With the ever-growing spotlight on sustainability in the business events sector, the Adelaide Convention Centre is proud to announce that it has achieved its latest EarthCheck Platinum certification. Reflecting 13 years best practice in business and environmental sustainability, the latest achievement reaffirms the Centre’s global sustainability leadership, edging it closer to EarthCheck’s coveted ‘Master’ status.
“Adelaide proudly enjoys a reputation as a clean, green event destination. As the world’s only ‘city in a park’, our destination takes sustainability very seriously with a mission to become the world’s first carbon neutral city,” comments Martin Radcliffe, General Manager, Adelaide Convention Centre.
“The Adelaide Convention Centre shares this commitment, with environmental sustainability and social responsibility integrated through all aspects of our business and culture. Our team is always looking for new ways to create positive impact for both the environment and our community. In addition to our own initiatives, we work closely with our clients on sustainable event management and offer recommendations to help reduce their event footprint.”
The Adelaide Convention Centre was the first convention centre to register with the internationally recognised EarthCheck program, and in 2018 become the first convention centre to achieve EarthCheck Platinum certification. The venue’s latest EarthCheck audit recognises the venue as a regional leader in numerous important areas including water conservation, reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. along with minimising waste to landfill.
Radcliffe adds, “Our sustainability efforts are focused on aspects such as the management and reduction of waste to landfill, including everything from organic waste through to exhibition waste. Over the past 15 years, we’ve managed to reduce total waste to landfill by an audited 96 percent. We’re always on the lookout for new innovations to build upon our sustainable practices, as well as to help further grow public awareness and engagement.”
Core elements of the Adelaide Convention Centre’s sustainability program include:
- Waging the war on plastic: The Adelaide Convention Centre has been actively fighting the war on plastic for the better part of a decade, using fully biodegradable and compostable cups and lids for both hot and cold drinks long before it became standard practice in South Australia.
- Food rescue: Since mid-2007, the Adelaide Convention Centre has virtually eliminated organic waste to landfill via careful menu planning supported by a comprehensive food redistribution program; the latter has seen any unused/untouched meals donated to OzHarvest and Foodbank. The venue’s efforts in this area not only help feed the hungry, but also help save greenhouse gas emissions and water usage.
- Local food policy: The Adelaide Convention Centre’s sustainability efforts extend to supporting local producers, with 97 percent of produce used by the venue sourced from local, sustainable environments. This commitment not only ensures visiting delegates enjoy a ‘taste of South Australia’ and helps support local business, but reduces the Centre’s food miles. The Adelaide Convention Centre’s award-winning Honest Goodness menu has also played a key role in helping minimise waste. The menu’s concentration on real, whole foods has seen the amount of fresh produce coming into the venue’s kitchen more than triple and led to a dramatic reduction in cardboard, tins and plastic packaging.
To connect with us about delivering sustainable events, please email sales@avmc.com.au, or visit adelaidecc.com.au.