Joint partnership explores greener venue options

A joint partnership between the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre (GCCEC) and Bond University’s Institute of Sustainable Development and Architecture will review the environmental sustainability of the Centre’s operations to explore ways in which it can walk a little greener.

Undergraduate students studying Asset and Facilities Management at the Institute will undertake feasibility studies on different areas of the building in a hands-on project that moves away from traditional text book learning.

The group of 30 students will conduct studies at the Centre on waste management and energy efficiency to identify improved sustainability initiatives, and explore new features for the Centre’s website to promote sustainable events.

A case study will also be conducted on the Gold Coast Blaze home games held at the venue which will look at ways of reducing the overall carbon footprint through effective waste management and energy conservation.

Gold Coast Blaze Business Development Manager Joe Hanlon said that Blaze already implements a number of solutions to minimise waste and conserve resources.

“The Blaze supports GCCEC’s environmental policies working closely with venue managers to implement strategies while also recognising our responsibilities outside the venue,” he said.

“All print collateral is sourced through one local supplier who has been awarded environmental approval which compliments an increased effort in our office to provide information solutions online.

“We also provide a single mini bus transport alternative to personal vehicles for team promotions, and use GCCEC storage facilities to minimising transport and energy costs in setting up for our games.”

GCCEC General Manager Adrienne Readings said the partnership will identify new considerations to help the Centre improve its practices as an environmentally-friendly venue.

“As an EarthCheck accredited building GCCEC has already implemented measures to make it a benchmark operator amongst sustainable conferencing venues,” she said.

“However we are always looking at ways to improve our practices so we are delighted to partner with the Institute to help them complete these feasibility studies.”

“Once the results are gathered they will be reviewed by our green committee and from there we will be able to consider implementation.”

Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship and Sustainable Business Dr Dell McStay said that the Institute prides itself in delivering ‘work ready’ students to the work force’.

“The relationship that Bond University develops with industry partners is integral to the development of our curriculum offering invaluable ‘real world’ experience for our students.”

GCCEC has recently re-achieved Silver Certification from EarthCheck, the world’s leading benchmarking program used by the travel and tourism industry.

Undergraduate Asset and Facilities Management students will undertake feasibility studies on different areas of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.