Sustainability in Action: How Our Partners Are Greening Events
Sydney continues to set the pace for sustainable events, with venues and partners embedding environmental responsibility into every stage of planning and delivery. From cleaner energy and waste reduction to community engagement and cultural inclusion, sustainability is a permanent fixture on the business event agenda.
Across the city, certified green venues, forward-thinking hotels and innovative suppliers are working together to reduce environmental impact while maintaining world-class event experiences. These efforts are helping position Sydney not only as a leading global destination, but also as a responsible one.
Greener Venues, Smarter Choices
International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) is a strong example of sustainability in action. Through its industry-leading Legacy Program, ICC Sydney and its Darling Harbour Live partners have made meaningful progress toward cleaner energy use. The venue now sources 20 per cent renewable energy through its energy contract and an on-site, community-owned solar array, contributing to a 24 per cent improvement in energy sustainability.
Waste reduction is another priority. ICC Sydney aims to divert 75 per cent of waste from landfill and has removed single-use plastics, including bottled water in meeting rooms. Catering menus are shaped by detailed carbon footprint assessments and feature local, seasonal and native ingredients to reduce environmental impact while supporting regional producers.
Beyond day-to-day operations, ICC Sydney’s Legacy Program helps event organisers create positive outcomes that extend beyond the event itself. Major events such as the Global Nature Positive Summit and ReGen Expo have demonstrated how sustainability can be embedded through initiatives like food and goods donations, low-impact menu design and recyclable exhibition stands.
Sydney Showground, located within the 6-Star Green Star precinct at Sydney Olympic Park, has introduced its Climate Conscious Events initiative. Designed to support organisers with practical, easy-to-use tools, the program focuses on reducing environmental footprints through smarter energy use, waste minimisation and responsible supplier selection.
Event planners can access carbon calculators, supplier checklists and signage templates, helping sustainability become part of standard event planning rather than an afterthought. The Showground’s broader commitment extends beyond events, with partnerships such as Ocean Crusaders supporting ocean conservation initiatives, including river clean-ups and electric-powered marine technology.
Meanwhile, Powerhouse Parramatta is on track to become one of Australia’s most sustainable cultural institutions. Designed to achieve a 6-Star Green Star rating, the new museum will set a benchmark for environmentally responsible architecture and operations. For event organisers, it offers a future-focused venue that aligns strong sustainability credentials with bold cultural experiences.
Hotels Leading the Way
Sydney’s hospitality sector is also making significant progress, helping event organisers extend sustainability across the entire delegate journey.
PARKROYAL Darling Harbour, part of the Pan Pacific Hotels Group, recently became the first hospitality group in Oceania to achieve Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) certification across all Australian properties. This certification reflects a comprehensive approach to sustainability, covering energy efficiency, water conservation, community engagement and responsible management practices.
For event planners, GSTC certification provides confidence that accommodation choices align with broader environmental and social values, without compromising on quality or comfort.
At Hyatt Regency Sydney, food waste reduction is a key focus. Through a partnership with Australian startup Goterra, organic food waste is diverted from landfill and processed using insects to create sustainable protein and fertiliser. This circular economy approach demonstrates how innovative solutions can turn waste into valuable resources, while providing a compelling sustainability story for event attendees.
Accor is also progressing toward its long-term commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050. The group continues to invest in renewable energy, energy-efficient upgrades and sustainable guest experiences across its portfolio. By 2026, nearly all Accor Pacific properties are expected to be eco-certified, reinforcing the group’s leadership in responsible tourism and supporting Sydney’s vision for more sustainable events.
Practical Tips for Greener Events
Sydney’s venue and hotel partners are continually sharing practical advice to help event organisers make more sustainable choices.
PARKROYAL Hotel & Resorts, NSW encourages organisers to think beyond traditional definitions of sustainability. Environmental responsibility is important, but so are social and economic impacts. Choosing venues that support local communities, provide fair employment and engage with cultural partners can create broader, long-lasting benefits.
Looking for recognised sustainability certifications is another simple yet effective step. Certified venues, such as GSTC-accredited hotels, meet clear standards across sustainable management, environmental protection, social impact and economic responsibility.
Supporting local communities can also enhance the delegate experience. PARKROYAL’s partnerships with organisations like the Aboriginal Housing Company create opportunities for meaningful cultural engagement, helping events connect more deeply with place and community.
Sustainable catering choices can have a significant impact. Locally sourced, seasonal menus reduce transport emissions and support regional producers, while thoughtful menu design helps minimise food waste.
Waste reduction remains a core focus. Venues with comprehensive waste management systems, including multi-stream separation, make it easier to divert waste from landfill. Simple changes such as replacing single-use plastics with reusable alternatives or installing filtered water stations can reduce environmental impact without affecting guest experience.
Accor properties in NSW highlight the importance of measuring and analysing food waste to inform smarter menu decisions. Expanding lower-carbon food options, increasing vegetarian choices and trialling carbon footprint measurements for menu items all contribute to more sustainable food and beverage operations.
Removing single-use plastics and leveraging third-party certifications, such as NABERS and Sustainable Tourism certifications, also helps validate sustainability efforts and support continuous improvement.
Inclusive and Culturally Respectful Events
Sustainability goes beyond environmental outcomes; it also includes cultural respect and inclusivity.
At ICC Sydney, organisers are encouraged to celebrate First Nations cultures by embedding cultural elements into their events. This may include a Welcome to Country, showcasing Indigenous food and produce, or incorporating First Nations art and performances. Partnering with verified First Nations suppliers through Supply Nation and offering cultural tours helps deepen delegate connection to Country and community.
Accessibility is another essential consideration. ICC Sydney supports organisers in creating inclusive environments for people with disabilities, offering guidance on sensory-friendly spaces, visual stories for wayfinding and access to appropriate support services. Making events accessible ensures they are welcoming to all participants and reflects a more holistic approach to sustainability.
Why It Matters
Sustainable events are good for the planet and they’re good for business. Attendees increasingly expect organisers to take responsibility for environmental and social impact, and these expectations are shaping decision-making across the events industry.
By choosing Sydney, event planners gain access to a strong network of venues, hotels and suppliers that are already investing in sustainability. Whether hosting a conference at a 6-Star Green Star venue, staying at a GSTC-certified hotel or partnering with innovative waste solutions, organisers can deliver events that align with their values and meet growing stakeholder expectations.
Sydney’s partners are proving that sustainability and excellence go hand in hand, setting a standard for events that leave a positive legacy long after the final delegate departs.
