16 Years of Sustainability Leadership: GCCEC’s EarthCheck Journey and Global Recognition

Sustainability isn't just a buzzword-it's a responsibility. Businesses and event organisers today are looking for venues that align with their corporate social responsibility goals while still delivering world-class experiences. At the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC), sustainability has been a core focus for 16 years.

GCCEC is proud to be the first convention centre in the world to achieve EarthCheck Platinum Certification, a milestone that reflects more than a decade of consistent action, measurable improvements and leadership in green event practices. From reducing waste and cutting carbon emissions to sourcing local ingredients and investing in energy-efficient technology, GCCEC has set the benchmark for sustainable conferencing in Australia and beyond.

If you're searching for a sustainable conference venue that doesn't just talk about sustainability but actively delivers on it, GCCEC is the perfect choice.

GCCEC's Commitment to Sustainability

For large-scale events, sustainability isn't always simple. But at GCCEC, it's built into everything we do.

We recognise that conferences, exhibitions and corporate events can have a significant environmental impact, from energy use to food waste. That's why we've spent the past 16 years developing practical, measurable solutions that help reduce that impact without compromising the event experience.

Some key achievements include:

• A vast amount of solar panels powering parts of the venue with clean, renewable energy
• Advanced waste management systems that divert large volumes of waste from landfills every year
• Sustainable food and beverage practices ensure locally sourced, seasonal produce and reduced food waste
• Water conservation initiatives, including rainwater harvesting and water-efficient fixtures
• A long-term partnership with EarthCheck, the world's leading sustainability certification body for the tourism and events industry

At GCCEC, sustainability isn't just a policy-it's how we operate every day.

What Is EarthCheck Certification?

You may have heard of EarthCheck, but what does it really mean for a venue to be EarthCheck certified?

EarthCheck is the global leader in sustainability certification for tourism and events, offering a science-backed, data-driven framework to assess and improve environmental performance. It's not just a one-time certification-it requires annual benchmarking, audits and ongoing improvement.

What EarthCheck Platinum Status Means for GCCEC

• Consistently high sustainability performance for over a decade
• Annual independent audits to measure energy, water, waste and carbon footprint reduction
• Clear, data-driven reporting helps event organisers understand and communicate their event's sustainability impact
• A commitment to continuous improvement ensures we stay ahead of sustainability trends and innovations

For event planners, choosing a green event venue with EarthCheck Platinum status means tangible proof that sustainability is being taken seriously.

Key Sustainability Initiatives at GCCEC

Sustainability at GCCEC isn't just about ticking boxes. It's about real action, real results and real impact. Here's how we make every event at our venue as environmentally responsible as possible.

Energy Efficiency and Waste Reduction

• The solar panels generate renewable energy for parts of the venue
• LED lighting and motion sensors help reduce electricity consumption
• Advanced climate control systems optimise temperature while minimising energy waste
• Comprehensive waste diversion programs recycle materials like cardboard, glass, plastic and organics
• Exhibition carpet reuse and recycling program reduces landfill waste

Sustainable Catering and Food Waste Management

• Locally sourced ingredients support Queensland farmers and reduce food miles
• Ethically sourced seafood follows sustainable fishing guidelines
• No single-use plastics we use biodegradable or reusable alternatives
• The food waste donation program sends surplus meals to local charities
• Menu planning strategies reduce excess food production

Water Conservation and Environmentally Conscious Infrastructure

• Rainwater harvesting system supplies water for irrigation and other non-drinking purposes
• Water-efficient fixtures in bathrooms, kitchens and event spaces
• Sustainable landscaping with native plants that require less water

For event organisers, these initiatives mean hosting an environmentally conscious conference without the hassle-we've already done the hard work.

Global Recognition and Awards

GCCEC's sustainability leadership has been recognised both nationally and internationally, proving that sustainability and large-scale events can go hand in hand.

Our Key Achievements

• The first convention centre in the world to achieve EarthCheck Platinum Certification
• Multiple awards for sustainability and environmental best practices
• Ongoing investment in new technologies and initiatives to further improve sustainability outcomes

These achievements reinforce GCCEC's position as a leading sustainable conference venue, giving event planners confidence that they're making an environmentally responsible choice.

The Business Case for Sustainable Conferences

Sustainability isn't just good for the planet-it's good for business, too. More organisations are making eco-conscious decisions when choosing event venues, and for good reason.

Meeting Corporate Sustainability Goals

Many businesses now have net-zero targets, ESG commitments and sustainability policies. Choosing a green event venue like GCCEC helps companies align their events with these goals while also providing sustainability data they can report on.

Enhancing Brand Reputation

Sustainability-conscious consumers and stakeholders want to see action, not just words. Hosting an event at an environmentally conscious conference venue shows that your organisation is serious about reducing its environmental footprint. This can be particularly important for industries like finance, technology, healthcare and education, where sustainability plays a growing role in corporate decision-making.

Cost Savings Through Efficiency

Environmentally conscious conferences aren't just ethical-they're often more cost-effective. GCCEC's energy-efficient lighting, waste reduction programs and digital event solutions help lower costs associated with utilities, printed materials and excess waste disposal.

Choosing a sustainable conference venue is a smart move for any business looking to balance environmental impact with financial and reputational benefits.

How GCCEC Helps Clients Host Sustainable Events

A sustainable event isn't just about the venue-it's about integrating sustainability into every aspect of event planning. GCCEC supports event organisers by offering:

• Custom sustainability plans tailored to your event's needs
• Sustainable supplier recommendations ensuring responsible event partnerships
• Paperless solutions such as digital signage and e-ticketing
• Eco-conscious transport and accommodation options help reduce attendees' carbon footprints

GCCEC makes it easy for businesses to host high-impact events with a low environmental impact.

Why Choose GCCEC as Your Sustainable Conference Venue?

For 16 years, GCCEC has been setting the standard for sustainable conferencing in Australia. Choosing our venue means choosing:

• A world-leading, EarthCheck Platinum-certified convention centre
• A proven track record of sustainability leadership and continuous improvement
• A venue that actively reduces waste conserves energy and minimises carbon impact
• A team that works with event organisers to create truly sustainable conferences

Looking for a sustainable venue for your next event? Discover how GCCEC leads the way in environmentally conscious conferencing. Contact us to learn more.