Sustainability
Strategy
July 2021 - June 2026

Legacy statement

Our vision is to leadextraordinary environmental
change and amplify oursocial impact, by forging
partnerships and inspiring
our people, to leave
a positive legacy.

Acknowledgement of Country
Built on the banks of the
Melbourne Convention andExhibition Centre (MCEC)
acknowledges the Traditional
Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri
Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin
Nation. We pay our respects totheir Elders past, present, andto Elders of all First Nations
communities that visit MCEC.
We recognise the significanceof the Birrarung to Traditional
Owners as a life source anda meeting place and seek tohonour a 40,000-year tradition

Sustainability Strategy July 2021 - June 2026

Birrarung (Yarra River),of building community and1exchanging ideas on these lands.

Chief Executive
foreword

Our collective
responsibility

Natalie O’Brien AM
Chief Executive,
Melbourne Convention
and Exhibition Centre

Our sustainability strategy embraces
everything Melbourne Convention andExhibition Centre (MCEC) stands for.
It puts people at its centre. It commits
us to doing things differently. It’s bold in
its targets, pursues strong partnerships
and aims to leave a legacy.

We do know we cannot do it alone.
Our partners are just as committed
in achieving sustainable outcomes forour industry. We are a proud signatoryof the Exhibition & Event Associationof Australasia’s 2021 – 2025
Sustainability Memorandum.

For this strategy to be successful,and to truly drive sustainable outcomes
for the wider community, four factors
are critical:

There are undoubtably global
challenges, with Coronavirus (COVID-19)
putting pressure on environmental
advances, particularly with respect tosingle-use items. But we will continue
to make decisions that are both safe
and sustainable.

1. Mutually beneficial partnerships
2. Responsible procurement
3. Customer engagement

Firstly, the city we call home
is considered a global leader insustainability. The City of Melbourne
has an ambitious agenda to create
a carbon neutral city powered byrenewable energy and we are proud
to have partnered with them inthe development of the Melbourne
Renewable Energy Project.
Our people are passionate. The successof this strategy rests with our employees,
who continue to be advocates witha willingness to do things differently.

Through the targets in this strategy,
we are sending a clear message.
We can and will do more to provide
better outcomes for our community,
our customers and our environment.
In 2021 we celebrated our 25th
anniversary, however we know MCEC’s
next 25 years will be even more important.

As an industry, the events sector needs
to be accountable for the impact it hason the world around us. This means,in order to make a meaningful shiftacross the sector, we must all commit
to a shared vision of change.

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At MCEC, we continue to be aleading sustainable event destination
for several reasons.

We acknowledge the responsibility
we have to reduce our demand on
the planet’s finite resources, minimise
our carbon footprint and help meet
the United Nation’s Sustainable
Development Goals.

We control what we buy, how werun our buildings, and how we support
our customers, partners and visitors
to make a real change. We’re committed
to working with event organisers to
reduce their environmental footprint
and increase their positive social impact.

Sustainability Strategy July 2021 - June 2026

Sustainability Strategy July 2021 - June 2026

4. Employee engagement

We drive social andenvironmental solutions,and are in a position
to share these solutions
with the world. That’s
why we want to share
our story.

Our stakeholder groups
and scope of influence
We can’t do this alone. Working in
partnership with our stakeholders
is crucial. We need a unified approachto achieve the targets within thisstrategy and to solve our industry’s
wider sustainability challenges.

Customers

Industry
associations

Government

Visitors &attendees

We’ve championed
environmental sustainability
for a long time with a goal
to improve our performanceyear on year. We’re proud
to be the industry leader
in our region.

