Adelaide Convention Centre announced as world’s first convention centre to achieve EarthCheck Master certification

October 16, 2023

Environment / Events / Venues /

Adelaide Convention Centre has been announced as the world’s first convention centre to achieve EarthCheck’s coveted Master certification – bolstering South Australia’s reputation as a sustainable events destination.

This milestone achievement, which reflects a 15-year commitment to best practice in business and environmental sustainability, has reaffirmed the Centre’s global leadership at a time when sustainability has emerged as a major consideration for organisers in the business events industry.

EarthCheck is the world’s leading business advisory group specialising in sustainability and destination management for the travel and tourism industry.

Adelaide Convention Centre has actively participated in the global EarthCheck program since 2007, consistently performing at above best practice in several key areas of social and environmental actions.

In its most recent EarthCheck audit, the Centre demonstrated its ongoing sustainability leadership by being identified as the leader in the Australian business events industry when it comes to not only minimising waste to landfill, but also potable water consumption, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Martin Radcliffe, General Manager Adelaide Convention Centre shared “we are extremely proud to be the world’s first convention centre to achieve EarthCheck’s coveted Master status, reflecting a long-standing commitment to, and passion for, sustainability.

“At Adelaide Convention Centre, sustainability is embedded in everything we do, from our food and design to our practices and our people. We’re obsessed with energy and water conservation, responsible sourcing and minimising waste to landfill, and work closely with our clients on sustainable event management, including minimal impact exhibitions, to help reduce their event footprint.

“The convention and event organisers we work with are highly motivated by supporting the environment and local communities, and it’s critical that we continue to go about our business sustainably.

“As part of our commitment to this area, we recently employed a dedicated ESG Manager to oversee the delivery and implementation of our sustainability strategy, and I’m enthused where this work can take us in the coming years.”

Stewart Moore, Chief EXecutive and Founder of EarthCheck adds “as the world’s first EarthCheck Master-certified convention centre, Adelaide Convention Centre has taken a significant leadership position in sustainability, and I commend their team on this fantastic milestone.

“Achieving EarthCheck certification is no easy feat as it requires total and ongoing dedication from the entire team.

“The passion and commitment demonstrated by the Adelaide Convention Centre team is not only evident in our interactions with them, but in the improvement of their results, year on year.

“Since joining the global EarthCheck program, Adelaide Convention Centre has consistently performed at above best practice in several key areas and are leading by example.”

The venue’s 2022/2023 EarthCheck audit highlights included:

Adelaide Convention Centre achieved a greater than 99% diversion from landfill rate, the highest recorded rate of any convention centre in Australia,
Adelaide Convention Centre’s average Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions are 72% lower than the Australian convention centre average, and more significantly, 60% lower than the next best recorded competitor within the Australian region; and,
Adelaide Convention Centre’s average potable water consumption was measured at 73% lower than the Australian convention centre regional average, and 47% lower than all other recorded convention centres in Australia.

Eliminating waste to landfill
As part of Adelaide Convention Centre’s commitment to ongoing innovation in this space, the venue recently installed Adelaide’s first WasteMaster – an innovative on-site food and organic waste recycling system, which converts food waste to high value uses, including energy production, fertiliser and compost. Since the WasteMaster’s May 2023 installation, it has processed more than 43 tonnes of organic waste and produced more than 15 tonnes of nutrient rich fertilizer.

Adelaide Convention Centre also operates a comprehensive food redistribution program, which has seen the venue donate more than 200,000 unused meals to support local community organisations OzHarvest, Foodbank and Faithworks.

Reducing energy consumption
Since 2018, Adelaide Convention Centre’s energy consumption has reduced more than 40%, thanks to a variety of different activities, including a staged transition to LED lighting. Currently 70% of lighting fixtures across the venue are LED, with a target to achieve 100% LED lighting by 2027.

Commitment to supporting local
Adelaide Convention Centre’s sustainability efforts extend to supporting local producers, with 97% of produce sourced from South Australian suppliers. This commitment to supporting local not only ensures visiting delegates enjoy a ‘taste of South Australia’ and supports local business but ensures that goods and services procured by the venue have reduced mileage and transport GHG emissions.

Adelaide Convention Centre has also demonstrated it is socially sustainable through development of partnerships with local First Nations producers to plant, grow and supply native ingredients specifically for the venue’s Honest Goodness menu.

Learn more about Adelaide Convention Centre’s sustainability initiatives: adelaidecc.com.au/sustainability.

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31st October 2022 - National celebration of First Nations arts and culture begins at the Adelaide Convention Centre

12th April 2022 - Adelaide Convention Centre names new General Manager

13th March 2019 - Adelaide Convention Centre introduces Riedel communication technology

7th May 2018 - Meetings and Events Australia National Conference opens at Adelaide Convention Centre

24th January 2018 - New Year sees Adelaide Convention Centre leadership change

2nd October 2017 - Chief Executive transition at Adelaide Convention Centre

31st August 2017 - Completed Adelaide Convention Centre to stimulate South Australian economy

10th October 2014 - Adelaide Convention Centre leads in environmental best practice

13th November 2013 - South Australian Government to back Adelaide Convention Centre with $2 million events bidding fund

6th November 2013 - International honour for former Adelaide Convention Centre head

7th June 2012 - Suntec renews partnership with Adelaide Convention Centre

19th November 2011 - Adelaide Convention Centre reaches $1 billion mark

19th August 2011 - New technology for Adelaide Convention Centre

1st July 2011 - ‘Stunning’ new Adelaide Convention Centre revealed

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