For the fourth year running, Brisbane has climbed the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index), retaining its ranking in the top 40 global sustainable cities.

The city is now ranked 33 out of 100 top destinations worldwide.

In awarding Brisbane its rank, the GDS-Index has highlighted the city’s improved performance in supporting suppliers with training, capacity building and communications.

The GDS-Index ranking comes on the back of Brisbane earning Bronze Benchmarking status from EarthCheck, a globally recognised certification, consulting and advisory group for sustainable destinations and tourism.

The accreditation signals Brisbane has exceeded best-practice benchmarks across key social, environmental, cultural and economic sustainability categories.

“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital, and as Australia’s most biodiverse capital city, we’ve been a leader in sustainability for more than 20 years,” says Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

“Our city is home to more than 2100 parks and 5000km of paths and walkways for residents to enjoy, while our lifestyle precincts, world-class venues and tourism operators, including Howard Smith Wharves and Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, are leading the way in sustainable business practices.

“This recognition reflects the work Brisbane does to reduce waste, emissions and costs for residents now and into the future.”