Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) is proud to unveil its new five-year sustainability strategy, with ambitious targets to create a positive impact for our planet and community.
The strategy will further embed MCEC’s reputation as a leading sustainable event destination. MCEC Sustainability Manger, Samantha Ferrier said the strategy is about being aware of our scope of influence and driving social and environmental solutions to create a meaningful and long-term impact.
“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 per cent 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. 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” she said.
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.
As the proud 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:
MCEC CEO, Peter King said the sustainability strategy embraces everything MCEC stands for: “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” he said. 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.”
Supported by the Union of International Associations (UIA), the International Association of Professional Congress Organisers (IAPCO) and the Interel Group, the global public affairs and association management consultancy, Headquarters Magazines serve the needs of international associations organising worldwide congresses.