energy during operational hours.
In 2024, we added a new electric van to our maintenance fleet. The PEUGEOT E-Expert is a 100% electric van that has won over 20 international awards. This eco-friendly van replaces our old gas-powered one and helps us reduce the Wellington Cable Car’s carbon emissions by 25%. It’s a great way to keep our operations running smoothly while taking care of the environment.
Future Goals and Actions:
Looking ahead, the Wellington Cable Car is focused on advancing our sustainability efforts. We’re exploring the option of installing solar panels at the Kelburn terminal to secure renewable energy and create our own energy. Furthermore, we’re collaborating with Wellington City Council to explore innovative strategies for managing and further reducing emissions. These initiatives reflect our commitment to caring for our taonga and supporting a greener future.
We are always looking to improve. Do you have any feedback or ideas on how we can improve our sustainability? Contact us: info@wellingtoncable.co.nz