Environmental policy statement
The National Convention Centre and our team members recognise our responsibility to the environment and are committed to managing the environmental impact of conferences and events.
We commit to the following principles:
- Implement sound environmental practices in the operation of the venue
- Encourage the development and integration of sustainable technologies
- Endeavour to reduce our use of energy and water, and reuse and recycle the resources consumed by our business
- Engage our customers, colleagues, suppliers and contractors in our efforts to protect the environment
- Provide the training and resources required to meet our objectives
- Monitor, record and benchmark our environmental performance on a regular basis
- Make business decisions taking into account these commitments
- Communicate our policies, practices and programs to all our stakeholders
This environmental policy statement outlines in detail the initiatives currently in place at the National Convention Centre.
Transport
- Information on public transport and walking distance from hotels is available for conference organisers
- Bicycle racks are installed at the Constitution Avenue and Glebe entrances
- Reception provides cloaking facilities for bicycle bags and helmets
- Coach transfers from hotels are encouraged, with plenty of coach access at the Centre
Energy
- The Centre’s Building Management System enables us to monitor and control the mechanical systems at all times, thereby reducing energy use by 10%
- C0 monitors in the car park significantly reduce energy consumption
- Energy consumption can be measured for the purpose of purchasing carbon offsets
- Dimmable compact fluorescent lighting is installed in the Gallery Rooms, Ballroom and Main Foyer
- Compact fluorescent lighting tubes and batteries are recycled
- Air conditioning is timed by the event start and finish times
- Natural light is a feature of the Gallery Rooms, Exhibition Hall, Ballroom, and all Foyers
- Lights, climate control and computers are switched off at night
Waste
- Achievement of 50% reduction in waste to landfill through recycling initiatives, organic recycling and food donation
- Selection of the National Convention Centre by the ACT Government as an environmental case study in successful waste management in 2010
- Plastic, paper, cardboard, glass, batteries, aluminium, cooking oil, and printer cartridges are recycled
- Clearly marked recycling containers are located throughout the centre
- Linen supplier has an environmental policy and commitment to reduce energy use by 63% and water use by 70%
- All toilets are fitted with dual flush systems
- The exterior of the building has teflon coated paint which self-cleans in rain
- Organic waste is recycled with a local worm farm
- Re-gifting conference satchels and promotional items to orphanages and schools in India, Nepal, South-East Asia and Africa
Catering
- Unused food is given to OzHarvest, a food rescue program
- Organic produce is available at an additional cost
- For breaks we serve fresh water in reusable glasses instead of commercial bottled water
- Cutlery and crockery are reusable
- Meals are not packaged, except for boxed lunches in recyclable packaging
- Take away espresso coffee cups are recyclable
Printed Material
- Room signage is displayed on LCD screens
- NCC fact sheets and floor plans are available as website downloads instead of in print
- Proposals, contracts and event orders are sent electronically
- Paperless invoicing for all event accounts
- All internal printing double-sided
- Electronic distribution of internal documents
- Notices in the staff canteen are displayed in an electronic photo frame instead of as printed notices
Building Features
- Plantation timber was used in refurbishment of the building
- The Centre’s carpet was produced from recycled fibres in an environmentally friendly process
- 90% of the structure added during refurbishment is re-usable
- Low-emissivity glass has been used in the skylights to maximise thermal efficiency
- Hot water systems and plumbing are designed for maximum energy efficiency and minimised water consumption
Accreditation, Projects, Team
- ACTSmart Business Accreditation – An ACT Government initiative
- Staff Motivator of the Year – ACTSmart Award for Staff training
- Green Globe – Bronze accreditation
- Green Steps Program – Australian National University
- Green Meetings – an InterContinental Hotels Group project to introduce environmental brand standards across all IHG properties in Australia and New Zealand
- Recycling 10 Minute Trainer initiative for employees
- Environmental policy included in Orientation, briefings and training to support employee engagement in environmental initiatives
- Green Day – A paid leave day for employees to participate in environmental organisation projects
- Signature blocks include an environmental awareness message
- Keep Australia Beautiful grant (2010) to increase public participation in NCC recycling programs
