Adelaide Venue Management reveals plans for operational sustainability

Adelaide Venue Management (AVM) has unveiled its inaugural Environmental Social Governance (ESG) strategy, highlighting a commitment to act as a ‘force for good’ in the events and venue management industry.

As operators of Adelaide Convention Centre, Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Coopers Stadium, AVM’s The Green Print four-year plan maps a path to a more sustainable future, minimising the organisation’s environmental footprint and maximising its positive impact on communities.

The Green Print builds upon AVM’s unwavering commitment to delivering responsible events, with initiatives closely aligned to State and Federal sustainability targets, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Advising that The Green Print outlines the organisation’s vision to operate Australia’s most sustainable venues, AVM Chief Executive, Martin Radcliffe stated “sustainability is a major focus in the events and venue management industry, with growing patron expectations, and event organisers seeking to align with sustainable venues.

“As the proud operator of three of South Australia’s most important and iconic venues, AVM is committed to raising the bar when it comes to all things ESG. Whether it’s reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, or embracing diversity, we’re constantly seeking to innovate and lead our industry.

“The Green Print will guide our ESG initiatives over the next four years, prioritising areas of most importance to our clients, team and the industry at large. It’s not only about improving the environmental efficiencies of our own venues, but about creating tangible solutions for our clients and guests to support a better tomorrow. It’s a whole of AVM commitment and one I’m proud to say the team has enthusiastically embraced.”

Julian Marchant, AVM’s first dedicated ESG Planning and Project Manager, says The Green Print establishes AVM’s intent to do ‘more good’ for our communities and the environment.

Marchant explains “at AVM, we recognise the important role we play in creating awareness, educating and promoting solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues, from climate change to waste avoidance, accessibility and First Nations reconciliation.

“The Green Print outlines AVM’s targets and actions relating to these themes, and is designed to maximise our positive impact and help create lasting legacies for our clients and the broader community. The plan is ambitious in its targets, but we remain fully committed to inspiring and driving positive environmental and social change.”

AVM’s sustainability journey to date has focused on everything from zeroing in on waste to generating renewable energy through rooftop solar and helping feed Adelaide’s hungry through partnerships with local community organisations such as OzHarvest, Foodbank and Faithworks.

Leading the effort has been Adelaide Convention Centre, who last year became the world’s first convention centre to achieve EarthCheck’s coveted Master Certification, representing more than 15 years’ best practice in business, environmental and social sustainability. Since 2018, the venue has slashed its energy consumption by more than 40%, while also supporting local suppliers with 97% of produce for its Honest Goodness menu sourced from South Australian suppliers.

Key focus areas of The Green Print include:

Going Green - exploring new methods to reduce energy use, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and eliminating and avoiding waste. As part of The Green Print, AVM will work to divert 95% of waste from landfill, transition to 100% LED lighting, and increase on-site renewable electricity generation across its venues.

Sustainable Sourcing - continuing to support South Australian suppliers to ensure the benefit of AVM’s operations extend to support local businesses. The Green Print commits to maintaining at least 97% South Australian-based suppliers, with representation of all the state’s renowned food and beverage production regions.

Community Education and Engagement - collaborating to build awareness, motivate change and improve collective outcomes. This focus area extends to social sustainability, fostering deeper relationships with First Nations suppliers and local not-for-profit organisations.

Adapting to a Changing Climate - developing resilience to navigate climate change, guided by EarthCheck standards, exploring sustainable food production capabilities, and supporting biodiversity/ecosystem services growth in South Australia.

Good Governance - regular and transparent communication of AVM’s ESG contributions to highlight impacts to the business, including publication of an Annual ESG Report, highlighting progress against key targets.

Image: Adelaide Venue Management's Julian Marchant and Martin Radcliffe with The Green Print.