Mount Maunganui Beachside Holiday Park is being recognised for its sustainable and environmental efforts with a tourism industry credited award.

The Tauranga City Council operated park has been awarded the Silver Qualmark Enviro Award – an award representing exceptional levels of resource management and social responsibility.

PowerSmart install solar panels on the roof of the Beachside Holiday Park's offices.

Two of the key features contributing to the holiday park's award are the onsite worm farm and solar panels installed on the buildings.

City Council installed a large worm farm to deal with organic waste and added the panels to generate energy in its sunny office building.

'We are delighted the park recently achieved a Qualmark Enviro Silver Award which was achieved as a result of our new sustainability efforts,” says Michelle Elborn, Sustainability Advisor at Tauranga City Council.

The park received a Gold award for participating in the Instep carbon and sustainability programme.

Privately-owned, Mount Maunganui company PowerSmart solar installed the 14 solar panels on the roof of the office block to help power the offices.

A long-standing supporter of the Sustainable Business Network, Tauranga City Council has been working on its sustainability efforts for a number of years, says Michelle.

The Council's responsibilities are hugely varied – from managing parks and holiday parks, to managing storm water, running events and managing a fleet of vehicles.

In 2011, the Council launched its corporate sustainability strategy ‘Sustainable Steps,' which aims to embed sustainability into the way the Council operates by identifying practical actions it can take.

It has developed a staff travel plan, with an electric bike recently added to this fleet so staff can get to local meetings without using a car.

A water efficiency plan has helped the Council target water use reduction.