Sustainability
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.
REFLECT RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
Meanjin (Brisbane) has a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and here at BCEC, we are committed to acknowledging, celebrating and showcasing First Nations cultures and peoples, and promoting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and traditions throughout our operations.
It is our aim to identify how we can make a genuine contribution to reconciliation and our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan is our first formal step on that journey.
Kym Guesdon | General Manager
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
EARTHCHECK PLATINUM CERTIFIED
Our EarthCheck Platinum Certification is the culmination of 12 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.
ECOBIZ 3 STAR PARTNER
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.
SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT
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.
SUSTAINABLE SNAPSHOT
For a snapshot of our practices and partnerships, download Being Green at BCEC.
Or continue reading below…
ENERGY & WATER EFFICIENCY
- A 764 panel 309.42 kilowatt solar system generates 40% of the base-load power requirements for the BCEC Grey Street Building and 18% of the entire Centre’s power requirements, with further 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.
Waste Reduction
IN 2023, BCEC RECYCLED 51% OF ALL WASTE PRODUCED, WELL ABOVE 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.
‘Herbie’, the Centre’s organic dehydrator, helps reduce organic waste from the Centre’s busy kitchens by up to 80%, turning waste into high-concentrate soil fertiliser able to be used in the community across Brisbane.
Food wastage is minimised by working with clients to engineer suitable menus and obtaining up-to-date attendee numbers.
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.
Partnerships
An active partner and supporter of Tangalooma EcoMarines, an initiative aimed at encouraging care of waterways and marine environment protection among school children. Dedicated to protecting our spectacular Moreton Bay, EcoMarine ambassadors help to create awareness of local environmental issues that affect the marine habitat and wildlife population of the Bay through both education and action.
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.
Community Discount program supporting local charities holding events at BCEC.
The Centre hosts an annual Salvation Army Community Christmas Lunch for families of the Salvos many communities offering a little hope and cheer to those most in need at Christmas time. With the help of our suppliers and other supporters, the Centre has partnered with the Salvos for more than 13 years, providing a traditional Christmas Lunch for 500 adults and children.
