Sustainability policy

PURPOSE

This policy informs BESydney’s commitment to sustainability.

VISION

Building a sustainable destination by fostering long-term environmental stewardship, inclusive social and cultural value, driving economic growth and ethical governance.

BESydney supports the sustainability goals of the Governments of Sydney, New South Wales and Australia, as well as those of our clients, Partners and members. We believe that a sustainable future requires resilience and relies on collaboration. BESydney secures global meetings to Australia that bring together academia, business, government and community incollective effort that generates solutions for change. Through a shared agenda, diverse minds are applied across disciplines to diffuse knowledge, address challenges and create positive progress that resonates globally.

COMMITMENT STATEMENT

BESydney commits to being a responsible organisation by:

· Environmental advocacy including reducing emissions and environmental impact, and collaborating with our industry and membership.

· Enhancing inclusive social and cultural value.

· Driving economic growth and resilience.

· Maintaining ethical governance and transparency.

GOALS AND ACTIONS

1. Environmental Advocacy

Goal: BESydney is committed to minimising the environmental footprint of business events.

Actions:

· Climate Action: Being a certified member of the Climate Active Network, with a goal to reduce organisational emissions by 30% from the CY2024 baseline by 2030.

· Carbon Offsetting: Supporting carbon offset projects aligned with biodiversity and community benefits.

· Sustainable Event Guidelines: Providing tools and resources for planners to reduce waste, energy use, and emissions.

· Promoting green members: Collaboration with venues and suppliers with sustainability policies. 

· Waste Reduction: Commitment to zero single-use plastics and support for food rescue initiatives

· Mobility & Access: Promotion of public transport, walking-friendly precincts, and low-emission travel options.

 · Collaboration: Active participation in the Sustainable Destination Partnership working together to make Sydney a sustainable destination.

2. Inclusive Social and Cultural Value

Goal: BESydney fosters human rights, health and safety within our organisation as well as inclusive and culturally aware business events with community impacts and opportunities in mind.

Actions:

· Social Impact Strategy: Empowering and supporting clients and stakeholders to create purposeful events that drive positive change.

· First Nations Engagement: Support for cultural experiences and employment opportunities.

· Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Promotion of inclusive programming, speakers, and procurement.

· Health & Wellbeing: Support for global meetings that advance medical and scientific knowledge.

3. Driving Economic Growth

Goal: BESydney contributes to Sydney’s economic resilience.

Actions:

· Innovation & Talent: Attraction of global meetings that foster research and development, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.

· Business Ecosystem Support: Collaboration with tourism operators, hotels, and cultural institutions to drive sustainable growth.

· Economic Impact: Attracting business events with strong visitation expenditure and broader industry, academia and innovation benefits for Sydney and NSW.

· Job support: Support job opportunities for a skilled and diverse workforce.

· Local Procurement: Preference for suppliers with sustainable practices and local impact.

4. Ethical Governance

Goal: BESydney upholds high standards of transparency, ethics, and accountability.

Actions:

· Ethical Practices: Adhering to strict ethical guidelines in all BESydney business dealings.

· Transparency and Accountability: Maintaining open and transparent communication with our stakeholders, providing clear and accurate information and reporting on sustainability initiatives and performance and governance practices. Find our ESG report here.

· Stakeholder Engagement: Actively engaging with our stakeholders, including clients, delegates, government, industry partners, and the community, to foster collaboration, ensure continuous improvement and drive positive change.

· Compliance: Complying with all relevant laws and regulations, and striving to exceed these requirements through proactive governance measures.

· Global Benchmarking: Active participation in the Global Destination Sustainability Index and performance tracking aligned with SDGs and ESG frameworks.

HOW WE CONTRIBUTE TO THE UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

BESydney supports the Sustainable Development Goals. Our work contributes to:

RESPONSIBILITIES

· CEO and Executive Team: Ensure strategic alignment and resource allocation.

· Internal committees (BEGreen, BEImpactful and First Nations Working Group): Drive implementation, monitor progress and recommend improvements.

· All Staff: Integrate sustainability into daily operations and event planning.

· Partners and Suppliers: Comply with BESydney’s sustainability standards and guidelines.

REVIEW PERIOD AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT

This policy is reviewed annually in line with our voluntary ESG reporting to ensure it reflects current data, addresses gaps, enables continuous improvement and remains relevant to the changing business events environment and global sustainability trends.

ENDORSED BY

Amanda Lampe Chief Executive Officer

Sonya Stewart Chief Operating Officer

Kristian Nicholls Chief Client Officer

Carolin Lenehan Chief Reputation and Brand Officer

Kirsty Walker Chief Financial Officer

Approved Date: 1 October 2025

Revision Date: 1 October 2026