AusLeisure

As the first convention centre in the world to be awarded a 6-Star Green Star environmental rating, sustainability remains at the core of Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) business priorities.

Over the past two years the venue has decreased energy consumption in the Exhibition Centre by 30%, due to the introduction of ecological and sustainable infrastructure.

 The venue has invested in a new CO2 monitoring system, variable speed drives, energy efficient chillers, an energy management system and are currently trialling LED lights in the Exhibition Centre bays to further reduce energy usage.

 MCEC’s Chief Operating Officer, Leighton Wood said as one of the largest pieces of public infrastructure in Melbourne, MCEC has an increasing responsibility to support the community through sustainable business practices and partnerships.

Wood explained “from replacing over 600 light fittings to energy-efficient alternatives to eliminating the use of all plastic water bottles in catering, these initiatives demonstrate that MCEC goes beyond a ‘tick box’ approach to sustainability by implementing unique and innovative measures which benefit both the environment and the local community.

“After more than a decade of sustainable practice, MCEC achieved the coveted Gold Certification in June 2016 from EarthCheck, the world’s leading sustainable benchmarking organisation. This places us as a leader in a unique worldwide group of sustainable tourism operators and in particular, confirms our status as the regional leader in both potable water consumption and waste diverted from landfill.”

Although the venue is set to grow by 25% when the expansion project reaches completion in mid-2018, MCEC is working to ensure its carbon emissions don’t increase through sourcing power from renewable energy.

Significant milestones achieved in 2017 include:

• Reducing carbon emissions to 205 kilograms CO2-e per square metre, a nine% reduction since 2015.
• A significant increase in waste being diverted from landfill, with 63% of all waste from the venue now being recycled using 15 waste streams.
• Replacement of 614 halogen lights with LED lights and a further 1079 in 2018.

The venue also continues to grow its partnerships with food rescue organisations, to ensure optimal levels of donation of excess food. In 2017 MCEC achieved over 100 pick-ups (equating to 28,542 meals) to OzHarvest’s food rescue donation program, compared to 10 pick-ups in 2015.

14th February 2018 - INTENSIVE EDUCATION COURSES TO EMPHASISE RECOGNITION OF VENUE VULNERABILITIES

13th September 2017 - VENUES AROUND THE WORLD MAKE INCREASING USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

24th July 2017 - MCEC ANNOUNCES FIFTH CONSECUTIVE RECORD-BREAKING YEAR 

8th July 2017 - MCEC CHIEF EXECUTIVE APPOINTED TO AIPC BOARD 

7th July 2017 - FORMER VICTORIAN PREMIER JOHN BRUMBY TO CHAIR MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION TRUST

3rd May 2017 - MCEC SECURES TWO MAJOR ACCOLADES AT MEA AWARDS 

20th December 2016 - MCEC APPOINTS NEW SENIOR MANAGER OF OPERATIONS 

30th May 2016 - MELBOURNE CONVENTION AND EXHIBITION CENTRE TO BENEFIT FROM $205 MILLION EXPANSION 

21st November 2012 - CONNECTING SUPPLIERS WITH BUYERS, THE AUSTRALASIAN LEISURE MANAGEMENT SUPPLIERS DIRECTORY 

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