A guide to environmentally-conscious event planning at one of Australia’s most awarded venues
Sustainability is now a baseline expectation, especially for government departments, education providers and values-driven brands. As ESG targets become standard, event organisers are under pressure to reduce environmental impact while still delivering high-quality and engaging experiences. The good news is that with the right venue, sustainable conference planning becomes both achievable and effective.
At the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC), sustainability is built into everything we do, from daily operations and supplier partnerships to catering and client support. Our team works closely with organisers to deliver events that align with internal policies, public expectations and global best practices.
Here’s how to make your next event at GCCEC an example of sustainability done right.
What Makes an Event Sustainable?
Core principles for reducing environmental impact
Sustainable events are purposefully designed to lower emissions, reduce waste and leave a lighter footprint on the planet. They also support local economies, reduce overconsumption and educate attendees about making more conscious choices. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s continuous improvement built into every event decision.
Key pillars of sustainable events include:
- Minimising single-use items: Reducing reliance on plastic lanyards, disposable coffee cups and printed schedules
- Selecting a certified venue: Choosing partners who meet recognised sustainability benchmarks with proof of performance
- Choosing local supply chains: Supporting regional growers, producers and suppliers to reduce transport impact
- Reducing energy and water use: Working with venues that optimise heating, cooling and lighting to minimise consumption
- Diverting waste from landfill: Building in composting, recycling and reuse systems throughout the event
GCCEC helps you embed these principles by offering built-in systems, best-practice advice and supplier relationships that support real results.
GCCEC’s Environmental Credentials
Certified sustainability built into daily operations
GCCEC is proud to be one of Australia’s most sustainably operated convention centres. Our commitment is backed by certification, real results and a culture of continual improvement. Sustainability is integrated at every level, from infrastructure and daily operations to long-term planning and community partnerships.
What sets GCCEC apart:
- EarthCheck Master Certified: GCCEC has maintained Gold status for more than 15 consecutive years. This certification is globally recognised and independently audited
- Energy and water efficiency: The centre operates with LED lighting, motion-activated systems and smart temperature control to avoid unnecessary usage
- Annual environmental reporting: Our Environmental Management Plan is updated each year with new performance goals which are tracked and reported for transparency
- Digital signage and delegate tools: We offer clients the ability to reduce paper with on-screen messaging, app integrations and QR-based signage options
These credentials give clients peace of mind that their event is being delivered in a venue already aligned with environmental best practice.
Sustainable Catering and Waste Reduction
Local produce, smarter service and less waste
Food and beverage is one of the most visible opportunities to improve sustainability outcomes. At GCCEC, we take a thoughtful and waste-conscious approach to catering that supports both environmental and health goals without compromising on presentation, taste or delegate experience.
How our catering team supports your sustainable goals:
- Local and seasonal produce: Our menus regularly feature ingredients from Queensland-based farms and suppliers to cut food kms and support the local economy
- Customisable, plant-forward menus: We can work with event organisers to increase vegetarian options and reduce food waste through accurate forecasting and flexible portions
- Reduced packaging and plastics: We serve meals in reusable vessels and avoid individually wrapped items at breaks or catering stations. We use biopak for all of our packaging which is a sustainable product.
- On-site waste diversion: Our kitchens sort waste for composting or organic recycling and clients can opt in to track food waste and packaging impact
These practices reduce environmental pressure and help our clients align with the values their delegates increasingly expect from professional events.
Attendee Engagement with Sustainable Practices
Empowering delegates to contribute to event sustainability
When attendees can see and engage with sustainable event features, it builds trust and improves the overall impact of your initiatives. At GCCEC, we support this through infrastructure, signage and simple systems that make environmentally-conscious behaviour the default rather than the exception.
Tactics to activate sustainable behaviour at GCCEC:
- Digital-first communication: Replace printed guides with apps, QR codes and digital displays to streamline messaging and reduce waste
- Promote public and active transport: GCCEC is within walking distance of hotels, restaurants and G\:link stations, making it easy to arrive without a car
- Visible recycling stations: Colour-coded and clearly signed bins help guests separate waste accurately with minimal confusion or contamination
- Bulk water stations: Placed throughout the venue, these allow guests to refill their bottles and reduce demand for single-use containers
- Event messaging and signage: Display your sustainability goals across screens, programs and pre-event communications to build shared purpose and buy-in
These small changes support a broader culture of sustainability and ensure your event’s sustainable commitments are more than just a footnote.
Sustainable events don’t require extra complexity. They just need the right systems, partners and planning. At GCCEC, our infrastructure, team and suppliers are already aligned with global best practice. Whether you’re new to sustainable events or looking to improve on past efforts, we’ll help you deliver a conference that achieves meaningful results.
Plan a sustainable conference with help from GCCEC’s award-winning team.