Working with the host venue, the ADNEC Centre, caterer Capital Catering Services and LightBlue Consulting as a technical advisor, the association saved 371kg of food and redistributed 928 meals.
On average, 163g of food waste per attendee was recorded during the conference.
Overall, 1,115kg of food was diverted from landfill, a feat which also included training 200 staff.
The whole process, from the training of staff to the segregation of waste, was measured, documented and independently audited to achieve the certification.
“Sustainability has become a cornerstone of ICCA’s mission, and achieving the Zero Food Waste to Landfill certification for the 63rd ICCA Congress is a proud moment for our community,” said ICCA CEO Senthil Gopinath.
“This milestone reflects our dedication to innovation and raising the bar for the global events industry.”
THE PLEDGE on Food Waste was founded in Singapore in 2017 and works to certify restaurants, hotels and, now, events that are driving down food waste. The event certification aims to create a new standard across the events industry for food waste.
Hotels from Mauritius to Bali, Bangkok, the UAE and the UK have achieved certification through the organisation, including at least one Marriott property that has also certified its conferencing offering.
“The certification of the 63rd ICCA Congress as the first Zero Food Waste to Landfill event is a monumental step for the MICE industry,” said co-founder of The PLEDGE on Food Waste, Ben Lephilibert.
“By transforming ambition into measurable impact, ICCA has proven that even large-scale events can lead the way in sustainability.
“We’re proud to have worked with ICCA, ADNEC, and Capital Catering to create a replicable framework that inspires other organisations to adopt similar commitments.”
THE PLEDGE has a variety of accredited consultants around the world to assist those wishing to be certified, however there are none currently based in Australia or New Zealand.