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4

Corporate &community
partners

Exhibitors &contractors

Sustainability Strategy July 2021 - June 2026

Sustainability Strategy July 2021 - June 2026

MCEC

Suppliers

Key achievements

A snapshot of this strategy

Our key highlights from2016-2020 include:
Melbourne Renewable
Energy ProjectIn 2018 we joined 13 other reputable
Melbourne organisations to support thedevelopment of a wind farm in regional
Victoria. This agreement has enabled
us to offset the entire electricity useof our 20,000 square metre expansion
space with renewable energy. This isequivalent to 15 per cent of the entire
venue’s electricity consumption.

In-house expertise
In 2020 we appointed a full time
Sustainability Manager.

Reduced CO2 emissions
We reduced carbon emissions per square
metre by 22 per cent between 2015 and2019, despite an increase in revenue.

 5 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions for our2
buildings by 2026 (scope 1 and 2 emissions).

 0 per cent of waste diverted
9from landfill by 2025.

I mplement a pathway to achieve net zero
greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (scope
1, 2 and 3 emissions).

 hase out problematicPand unnecessary single-use
plastic packaging by 2025.

Sustainable building design
Our Convention Centre has a 6-Star
Green Star rating for building design,and our Exhibition Expansion has a
5-Star Green Star rating.

Energy management
We commissioned an Energy
Management System in the
Exhibition Centre in 2015 completewith variable speed drives and a
CO2 monitoring system. The new
system resulted in a 30 per centreduction in energy use since 2016.

Rainwater capture
In 2019 we harvested over 3,100
kilolitres of rainwater from theMelbourne Convention Centre roof.
In 2019 we consumed an industry
best practice of 445 litres of potablewater per square metre.

Waste diversion
In 2018-19 we diverted 62 per centof all waste from landfill using
17 waste streams.

Contribute toa net increasein biodiversity,
habitats andecosystem healthin Victoria by 2025.

Powered by 75 per centrenewable electricity
by 2025 (100 per centby 2028).

All events held at MCEC
(including internal events)
include an Acknowledgementof Traditional Owners as of 2022.

Provide aminimum of
40 per cent
low carbon
meals at eventsby 2025.

Increase employee
engagement in
activities that give backto the community.
Increase the percentageof employees commuting
using public and active
transport to 75 per centby 2026.

Maintain ourleadership
position inwater savings.

Trace our supply chains tobetter understand the indirect
impact of our business.

 educe the environmentalR
impact of our purchases
by incorporating objectives
and criteria in our
procurement processes.

Develop a
Sustainable
Events Guide.

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In 2019 we recovered more than
68 tonnes of food waste by donatingover 74,000 meals to OzHarvestand processing 44 tonnes using ouronsite organics dehydrator. That’s theequivalent to the carbon emissions
associated with the electricity
consumption of 52 households
for one year.

We partnered with local company
Biofilta to install 36 permanent foodcubes in our courtyard. They are madefrom recycled plastic and are used to
grow herbs, citrus and flowers for our
Goldfields Cafe & Bar.

Sustainability Strategy July 2021 - June 2026

Sustainability Strategy July 2021 - June 2026

Addressing food waste

Growing food

The global
goals
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable
Development, adopted by all United
Nations Member States including
Australia, in 2015, provides a shared
blueprint for peace and prosperity forpeople and the planet. At its heart are
the 17 Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs), which are an urgent call for action
by all countries to address the world’s
most pressing challenges by 2030.

Priority areas
The SDGs form the foundation for
MCEC’s Sustainability Strategy, which
contributes to 14 of the 17 SDGs
and aligns our business accordingly.
The goals and targets included in thisstrategy reflect the most urgent andpertinent goals that we believe we cancontribute towards within the lifetimeof this Strategy. As the next iteration of
our Sustainability Strategy is developed,
there will be scope to include more
SDGs and further improve our progress.

Climate change
Our commitment

Key actions

Reduce our greenhouse gas emissions
and take action to minimise our effecton climate change.

1.	Develop a Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions
inventory and implement an emissions
reduction plan to achieve net zero
emissions by 2030.

