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26 July, 2024

UK and Europe event organisers look to venues with sustainability integrity, ICC Sydney survey finds

Edited by Travel Weekly

A whopping 86 per cent of United Kingdom and European-based event organisers who book venues internationally consider sustainability to be integral to running events, a new survey by International Convention Centre Sydney, managed by ASM Global, has revealed.

This was another proof point to underpin the relevance of the venue team’s focus on delivering sustainable events with its best practice approach to corporate social responsibility, said Geoff Donaghy, ICC Sydney CEO and group director – Convention Centres, ASM Global (APAC).

“This client survey builds on the results from our visitor survey released in February – with both revealing the high demand to enhance delegate and attendee experiences with an integrated approach to sustainability, diversity, and inclusion,” he said.

Significantly, 88 per cent of respondents believe that sustainability, encompassing social impact and equality, is paramount in events practices. This sentiment resonates strongly within an industry increasingly focused on reducing waste, minimising carbon footprints, and promoting ethical practices.

ICC Sydney Director of Corporate Affairs, Communication and Sustainability, Samantha Glass reflected on the findings of the survey.

“Looking forward, the survey indicates a strong imperative for event professionals to enhance communication on sustainability and social impact initiatives – initiatives that ICC Sydney has both the infrastructure and internal resources to support with,” she said.

“Through our Legacy Program and resources such as the Accessible and Inclusive Events Guide and Sustainable Events Guide, we encourage our customers to embrace a more sustainable and inclusive future as together we strive to for a net zero, nature positive future that has the potential to leave a positive impact on Sydney well beyond the conclusion of events.”

Environmental Sustainability – Food waste to fertiliser table signage at ICC Sydney.

KEY FINDINGS:

86% of respondents that book venues internationally consider sustainability to be integral to running an event.
88% of respondents affirm that integrating sustainability, diversity, and inclusion enhances delegate and attendee experiences.
83% emphasise the critical role of accessibility in event planning.
42% consider sustainability commitments as highly influential in their venue selection process.
More than a third (37%) of respondents advocate for clearer sustainability signage and communication, 28% endorse inclusion in promotional materials, and 16% prioritise social media campaigns.

ICC Sydney’s approach to improving community engagement, environmental sustainability and economic development supports clients as both strive for a net zero future.

Energy management at ICC Sydney

Together with its Darling Harbour Live partners, ICC Sydney’s team purchases 20 per cent renewable energy through its energy contract, which together with the onsite community owned solar array, uses 25 per cent renewable energy to power the venue.

Switch it off campaign

ICC Sydney works to embed a culture of environmental conscientiousness throughout the venue, and delivered a comprehensive ‘Switch It Off’ campaign aimed at educating and encouraging team members to turn off lights, air conditioning and electrical appliances when not in use, an initiative the venue hopes will further reduce its energy footprint.

Water reduction

ICC Sydney effectively diverted 65 per cent of waste from landfill in 2023 and through a collaboration with Sydney Water, ICC Sydney installed refill stations, helping save more than 2.65 million plastic water bottles.

Managing food waste can deliver social impact

Socially, ICC Sydney has donated 34.6 tonnes of unserved food (equivalent to 98,857 meals) and 24.5 tonnes of goods to local charities, contributing to a sustainable circular economy since opening.

Edible centrepieces in the Cockle Bay Foyer ICC Sydney.

Accessible and inclusive

Additionally, ICC Sydney’s Accessible and Inclusive Events Guide for event organisers ensures welcoming environments reflecting the venue’s dedication to customer inclusivity and accessibility.

“The industry survey, delivered in collaboration with Conference and Incentive Travel, conducted among event professionals based across the United Kingdom and Europe, underscores a profound shift in attitudes towards sustainability, highlighting it not merely as an option but as an essential commitment,” Donaghy concluded.

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