Melbourne's 'Green Credentials' Summary Report

The Melbourne Convention + Visitors Bureau (MCVB) is committed to leading and supporting green initiatives in the business events industry in Australia.

As a part of this commitment, the MCVB is pleased to present Melbourne's 'Green Credentials' Summary Report - a report identifying green initiatives undertaken by various Melbourne and Victorian government bodies and suppliers to the Business Event industry.

The first of its kind to be commissioned by an Australian convention bureau, the report is a result of an independent audit of Melbourne's Green Credentials based on the research findings of external consultants, The Real Business.

In addition to providing useful background information in relation to environmental issues, such as facts and figures, definitions and a brief introduction to the evolution of climate change, highlights of the report include:

• Details of the many initiatives undertaken by the City of Melbourne Council in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, from developing United Nations award-winning, environmentally sound buildings, to introducing innovative environmental programs to assist city hotels cut energy, water and waste;
• Details of the various awards won by Melbourne and Victorian individuals, businesses and organisations in recognition of their contribution towards protecting the environment;
• Reports on environmental initiatives undertaken across various sectors (including accommodation providers, venues and catering businesses) of the business events industry within the city of Melbourne;
• A checklist guide to running an environmentally sustainable event on a sustainable budget.

Key findings of the report include:

• Major initiatives currently underway attest to the commitment by government and industry in Melbourne to work collectively towards reducing the impact of business on the environment – an example of which is the City of Melbourne Council's Savings In The City pilot program which provides leadership, support, recognition and advice to 25 participating hotels to assist each reduce its energy, water and waste consumption;
• The Melbourne Business Events industry is working to embrace the 'green challenge', as exemplified in the many initiatives identified in the Melbourne’s Green Credentials report (including water and waste recycling initiatives adopted by leading hotels and caterers);
• Given that the environmental impact of Business Events is a growing consideration when buyers are deciding which destination to book, putting climate change on the agenda within the Business Events sector and drawing attention to the positive work being done in many areas in and around Melbourne will strengthen the competitive appeal of Melbourne and regional Victoria.

It is envisaged that the report will be updated on a regular basis to identify examples of landmark environmental practices undertaken in both the city and state, in order to strengthen the case for hosting business events in Melbourne and Victoria as destinations committed to reducing the impact of business events on the environment.

View the report's Table of Contents

If you would like to submit your organisation's green credentials for consideration to be included in the report, please email goinggreen@mcvb.com.au

Please consider the environment before printing this report