Targets
1.	25 per cent reduction in CO2emissions for our buildings
by 2026* (from 2019 levels: 175kg
CO2-e per sqm).

a. e stablish a science-basedcarbon target for 2025.
3.	Provide a minimum of 40 per cent
low carbon meals at events by 2025.
4.	Maintain EarthCheck Gold
Certification (or equivalent) annually.
Figure 1
The global goals*Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.
Including the retirement of LGCs.

4.	Continue to participate in the Global
Destination Sustainability (GDS)
Index in partnership with Melbourne
Convention Bureau to advance
Melbourne’s ranking as a leading
sustainable events destination.

Global Goals

98

2.	Implement a pathway to achieve
net zero greenhouse gas emissions
by 2030.

3.	Increase low carbon meal offerings
and further promote our 100 milemenu to amplify its impact.

Sustainability Strategy July 2021 - June 2026

Sustainability Strategy July 2021 - June 2026

	Interim target
2023: 18 per cent reduction(144kg CO2-e per sqm).

2.	Commence certification process
towards attaining carbon neutral
certification against the Climate
Active Carbon Neutral Standard.

Waste andresource recovery
Our commitment
Embed circular economy principles
across all aspects of the businessto reduce waste, improve resource
efficiency and help Melbourne’stransition to a zero waste city.

Targets
1.	90 per cent of waste diverted
from landfill by 2025.*
Interim targets
2021: 7
 0 per cent waste diversion
2023: 8
 0 per cent waste diversion
2.	Zero organic waste to landfill
by 2025.*
3.	All event packaging is 100 per centrecyclable, reusable or compostableby 2025.
4.	Phase out problematic andunnecessary single-use plastic
packaging by 2025.**

EnergyOur commitment
MCEC will mandate the following
in-line with the Exhibition and Event
Association of Australasia (EEAA)
Sustainability Memorandum:
1. Zero signage waste to landfill by 2025.
2.	More than 50 per cent of materials
used in custom stands are recoverable(i.e. reusable or recyclable) by 2025,with interim target of more than
30 per cent by 2022.
3.	Phase out use of PVC in standdesign by 2025.

Key actions
1.	Introduce a phase out of problematicand unnecessary single-use plastic
packaging through policies andreuse schemes.
2.	Seek ways to avoid consumption,
reduce waste and maximise resources
by applying circular methodology.
3.	Expand food waste collection toensure all organic waste is recovered.

*	For MCEC Serviced Areas. Baseline
figure does not include waste generated
in Licensed Areas (exhibition bays) as
data currently does not exist. Future
waste figures will account for entire
venue waste as data becomes available.
**	Problematic and unnecessary single-use
plastic packaging identified by APCO asa priority for phase out. In addition
to the APCO target, MCEC will also
voluntarily phase out (where we haven’t
already) the distribution of single-use
plastic straws, stirrers, plates, cups,
bowls, sachets and all single-use
plastic bags (not just lightweight).

Global Goals

1.	75 per cent renewable electricity
by 2025 (100 per cent by 2028).
2.	Reduce total energy consumption
by 10 per cent by 2026 (from 2019
level: 945MJ/sqm).

Key actions
1.	Enter into another Power
Purchase Agreement to increase
our share of renewable energy.
2.	Conduct an energy audit todetermine where further energy
efficiencies can be made andimplement recommendations.
3.	Increase capacity for onsite
solar generation and renewableenergy storage such as hydrogenor batteries.
4.	Replace all remaining lights
with LED.
5.	Implement the asset lifecycle
replacement schedule so thatbuilding assets are upgraded
to become more energy efficientand less reliant on gas.
6.	Conduct the necessary
investigations for improving
the energy efficiency of MCEC’s
data centre and server room.

Global Goals

Water
Our commitment
Conserve precious water by limiting
our consumption of potable water,using it efficiently and harvesting
rainwater for reuse.

Targets
1.	Maintain our leadership position inwater savings (445 L/sqm in 2019).

