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The Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre's ongoing commitment to the environment and its local community will be highlighted during the next few weeks.

The Centre has committed to a four week period of heightened activity focussing awareness on the environment and the community as part of a worldwide 1EARTH Month program.

Following a number of years executing its own wide ranging Social Responsibility Program, the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has now moved to the next level by also partnering with the AEG 1EARTH global sustainability program across the group's worldwide stable of venues.

The AEG 1EARTH program represents AEG's environmental commitment and measures the impact of the AEG operations worldwide, identifying projects to improve environmental performance. BCEC has broadened the 1EARTH program to include their ongoing work with the community.

Participation in 1EARTH Month is the first joint activity of the international partnership.

The month long program kicked off with Earth Hour when the Centre extinguished all non-essential external and internal lighting for one hour at 8.30pm on Saturday 23rd March and will continue through to Earth Day on the 22nd April.

During 1EARTH month staff will be encouraged to recycle everything from batteries, mobile phones, reading glasses and used light bulbs. They will also be involved in volunteering activities including a Backyard Blitz at the Red Cross Homeless Shelter, donating blood or cooking hundreds of litres of soup for Foodbank to help feed Brisbane's homeless.

The Centre will also take the opportunity to initiate other long term projects that will reduce the environmental impact of the Centre's operations including partnering with key suppliers.

The four week project involves staff, clients and suppliers and incorporates a number of recycling activities and volunteering opportunities for staff, plus a major communication and education program to engage stakeholders.

At the conclusion of the four week period an outcome report will be produced and a general strategy delivered outlining activities for the next 12 months, identifying future events and projects to ensure the momentum and level of engagement is maintained.

BCEC General Manager Bob O'Keeffe said the Centre's 1EARTH Social Responsibility Program will refocus the efforts of staff and management in putting values into action, stating "we believe that each one of us as individuals, in organisations and as members of our community can and should - make choices that reduce our impact on the environment and contribute to building more caring communities.

"We also believe that such a commitment and involvement is a vital part of offering our customers a world class facility and the best convention and event experience. Building a sustainable business one that balances economic performance with environmental health and community wellbeing is good for everyone."

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre is owned by South Bank Corporation and proudly managed by leading international venue management specialists AEG Ogden.

27th March 2009 - VENUES BACK EARTH HOUR

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