Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre meets its environmental, social and economic targets

October 20, 2023

Environment / Events / Hospitality / Tourism / Venues /

The progress of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) towards its environmental, social and economic impact goals has been set out in the venue’s first Impact Report.

Replacing the venue’s former Sustainability Progress Report, the Impact Report sets out MCEC’s targets and measures performance across areas like climate change, waste and resource recovery, infrastructure, social procurement, equality, reconciliation and economic contribution.

Explaining the role that the venue plays in promoting sustainability, inclusion and economic growth, MCEC Chief Executive, Natalie O’Brien advised “as a major public asset and a leader in the events industry, MCEC can drive environmental change, amplify social impact through partnerships and inclusion strategies, and maximise our economic contribution through the events we host.”

The Impact Report shows that in 2022/23, MCEC met its targets for CO2 emissions, water savings, support of ecosystem health, social procurement, use of local suppliers, employee engagement in community support activities, and economic contribution to Victoria.

O’Brien noted “in 2022/23, we focused on some important projects to help achieve our sustainability, inclusion and social impact goals.

“We launched our Inclusion and Diversity Strategic Framework, started our Reconciliation Action Plan journey, launched a reusable coffee cup program and continued our support for prominent community organisations like OzHarvest and Yarra Riverkeeper Association.

“We aim to further our impact in Geelong with Nyaal Banyul.”

MCEC has also recently achieved Platinum Certification through EarthCheck, making it one of only six convention centres in the world to achieve this status.

MCEC Sustainability Manager, Samantha Ferrier added “MCEC has been benchmarking with EarthCheck since 2009 and this Platinum Certification recognises our substantial efforts in reducing our environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices within the events industry.

“Initiatives like our reusable coffee cup program, which prevented the use of hundreds of thousands of single use coffee cups last financial year, highlight our ongoing commitment to improving practices and finding new ways to reduce our impact on the environment.”

Click here to find out more about MCEC’s goals, actions and achievements in the Impact Report.

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16th October 2023 - Adelaide Convention Centre announced as world’s first convention centre to achieve EarthCheck Master certification

28th September 2023 - VisitCanberra partners with Ecotourism Australia to boost sustainability

14th August 2023 - ISO 20121 Event Sustainability Management Systems up for review

3rd July 2023 - Melbourne Convention Bureau secures events across range of industry sectors

25th June 2023 - Operators in attractions, hospitality and tourism sectors provided with free sustainability scorecards

15th June 2023 - Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre among recipients of accessibility funding

24th April 2023 - Education entrepreneur appointed to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Trust

12th April 2023 - Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre delivers successful Good Friday Appeal event

21st March 2023 - Melbourne Convention Bureau launches second edition of popular interactive Melbourne e-Guide

4th February 2023 - VTIC and Melbourne Convention Centre partner to drive future for Victorian tourism and events

28th November 2022 - Victoria’s business event recovery driven by success of Melbourne Convention Bureau

13th October 2022 - New Chief Executive named for Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

4th July 2022 - Melbourne Convention Bureau unveils its interactive e-guide

3rd May 2022 - Melbourne Convention Bureau launches its latest digital innovation

28th April 2022 - Melbourne Convention Bureau welcomes back international incentive groups

22nd November 2021 - Melbourne Convention Bureau secures additional 40 business events worth $150 million

15th July 2021 - Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre unveils its new sustainability strategy

21st May 2021 - Melbourne Convention Bureau welcomes Victorian Government long-term investment

26th November 2020 - Melbourne Convention Bureau reports solid performance despite impact of COVID-19

10th June 2020 - Melbourne Convention Bureau reorganises digital delivery to help promotion of events

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