Key actions
1.	Investigate the feasibility of increasing
our capacity for harvesting rainwateron site.
2.	Undertake an analysis of site-widewater consumption to determine
whether data capture and/or water
management can generate further
efficiencies.
3.	Explore and implement any further
water saving measures.

Global Goals

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5.	Improve resource recovery andreuse solutions for end-of-life assets,
e-waste, furniture and other goods.

Targets

Sustainability Strategy July 2021 - June 2026

Sustainability Strategy July 2021 - June 2026

4.	Continue to donate surplus, quality
food to charities for redistribution
to the community.

Continually improve energy
efficiency, reduce our energy
consumption and transition
to renewable energy.

Infrastructure
and transport
Our commitment

Key actions

Design and operate all new and existing
infrastructure and building upgradeswith environmentally sustainableconsiderations at the forefront.

1.	Investigate the suitability of attaining
certification against Green Star Ratingfor Performance, to complement
MCEC’s Green Star Rating for Building
Design, and seek certification if viable.

Ensure our employees, customers andvisitors are encouraged and able to makeactive and sustainable transport choices.

Targets

NatureOur commitment

Key actions

Contribute to improving and protecting
biodiversity and our ecosystemthrough initiatives that connect ouremployees, visitors and community
with the natural environment.

1.	Implement a program (on-site/
off-site) designed to increase tree
canopy, understory habitat, species
biodiversity, soil health, or habitat
for rare and threatened species.

Targets

2.	Minimise the impact of our operations
on the local environment by
mitigating pollution.

2.	Continue to collaborate with
Melbourne Skyfarm in thedevelopment of the urban farm siteand ongoing promotion and utilisationof the space. Identify opportunities forco-benefits and community education.
3.	Investigate whether our onsite foodproduction can be expanded.
4.	Ensure no environmentally
harmful substances are used by theorganisation and our contractors.

Global Goals

3.	Introduce a program to minimise
employee car use.

Global Goals

2.	Increase the percentage of employees
commuting using public and active
transport to 75 per cent by 2026.

* Design and construction, or major
refurbishment, of new buildings (as per
Green Building Council of Australia’s Guidelines)

Sustainability Strategy July 2021 - June 2026

Sustainability Strategy July 2021 - June 2026

1.	Contribute to a net increase inbiodiversity, habitats and ecosystem
health in Victoria (on-site/off-site).

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1.	100 per cent of new infrastructure*
to comply with a minimum 5 GreenStar Rating for Design and As Built.

2.	Implement facilities and infrastructure
to encourage active transport, e-bikes
and/or electric vehicles.

Procurement
Our commitment

Key actions

Harness our purchasing power as a force
for good by prioritising local, ethical andsustainable suppliers.

1.	Review criteria for tenders andsuppliers so that social andenvironmental sustainability outcomesare prioritised (eg: recycled content,
low carbon footprint, local content,
single-use plastic free, chemical free).

Embed socially responsible and circular
economy principles into our purchasing
decisions to drive positive social,environmental and economic impacts
for the wider community.

Targets
1.	Align procurement processes so thatat a minimum, purchases comply with
the Victorian Government’s Social
Procurement Framework by 2023.
2.	Continue to ensure that at least
95 per cent of suppliers are
Australian-based and at least 85 percent of suppliers are Victorian-based.

4.	Work with our suppliers sothat together we can achieve
the National Packaging Targets.
5.	Increase sourcing of goods andservices from local suppliers,
Victorian social enterprises andsocial benefit suppliers.

Key actions

Inspire our people and our community
to champion sustainability by creatingawareness and leading by example.

1.	Organise training and education
opportunities to increase
our employee’s awarenessof sustainability and influence
positive behaviour change.

Consistently communicate oursustainability objectives and ourachievements.

Targets
1.	Increase level of employee awarenessof sustainability through a number oftraining and education opportunities.
2.	Increase employee engagementin activities that give back to
the community.

