Sustainability

College is determined to make sure this year and future iterations of our ASM continue facilitating environmentally sustainable practices. From the choice of our venue partners to the food we provide and all other elements that go into providing this important professional development activity, we want to take a collective approach by encouraging and enabling all stakeholders involved in the event an opportunity to assist us.

Have a green idea that you don’t see below? Let us know at acd@thinkbusinessevents.com.au.

What is ACD doing? Sustainability Sunday!

Sustainability Sunday will see our morning and afternoon tea go green! You will be dazzled by the vegetarian/vegan menu on offer. Not only is eating more plant-based meals better for the planet, but the MCEC also work hard to provide dishes that use ingredients with the lowest possible food mileage – basically how far each ingredient must travel to go from its source to your plate.

Vegan food options will be served on on Sunday 17 May during Morning and Afternoon tea.

College is providing plumbed water stations throughout the Meeting’s spaces to assist delegates in filling their reusable water bottles.  We encourage all attendees to bring their own water bottles to use throughout the event.

Where applicable, we have requested all ASM exhibitors make their booths as environmentally friendly as possible.

Sustainability at MCEC

EarthCheck Platinum Certification

The MCEC has achieved EarthCheck Platinum Certification, recognising its long-term commitment to world-leading sustainability performance. MCEC has been EarthCheck certified since 2009 and was awarded Platinum status in 2023/24, placing it among a very small group of convention centres worldwide with this level of achievement.

Global recognition & certification

• MCEC is one of only a handful of convention centres globally to hold EarthCheck Platinum Certification, reflecting excellence in environmental, social and governance performance.
• The Centre was the first in the world to be awarded a 6-Star Green Star environmental rating for its design and operational sustainability.

Key Sustainable Actions at MCEC

• MCEC actively reduces greenhouse emissions with targets aimed at long-term reductions and net-zero pathways, including emissions inventories and operational efficiency measures.
• The venue has introduced low-carbon “With Purpose” menu offerings highlighting locally sourced produce and sustainable food choices.
• MCEC works with event organisers through resources and guides that enable sustainable event planning aligned with industry best practice.
• Support local: 95% of their suppliers are Victorian, and 100% are Australian; their teams love to support local and sustainable producers.
• Growing their own: MCEC have 36 food cubes set up in their courtyard growing herbs, citrus and flowers which can be used for their menus.
• Reusable focus: They’ve replaced single use coffee cups with returnable cups in all of our catering spaces; and we offer reusable eco boxes instead of disposable lunch boxes.
• Food rescue: They donate food that has not been consumed to their community partner, Oz Harvest. In 2024, they donated 3,200kg of food.

How can you contribute to a more sustainable Meeting?

Transportation

• Carbon offset your flights to and from Melbourne if travelling by air.
• Consider catching public transport to and from the venue or booking your accommodation within walking distance.
• Take in the sights of the Yarra River by walking to the venue.
• Are you Melbourne-based? Why not cycle to the venue? 
• Know others who are attending the Meeting? Plan to carpool or rideshare if you are in close proximity to one another.

Food and drink

• Get involved in Sustainability Sunday on 17 May.
• Bring your own refillable water bottle and keep cup.

While onsite

• Use digital resources such as the conference mobile app to gather and find information.
• Dispose of your waste thoughtfully; MCEC has clearly labelled rubbish and recycling bins to assist you with waste disposal.