We are committed to environmental and sustainable practices that reduce our footprint on the planet. Building a sustainable future for our clients, our staff and our community, through a balance of environmental, social, economic and cultural factors is absolutely fundamental to the daily operations of our Centre.
EarthCheck Platinum Certification
Our EarthCheck Platinum Certification is the culmination of 14 consecutive years of rigorously audited best practice in sustainability, recognising the Centre’s strong leadership and innovation in several key areas of social and environmental actions.
Since joining the global EarthCheck program, BCEC has consistently performed as a leader in several key areas of social and environmental actions. From sustainable construction to energy and water conservation, responsible procurement, food distribution and participation in community initiatives, the sustainability message is reinforced and integrated through all aspects of the BCEC’s business and culture.
Being Green at BCEC
For a snapshot of our practices and partnerships, download:
Waste Reduction
BCEC recycles waste levels well above the industry standard.
Linens, cottons and uniforms that are beyond their use-by date go to BlockTexx, a textile recycling facility. The end product is returned back to varying industries for use in textiles, packaging, building products and even pharmaceuticals.
Waste separation options provided both front and back of house.
More than 30 different separation streams utilised to redirect venue and client waste from landfill including batteries, e-waste, glass, metal, plastic, polystyrene and timber.
BCEC recycles lamps and batteries through Ecocycle, mercury recovery and recycling specialists, as a signatory to FluroCycle, which seeks to increase the national recycling rate of mercury-containing lamps on behalf of Australia’s National Waste Policy.
Use of Biopak products made from plants for all food service disposables.
Food Waste Management
- BCEC champions local, sustainable and ethical produce and has an enviable reputation for culinary excellence and innovation. As an official #eatqld partner BCEC is passionate about the promotion of local and sustainable produce. Our dedicated team of chefs work closely with local farmers and producers to source the very best of our local seasonal produce.
- ‘Herbie’, the Centre’s organic dehydrator, helps reduce organic waste from the Centre’s busy kitchens.
- Food wastage is minimised by working with clients to engineer suitable menus and obtaining up-to-date attendee numbers.
- BCEC also work closely with Emmanuel City Mission to contribute surplus food for vulnerable members of our community.
Energy Efficiency
- A 764 panel solar system is installed on the BCEC Grey Street Building Roof and generates 32,000 kilowatts per month, with future solar panel installation planned for the future.
- The installation of a LED lighting and a daylight harvesting system within the Centre’s foyers, exhibition halls, and concourse has resulted in a 50% reduction in energy demand.
- A car park lighting upgrade with sensor control systems, reduced power to 15% of prior levels.
- 7 x Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, currently free for users. The Type 2 chargers are compatible with most brands of electric vehicles. Car Park 1: 3 x chargers, Car Park 2: 4 x chargers. Check availability on PlugShare.
- Rainwater is captured from the Centre’s 37,500m2 roof and recycled for cleaning and irrigation. The process of blocking storm water drains and redirecting to collection containers retains 1,000,000 litres of rainwater as well as preventing pollution from entering the storm water system.
In 2022 BCEC re-engaged in the ecoBiz program and developed a climate risk assessment. EcoBiz is a free program funded by the Queensland Government to support business improve their energy, water and waste efficiency.
Containers for Change
Containers for Change Queensland Container Refund Scheme generates up to 10c for each eligible container that is returned. As part of this initiative, BCEC has rolled out Containers for Change bins in front-of-house and back-of-house locations for guests and staff to redirect beverage containers from our usual recycling streams. The funds raised through this initiative are donated to charities close to the hearts of BCEC staff, and to develop sustainable initiatives within the Centre.
Urban Pollination
Our rooftop is home to six beehives that contribute to pollination across South Bank Parklands, Musgrave Park and surrounding green spaces. These hives produce local honey and play a vital role in enhancing urban biodiversity and contributing to food security.
Our culinary team incorporates this honey into menu planning, signature dishes and bespoke offerings for clients. Using honey from our own hives reflects the team’s overarching food philosophy of Seasoned by Queensland to champion sustainable kitchen practices by sourcing locally and reducing environmental impact.
This initiative is made possible through our partnership with Bee One Third, an Australian urban beekeeping company that manages hives across Brisbane and beyond, transforming unused spaces into thriving ecosystems.
Small in size but mighty in impact, our bees are contributing to our focus on sustainability and inspiring menus that celebrate local produce.
