Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre unveils its new sustainability strategy

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre has unveiled its new five-year sustainability strategy with a target to achieve net zero emissions by 2030 and a goal to further embed MCEC’s reputation as a leading sustainable event destination.

MCEC Sustainability Manger, Samantha Ferrier notes “we’re aiming high, with a target to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. We are working to eliminate problematic and unnecessary single-use plastics, divert 90% of waste from landfill by 2025, and to be completely powered by renewable electricity by 2028.

“At the same time, we will contribute towards increasing Victoria’s biodiversity, habitats and ecosystem health by 2025, continue to source sustainably and support OzHarvest to rescue and redistribute food to people in need.”

Ferrier adds “as an industry, the events sector needs to be accountable for the impact it has on the world around us. This means, in order to make a meaningful shift across the sector, we must all commit to a shared vision of change.

“Our vision is to lead extraordinary environmental change and amplify our social impact, by forging partnerships and inspiring our people, to leave a positive legacy.

MCEC engaged a number of key stakeholders including industry partners, customers and employees to identify sustainability goals which range from mutually beneficial partnerships through to responsible procurement. Forming the foundation of MCEC’s Sustainability Strategy are the United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries to address the world’s most pressing challenges by 2030.

MCEC Chief Executive, Peter King said the sustainability strategy embraces everything MCEC stands for advising “it puts people at its centre. It commits us to doing things differently, it’s bold in its targets, pursues strong partnerships and aims to leave a legacy.

“We acknowledge the responsibility we have to reduce our demand on the planet’s finite resources, minimise our carbon footprint and help meet the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

“Through the targets in this strategy, we are sending a clear message that we can and will do more to provide better outcomes for our community, our customers and our environment.”

As a leader in the industry across a number of sustainable benchmarks including supporting the development of a wind farm in regional Victoria, appointing a full-time sustainability manager and reducing food waste and CO2 emissions, MCEC has now set objectives for the future under the following priority areas:

Climate Change - Reduce greenhouse gas emissions and take action to minimise MCEC’s effect on climate change.

Waste & Resource Recovery - Embed circular economy principles across all aspects of the business to reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and help Melbourne's transition to a zero waste city.

Energy - Continually improve energy efficiency, reduce energy consumption and transition to renewable energy.

Water - Conserve precious water by limiting consumption of potable water, using it efficiently and harvesting rainwater for reuse.

Nature - Contribute to improving and protecting biodiversity and the ecosystem through initiatives that connect employees, visitors and the community with the natural environment.

Infrastructure & Transport - Design and operate all new and existing infrastructure and building upgrades with environmentally sustainable considerations at the forefront.

Procurement – Harness MCEC’s purchasing power as a force for good by prioritising local, ethical and sustainable suppliers. Also, embed socially responsible and circular economy principles into purchasing decisions to drive positive social, environmental and economic impacts for the wider community.

Education, Awareness & Engagement - Inspire MCEC’s people and community to champion sustainability by creating awareness and leading by example.

Equality Recognition & Reconciliation - Acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land, celebrate cultural diversity, raise public awareness and improve MCEC’s cultural capacity inclusive of maintaining an environment that is free from discrimination and where employees, customers and visitors are treated fairly and with respect.

For more information on MCEC go to https://mcec.com.au

Image top: Cover of MCEC Sustainability Strategy 2021-2025; above MCEC partnered with local company Biofilta to install 36 permanent food cubes in their courtyard. They are made from recycled plastic and are used to grow herbs, citrus and flowers for their Goldfields Cafe & Bar.