Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) continues to build on its sustainability credentials with a range of initiatives delivering great outcomes for the venue.

In 2018 MCEC joined 13 other leading Melbourne organisations to support the development of a wind farm in regional Victoria. The Melbourne Renewable Energy Project enables the venue to offset the electricity use of its new 20,000 square metre expansion space with renewable energy. Additionally the replacement of 660 halogen lights with LED lights in its exhibition bays has reduced MCEC’s carbon emissions and resulted in an average cost saving of 52 per cent for customers.

MCEC’s conference menu features the 100 Mile Market Garden Menu option which sources all major ingredients from local farms and markets within a 100 mile radius of the venue. Sourcing produce from local, passionate and ethical suppliers, promotes the wonderful producers we have in Victoria and reduces the venue’s environmental footprint.

Through its ongoing partnership with Ozharvest, MCEC redistributed 38,660 meals (12,886 kilograms of food) through its food rescue donation program in 2018.

By banning plastic straws at retail outlets and removing plastic water bottles in catering, MCEC has diverted over 30,000 plastic straws and 500,000 plastic bottles annually. Small actions can make a big impact.

Considerations such as waste minimisation are increasingly important to customers and event attendees. From eliminating single-use plastics to considering digital solutions there are many simple changes you can make at your next event to ensure you’re minimising waste and maximising diversion from landfill.

Discover some of MCEC’s top tips here.