Photo: Adelaide Convention Centre.
The Adelaide Convention Centre has been declared the world’s first convention centre to earn the prestigious EarthCheck Master certification, further bolstering South Australia’s reputation as a sustainable events destination.
EarthCheck, a globally recognised authority on sustainability in the tourism and travel sector, has been setting the benchmark for environmental best practices, and this accolade means the Adelaide Convention Centre has shown steadfast dedication to sustainability for 15 years.
Having been a part of EarthCheck’s global initiative since 2007, the Centre’s recent accomplishments have been particularly noteworthy. They’ve achieved an impressive 99% diversion from landfill rate – a number that’s no other convention centre in Australia has achieved. And that’s not all: their greenhouse gas emissions are 72% lower than the national convention centre average and their potable water consumption stats are also 73% below the regional average.
The Centre has recently inaugurated Adelaide’s pioneering WasteMaster, a cutting-edge system dedicated to turning food waste into valuable resources such as energy and fertiliser. Since its launch in May 2023, this green-tech marvel has already transformed more than 43 tonnes of organic rubbish into 15 tonnes of nutrient-packed fertiliser.
Food waste aside, the Centre’s philosophy of ‘waste not, want not’ shines through their commendable food redistribution program. With over 200,000 surplus meals finding their way to community groups like OzHarvest, Foodbank, and Faithworks, Adelaide Convention Centre is ensuring good food doesn’t go to waste.
Since 2018, the Centre has managed to reduce its energy consumption by more than 40%. Their ongoing transition to LED lighting, which presently illuminates 70% of the venue, is a significant contributor. By 2027, they aim to light up the entire Centre with LEDs.
The Adelaide Convention Centre is also a supporter of local businesses, with a staggering 97% of their supplies being sourced from within South Australia, which not only showcases the region’s finest but also slashes transport-related emissions.
Their ‘Honest Goodness’ menu deserves a special shoutout, which is a result of a symbiotic relationship with local First Nations producers. This collaboration focuses on cultivating native ingredients, bringing a unique and authentic South Australian experience to the table.
To learn more about the Adelaide Convention Centre’s green initiatives, visit their official website adelaidecc.com.au/sustainability.