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The efforts of International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) to reduce their environmental footprint and provide opportunities for social impact has played a role in Sydney being named Australia’s most sustainable destination.

Sydney has reached top 10 status in the 2024 Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) and is ranked Australia’s most sustainable destination - realising the collective efforts of Sydney’s Sustainable Destination Partnership.                 

Driven in collaboration with City of Sydney, Destination New South Wales and Business Events Sydney (BESydney), the team at ICC Sydney, managed by ASM Global, supported the city-wide showcase leveraging venue case studies of the team’s approach to strengthening communities, environmental protection and nature positive practices.   

The Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) highlights the Top 40 sustainable destinations from around the globe. These exceptional locations demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable tourism by effectively balancing tourism growth with environmental stewardship and community well-being.

ICC Sydney Chief Executive, Adam Mather-Brown said Sydney’s accolade highlights the city’s sustainability strengths and ICC Sydney’s role in achieving its global reputation.   

Mather-Brown noted “at ICC Sydney, our mission is to make a difference, and our approach to corporate social responsibility includes efforts to reduce our environmental footprint and provide opportunities for social impact by our organisation and in partnership with our clients.   

“Through our promise to be ‘More Than A Venue’, we attract millions of people from across the globe to participate at conferences, exhibitions or entertainment events at ICC Sydney and this accolade is testament to our commitment to shaping a dynamic and sustainable destination in Sydney—for delegates to experience at our venue and beyond.”

City of Sydney, Sustainability Engagement Coordinator spokesperson Chris Fitzpatrick added “this achievement demonstrates the collective efforts of all the members of the Sustainable Destination Partnership. From Sydney’s major convention centre, ICC Sydney, to accommodation, attractions, and more—every partner is to be commended for their contribution in highlighting and elevating Sydney’s unique ability to support a sustainable visitor economy.”   

BESydney Chief Reputation and Brand Officer, Carolin Lenehan enthused “ICC Sydney is a fantastic BESydney partner leading the way for venues here in Australia, and globally. They are an important part of our city’s sustainability story, and their visionary legacy program helps event organisers build more immersive connections for their participants.

“Sydney is so proud to be back in the GDSI global Top 10 cities. This ranking shows that choosing Sydney is a socially responsible move, and gives the assurance that all parts of this city are united in their approach to sustainability and social impact. Sydney is a place to meet, to engage and drive a significant change agenda and we see it as our responsibility to play our role in elevating this capability to the world.”    

As a Sustainable Destination Partner, ICC Sydney provided insights and evidence of venue management best practices that drive positive social impacts to support the City of Sydney, BESydney and Destination NSW’s submission into the GDS-Index.    

As part of a recognised Green Precinct, awarded 6 stars under the Green Building Council of Australia’s Green Star Communities certification, and with a Gold LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, ICC Sydney hosts a raft of key sustainability features. ICC Sydney’s social impact strategies are broad reaching, including edible centrepieces that are transformed by their inhouse chefs into meals for people in need in Sydney, post-event goods donations to local charity partners and tickets to concerts for Sydney’s youth through ICC Sydney’s IGNITE program, ensuring the arts remain accessible across diverse demographics and volunteering opportunities, among many other Legacy Program initiatives.  

The GDS-Index performance improvement program assesses and accelerates the progress of a destination’s regenerative journey. The sustainability strategies, action plans, and initiatives of more than 100 destination management organisations, municipal authorities and their visitor economy supply chains are evaluated, measured and benchmarked through the process.   

As Australia’s top ranked sustainable destination, the city’s elevation to top 10 in the GDS-Index is a significant step for Sydney’s visitor economy, as business and leisure travellers are increasingly considering sustainability when choosing business or leisure travel destinations.   

Learn more about the GDS-Index 

Learn more about the Sustainable Destination Partnership 

Image top.ICC Sydney's Exhibition Centre. Credit: Tim Pascoe; table: GDS-Index 2024 Top 40

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