August 27, 2021 | By Joyce DiMascio
The Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC) has announced it has again achieved EarthCheck Platinum Certification.
Encouraged by long-standing General Manager, Bob O’Keeffe AM, the robust environmental certification process was introduced over a decade ago, with new initiatives added progressively throughout all parts of the centre’s operations.
O’Keeffe says BCEC has been at the forefront of sustainability and was an inaugural member of Australia’s Greenhouse Challenge in 2001 and the first Australian convention centre to develop its own carbon calculator for measuring emissions.
“Sustainability is essential to the future of our industry and the global community. Platinum Certification is a pivotal milestone in ensuring the Centre’s future success and sustainability,” he said.
EarthCheck CEO and Founder Stewart Moore says the BCEC team has inspired a number of initiatives in the community and consistently demonstrated commitment to responsible environmental practices and promoting more sustainable operations.
Operationally, the major programs to reduce its environmental footprint are delivered by BCEC Facilities Director Ian Chalmers.
BCEC owners South Bank Corporation have helped to facilitate the Centre’s environmental accomplishments, including the installation of a solar system for the venue on Grey Street.
The Centre’s sustainability initiatives include:Installation of 764 solar panels, reducing the energy requirements of the Grey Street building by 40 percent.
Installation of new LED lighting within the Centre’s Exhibition Halls with daylight harvesting, which has resulted in a 50 percent reduction in energy demand in the exhibition centre.
Replacing car park lighting with an LED sensor control system, reducing power usage to 15 percent of prior levels.
Utilising the onsite organic dehydrator has reduced food waste volume by 85 percent, converting it to a nutrient-rich organic fertiliser which is distributed on Brisbane city parklands and the South Bank parklands.
Moore said achieving EarthCheck Platinum Certification places BCEC within a unique network of convention centres in the world that can demonstrate and quantify corporate social responsibility and sustainability.