One minute read: 3 sustainability questions you should be including in your RFPs

November 27, 2023

Are you an event planner that regularly sends Request for Proposals (RFPs) to business event suppliers?

Do you currently include sustainability questions in your RFPs when deciding on your ideal supplier?

Your role in affecting positive impact to the planet is huge. If business event suppliers are consistently asked and rated on sustainability questions in RFPs, it will further drive these suppliers to invest and implement the necessary changes to their business operations.

Here are three simple questions you can include in future RFPs to help bring about change:

1. Please describe what detailed program your business has in place around ethically sourced ingredients and minimal food waste.

2. Does your building have LEED certification or equivalent (eg. Green Star rating via the Green Building Council of Australia)?

3. Does your business offset carbon emissions?

Yes or no? The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) would love to know whether you are already including these questions in your RFPs. Email us at [email protected] 

Melbourne venues leading the way in sustainability

The Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) – the largest of its kind in Australia – are on the forefront of sustainability in the Asia Pacific region and encourage event planners to automatically build these types of questions into their RFPs.

‘It’s becoming more and more common for event planners to consider sustainability, community and legacy as part of their decision-making process. The events industry is a high waste producing industry and we each have a role in shaping a more sustainable future. MCEC works to lead environmental change and amplify our social impact.’

- Kate Abbott, Head of Customer Experience at MCEC

MCEC produce a Positive Impact Guide for event planners, offering resources to help reduce environmental impact, consider social procurement, engage with their community partners, and educate about First Nations acknowledgement.

Award-winning venue CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park is another industry leader striving for continual excellence in sustainability.

‘Sustainability is at the heart of CENTREPIECE’s ethos, from its LEED Gold certified design to the local-first food and beverage philosophy. We are constantly striving to find new opportunities to enhance the venue’s sustainability practices and welcome the opportunity to work with event planners who put sustainability at the forefront of their thinking.’

- Simone Taube, Sales Manager - CENTREPIECE at Melbourne Park

Planning a conference in Melbourne and need assistance with sourcing the perfect suppliers?

The Melbourne Convention Bureau team offer free support and recommendations to help you source the perfect venue, accommodation, transport, exhibition build companies, speakers and more. The team can also provide their expert assistance and guidance with building RFPs and considering sustainability in the early stages of planning.