Australia-Irish pioneering sustainability company, WISE Sustainability, has taken home the Gold award in the international Responsible Tourism Awards, recognised for its innovative software solutions that help hotels, resorts, and extended-stay apartment brands advance their environmental performance. Competing in the highly competitive Climate Change category, WISE Sustainability stood out among strong contenders from North America, Europe, and Australasia.

This win highlights the company’s unique, action-oriented approach to sustainability. Rather than just focusing on reporting, WISE Sustainability’s tools are designed to drive immediate, measurable results. As Dr. Christopher Warren, Chief Scientific Officer and Founder, explains, “Tourism companies are under increasing pressure to improve sustainability reporting and performance. Our software goes beyond reporting—it’s about delivering results from day one. We make the journey engaging for managers, engineers, staff, and guests through gamification and real-time eco-feedback.”

WISE Sustainability was founded in 2018 by Dr. Christopher Warren and his wife, Sophie Warren, who had previously owned and operated one of Australia’s most successful boutique resorts. Their personal experiences led them to develop software solutions that directly address the challenges hospitality businesses face in adopting sustainable practices. “We saw firsthand that sustainability was a difficult layer to add on top of existing operational challenges. That’s why we designed tools that work like a 24/7 sustainability department—cutting down energy, water, and waste throughout the entire operation,” says Dr. Warren.

The secret to WISE Sustainability’s success has been its research-led approach. Dr. Warren and his team anticipated the legislative shifts that are now placing sustainability at the forefront of industry compliance requirements. “We understood that reporting alone will not be enough in the future. Hospitality businesses need to show continuous progress to remain competitive. Our tools not only provide independent third-party verification but also actively drive sustainability improvements, offering a critical edge in the market,” adds Dr. Warren.

WISE Sustainability’s impact extends beyond Australia, with the company having worked with leading hotel groups, Europe’s largest theme park, and state and territory tourism bodies. Its software solutions are fast becoming essential tools for the hospitality industry as the push for sustainability intensifies.

The Responsible Tourism Awards, which have been running for 20 years, are widely regarded as the most prestigious awards in sustainable tourism. Led by Emeritus Professor Harold Goodwin and a panel of expert judges, the awards coincide with the annual World Travel Market event in London and World Responsible Tourism Day, backed by the United Nations.

WISE Sustainability’s gold award is a testament to their forward-thinking approach and commitment to creating practical, scalable solutions that not only meet the demands of today but also prepare the industry for a more sustainable future.