There are many innovative programs underway, focusing on improving the sustainability of the city and enhancing the delegate experience. Our city’s sustainable practices include transport services, infrastructure, green-city programs and environmental initiatives.
Melbourne is a highly connected compact city that offers a range of sustainable transport options for delegates.
Melbourne is committed to becoming a carbon-neutral city and creating a bold and sustainable future. Such an ambitious goal can only be achieved through collaboration with key stakeholders across Melbourne, including major event and conference organisers to deliver best practice sustainable events in Melbourne.
Some initiatives being implemented by the City of Melbourne include:
Waste: Remembering a reusable bag when doing the grocery shopping is second nature to most, but there are lots of other ways to reduce single use plastics in the trolley. Consider bringing reusable produce bags, or simply buy your fruit and vegetables loose. Think twice about your favourite snacks if they come individually packaged – often skipping plastic wrapped items is better for your diet too! Many bakeries, delis and butchers have joined the #WarOnWaste so plan ahead with a shopping list and bring enough containers and a bread bag as well.
Heat: Australia is already experiencing the harsh consequences of global temperatures rising. We need to work together to cool the city and prevent the future we don’t want. Visitors can do their part by limiting use of air conditioning and heating during hotel stays and remembering to switch off lights. Melbourne is adapting the city to climate change and enhancing urban landscapes by integrating soil and vegetation on roofs, walls and facades. This helps cool hot cities, reduce stormwater drainage, provide a layer of soil-like material and plants, help insulate buildings whilst creating social and leisure environments.
Water: Climate change isn’t just about temperature rise. Water is our life source and we have a responsibility to manage this resource to avoid the negative impacts of drought. In Melbourne we are lucky enough to have some of the world’s best drinking water available straight from the tap. Yet many of us still choose to purchase plastic water bottles. It takes three litres of water to produce just one litre of bottled water. Remember your reusable bottle and choose tap water to keep you hydrated.
Nature: Step outside and enjoy the physical and mental health benefits that come from being in nature. Whether you’re reading in the park, or going for a hike, there are plenty of ways to reconnect with our beautiful environment. Revitalise yourself in the great outdoors and bring back that spring in your step.
Zero Net Emissions: Melbourne has one of the most ambitious carbon emission reduction targets of any city in the world, with the goal of zero net emissions. This target is for both the local government operations and the entire municipality.
Stormwater harvesting: Melbourne’s stormwater harvesting project allows up to 21 million litres of stormwater to be captured annually. This provides the dual benefits of restricting demand on the city's drinking water supplies and reducing pollution into local waterways.
Sustainable practices in construction, design and urban planning are at the forefront of development and infrastructure within the city, with many new developments employing increased sustainable practices and materials.
Experience Melbourne's city & surroundings via our VR 360 platform