Our Green Initiative
As sustainability has gathered momentum in the events community with clients becoming more aware of the environmental impacts created by their conventions and exhibitions, the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) has committed to not only leading industry towards a greener way of conducting events, but also adhering to the best environmental practices for venues.
That’s why we’ve put together the Green Event Guide to help our clients lower the carbon footprint of their event or simply become more aware of green industry practices.
GCCEC’s Green Event Guide illustrates that planning a green event doesn’t need to be complex or expensive – in fact sometimes it’s the most simple and inexpensive initiatives that help to not only reduce costs but also boost the morale of the client and enhance the reputation of the company.
Download your copy below.
The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre has become one of the first convention facilities in Australia to achieve the prestigious EarthCheck Silver Certified status, which recognises the Centre's commitment to operating at the world’s highest environmental standards. In 2013 the Centre will be eligible for Gold status indicating five years of continual commitment to sustainable benchmark operations and certification with EarthCheck.
The Centre is dedicated to providing a clean and professional venue to clients. Since opening, GCCEC has strived towards leading industry towards a greener way of conducting business events. The Centre’s environmental policy is driven by a volunteer committee of dedicated employees, called the Project Green Committee. With the assistance of Environmental Management Group, Ecosure, the past twelve months has seen the Centre has successfully implemented and currently maintains an Environmental Management Plan that tracks and controls key areas of energy and water consumption and management.
“The Silver Certified status reflected the Centre’s ongoing commitment to its environmental policy and its determination to work with clients and suppliers to implement additional sustainability initiatives to further improve its environmental record,” said Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre General Manager Adrienne Readings. “The environmental policy has become a natural part of our daily decision-making and we see our commitment as a vital part of our corporate and social responsibility.”
EarthCheck is the world's largest environmental management Program in use by sustainable travel and tourism operators. With more than 1000 clients in over 70 countries, EarthCheck responds directly to the major environmental problems facing the planet; including climate change, waste reduction and non-renewable resource management.
FAST FACTS:
- Energy consumption 38.2% better than EarthCheck Best Practice level
- Water consumption 53.1% better than the EarthCheck Best Practice level
- Water saving EarthCheck checklist rating was 93.4 points; 13.4 points better than Best Practice level
- 100% of the cleaning and pesticide products used on-site are biodegradable
- Light sensors installed throughout all toilets and storerooms
- 500 power-saving LED lights have been installed throughout the foyers, replacing less efficient lighting
- Fitted all taps with flow restriction devices and water tap sensors installed throughout all bathrooms resulting in a reduction of water use from approximately 30 litres per minute to 6 litres per minute.
- Shower hoses have been retro fitted to reduce water flow from approximately 25 litres per minute to 9 litres per minute.
- Installation of dual flush toilets with a 6/3 litres per minute flow rate. All urinals have been fitted to Zip-master time delay flush systems with a flow rate of 6 litres per minute.
- Installation of new external and stair tread LED lights have cut usage from 18W per unit to 3W per unit
- All external lights replaced reducing electricity usage from 85W to 48W
- All used printer cartridges and toners are recycled through Australia Post and Planet Ark
- Centre has adopted 100% recycled paper throughout all printers and faxes
- Bottlecyclers, (bottle and recyclable glass crushing machines) have been installed throughout the Centre
- The Centre uses recycled (non-potable) water for the landscape irrigation systems.
- The Centre has worked with local suppliers to change the way goods are being packaged and delivered. For example: most suppliers are now using cardboard boxes that are then recycled onsite.
- Menus consist of 85% locally-grown and organic ingredients.
- Leftover packaged foods are donated to Food Bank.
- An on-site herb garden introduced in February 2012 is grown and cared for by our Chefs to flavour our cuisine using fresh and local ingredients.
For more information please visit our Media Centre
Download Links
Green Event Guide
GCCEC Green Initiatives 2012-2013
Earth Check Silver Accreditation 2010
GCCEC Environmental & Social Sustainable Policy 2012-13