As Earth Day 2026 calls communities to action under the global theme Our Power, Our Planet, the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre (BCEC) is using the occasion to share measurable sustainability outcomes from a recently completed program of major works, demonstrating how practical decisions during significant venue upgrades can deliver real environmental impact.
Now in its 30th year of operation, the Legends Global managed Centre continues to apply sustainability principles embedded over decades of operation, with the program illustrating how responsible procurement can significantly reduce waste while prioritising reuse and recovery.
The works spanned a range of public and event spaces, including seating and carpet upgrades within the Plaza Auditorium, carpet replacement and repairs across the Boulevard room and concourse areas, flooring replacement in the Plaza Link Foyer and ceiling and lighting upgrades across meeting rooms.
Building on BCEC’s established waste streaming practices, sustainability criteria were embedded into procurement and tender processes to ensure materials were managed responsibly, with clear pathways for recycling, reuse and recovery.
A comprehensive waste report across all material streams found that of 166,480 kilograms of generated material, 151,072 kilograms were recycled, delivering an overall resource recovery rate of 90.7 per cent. One hundred per cent of metal materials were recycled, while synthetic mineral fibre and plasterboard achieved an 80 per cent recovery rate. Dedicated skips for key material streams supported high-quality separation and improved diversion outcomes.
A key circular outcome was achieved through carpet diversion. Of the 9.7 tonnes of carpet removed, 3.5 tonnes were successfully diverted for reuse rather than recycling, extending the life of high-quality materials and creating community benefit through local reuse pathways. Reuse represents a higher value sustainability outcome by keeping materials in use for longer and reducing the environmental impacts associated with reprocessing.
Resource efficiency was further demonstrated through the decision to upgrade existing Auditorium seating rather than replace it. In total, 620 chairs were refurbished, avoiding significant waste and eliminating the carbon and resource impacts associated with manufacturing new seating.
BCEC General Manager Kym Guesdon said Earth Day was a timely moment to share results that show how large venues can deliver upgrades responsibly.
“Earth Day is a reminder that progress comes from considered decisions, particularly during complex projects of this scale,” Ms Guesdon Said. “These results reflect the dedication of our teams working closely with contractors to embed sustainability into planning and delivery, and achieving a 90.7 per cent recovery rate across more than 166 tonnes of material demonstrates the standards BCEC has consistently applied over the past 30 years.”
Jodie Summers, Sustainability & Community Engagement Coordinator at BCEC, said the project demonstrated the importance of setting clear expectations from the outset.
“Strong outcomes rely on clear sustainability criteria, effective separation systems on site and close collaboration with contractors,” Ms Summmers said. “This approach allows us to measure results accurately and continue strengthening how we deliver recovery and reuse across future projects.”
The outcomes reinforce BCEC’s long-standing commitment to sustainable operations and are supported by the Centre’s current EarthCheck Platinum Certification, recognising 14 consecutive years of independently audited best practice in sustainability.
Shared on Earth Day 2026, the results highlight the role large venues can play in reducing environmental impact through thoughtful planning, procurement and delivery of major works.
