Key targets in the strategy include increasing onsite renewal energy generation by 300 per cent by 2025, transitioning 30 per cent of fossil fuel powered infrastructure and assets to electric alternatives by 2027 and developing a Reconciliation Action Plan for Adelaide Venue Management (AVM) by 2027.
According to the strategy, this year the business will also develop its emission reduction target and create an event impact guide for Adelaide Convention Centre.
Other venues managed by AVM are Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Coopers Stadium.
“Sustainability is a major focus in the events and venue management industry, with growing patron expectations, and event organisers seeking to align with sustainable venues,” said Martin Radcliffe, AVM CEO and former general manager of Adelaide Convention Centre.
“As the proud operator of three of South Australia’s most important and iconic venues, AVM is committed to raising the bar when it comes to all things ESG. Whether it’s reducing energy consumption, minimising waste, or embracing diversity, we’re constantly seeking to innovate and lead our industry.
“The Green Print will guide our ESG initiatives over the next four years, prioritising areas of most importance to our clients, team and the industry at large.
“It’s not only about improving the environmental efficiencies of our own venues, but about creating tangible solutions for our clients and guests to support a better tomorrow.
“It’s a whole of AVM commitment and one I’m proud to say the team has enthusiastically embraced.”
As part of the strategy, AVM will survey staff annually to identify new ESG opportunities and produce an ESG report each year.
Of the stable of venues under AVM, Adelaide Convention Centre appears the most advanced of the three in its ESG achievements. Last year, the centre became the first convention centre in the world to receive EarthCheck’s master certification, recognising 15 years of continuous sustainability improvement.
The venue has already exceeded the ESG strategy’s target for diverting waste from landfill, diverting 99 per cent of waste from landfill in the last financial year. The centre also already sources 97 per cent of its produce from South Australian suppliers and has reduced its greenhouse gas emissions from electricity and gas by over 51 per cent since 2018.
“At AVM, we recognise the important role we play in creating awareness, educating and promoting solutions to some of the world’s most pressing issues, from climate change to waste avoidance, accessibility and First Nations reconciliation,” said Julian Marchant, AVM’s first dedicated ESG planning and project manager.
“The Green Print outlines AVM’s targets and actions relating to these themes and is designed to maximise our positive impact and help create lasting legacies for our clients and the broader community.
“The plan is ambitious in its targets, but we remain fully committed to inspiring and driving positive environmental and social change,” he said.
Read more about Marchant’s sustainability perspectives in the sustainability feature in micenet’s latest magazine.
