MCEC Issues its First Impact Report on the Environment, Society and the Economy

Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre’s (MCEC) first Impact Report shows the venue’s progress towards its ambitious goals for environmental, social and economic impact.

The Impact Report sets out MCEC’s targets and measures performance across areas like climate change, waste and resource recovery, infrastructure, social procurement, equality, reconciliation and economic contribution. This report replaces the Sustainability Progress Report and brings reporting in line with MCEC’s financial year reporting.

Chief Executive Natalie O’Brien AM says MCEC has an important role in promoting sustainability, inclusion and economic growth in Victoria. “As a major public asset and a leader in the events industry, MCEC can drive environmental change, amplify social impact through partnerships and inclusion strategies, and maximise our economic contribution through the events we host.”

The Impact Report shows that in 2022-23, MCEC met its targets for CO2 emissions, water savings, support of ecosystem health, social procurement, use of local suppliers, employee engagement in community support activities, and economic contribution to Victoria.

Furthering our impact to the State, MCEC has made progress towards the future convention centre in Geelong/Dijlang, which was officially named Nyaal Banyul Geelong Convention and Event Centre earlier this year. The name of the centre was gifted by the Waddawurrung Traditional Owners, returning language to Country. Nyaal Banyul will be a sustainably focused development, taking a climate positive approach to design, development and operation and will prioritise circular economy principles.

“In 2022-23, we focused on some important projects to help achieve our sustainability, inclusion and social impact goals. We launched our Inclusion and Diversity Strategic Framework, started our Reconciliation Action Plan journey, launched a reusable coffee cup program and continued our support for prominent community organisations like OzHarvest and Yarra Riverkeeper Association. We aim to further our impact in Geelong/Dijlang with Nyaal Banyul,” added Ms O’Brien.

In an important milestone, MCEC has recently achieved Platinum Certification through EarthCheck, the world’s leading business advisory group specialising in sustainability and destination management for the travel and tourism industry. MCEC is one of only 6 convention centres in the world to achieve this status and take meaningful steps towards resolving some of the very real issues that face the planet.

Samantha Ferrier, MCEC’s Sustainability Manager said she is incredibly proud of this achievement, which highlights our industry-leading sustainability practices. “MCEC has been benchmarking with EarthCheck since 2009 and this Platinum Certification recognises our substantial efforts in reducing our environmental impact and promoting sustainable practices within the events industry.”

“Initiatives like our reusable coffee cup program, which prevented the use of hundreds of thousands of single use coffee cups last financial year, highlight our ongoing commitment to improving practices and finding new ways to reduce our impact on the environment,” she added.

Rohan Astley, Head of Advocacy, Impact & Reputation at MCEC also highlights the work MCEC is doing to encourage and enable event organisers to create positive impact on the environment and the community. “We know many of our customers share our goals of sustainability and corporate social responsibility. That’s why we provide resources to help them implement environmentally and socially conscious practices into their events. By working together, we can not only leave a lasting impression on event attendees, but also create a more sustainable future for the event industry and a positive impact for our community.”

“Our newly launched Positive Impact Guide offers tips and options to make events more sustainable, deliver positive impacts for our community and incorporate meaningful First Nations engagement as part of the event experience,” he said.

To find out more about MCEC’s goals, actions and achievements, see the Impact Report.