2.	Conduct sustainability tours for
employees, customers, exhibitors,
contractors and visitors and educate
stakeholders on sustainable practices.
3.	Increase employee engagement incommunity volunteering activities.
4.	Develop a coordinated approach for
departments and committees to workon the sustainability goals and embedthem into their own plans.

6.	Pursue opportunities to increase
the recycled content in materials andproducts purchased, especially locally.

5.	Embed environmental sustainability
requirements into customer andexhibitor contracts. Work directlywith customers to help reduce
the environmental footprint andincrease the positive social impactof their events.

Global Goals

6.	Develop a Sustainable Events Guidefor customers to use as a tool forplanning a sustainable event.
7.	Develop and deliver a Communications
Plan to consistently communicate
our Sustainability Strategy andachievements.

Global Goals* Social and sustainable procurement objectives
as defined by the Victorian Government’s
Social Procurement Framework

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3.	Reduce the environmental impactof our purchases by incorporating
objectives* and criteria in key
contracts for products.

3.	Ensure we are meeting any
legislative requirements under
the Modern Slavery Act 2018
and the Victorian Social
Procurement Framework.

Our commitment

Sustainability Strategy July 2021 - June 2026

Sustainability Strategy July 2021 - June 2026

Note: this target refers to MCEC’s total
spend with suppliers whose business address
is registered in Victoria or Australia. It
does not necessarily mean that the products
or materials are sourced locally. MCEC iscommitted to tracing our supply chains tobetter understand the origin of our products
and materials.

2.	Trace our supply chains to better
understand the indirect impactof our business.

Education, awarenessand engagement

Equality,
recognition andreconciliation
Our commitment

Key actions

Acknowledge Traditional Owners,
celebrate cultural diversity, raise
public awareness and improve MCEC’s
cultural capacity.

1.	Host or support at least one annual
event celebrating diversity, inclusion
or culture.

Maintain an environment that is
free from discrimination and where
employees, customers and visitors
are treated fairly and with respect.

Targets
1.	Celebrate diversity and inclusion
by hosting or supporting at least
one event each year that focuseson equality and reconciliation.
2.	All events held at MCEC (includinginternal events) include an
Acknowledgement of Traditional
Owners as of 2022.

2.	Introduce a procedure to ensure that
Traditional Owners are acknowledgedat all events held at MCEC (whereappropriate), including internal
events and events where employeesor Trust members are publicly
representing MCET.
3.	Advocate for the appointmentof a dedicated resource to write
and implement a Reconciliation
Action Plan (RAP) for MCEC.
4.	Support P&C and MCEC’s diversity& inclusion working groups inreaching equality targets and building
awareness and understanding within
the organisation.

Global Goals

Reporting & review

Acknowledgements

MCEC’s Sustainability Strategy isin place for the period of July 2021 June 2026 and will be reported against
annually. The accompanying internal
Sustainability Action Plan (FY 21/22 FY 25/26) will be reviewed and updated
annually as progress is made and as
new opportunities arise.

We’d like to express our gratitude
to those who provided input into
the Sustainability Strategy, including:∙ City of Melbourne∙ Sustainability Victoria∙ Melbourne Convention Bureau∙ IKON Services∙ Brookfield Global Integrated Solutions∙ Diversified Communications∙ Australian Ecosystems/
Melbourne Skyfarm∙ Exhibition and Event Associationof Australasia∙ Paul James, Club Melbourne
Ambassador and Universityof Western Sydney∙ Melbourne Convention andExhibition Trust (MCET)

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16∙ Harry the Hirer

Sustainability Strategy July 2021 - June 2026

Sustainability Strategy July 2021 - June 2026

∙ Plenary Group

0580_May_2021+61 3 9235 8000
enquiries@mcec.com.au
1 Convention Centre PlaceSouth Wharf Victoria
Australia 3006
mcec.com.au/sustainability