Sustainable Sydney
Australia’s inextricable link between nature and culture, makes sustainability
an important priority for Sydney and our conference industry.
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Sydney is proud to be ranked 15th in the world and 2nd in the Asia Pacific in the Global Destination Sustainability Index in 2021 and consistently named in the top 10 of the world’s most liveable cities.
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Importantly, for congress participants, 100% of Sydney’s hotels are accessible by public transport and more than one third are within walking distance to
ICC Sydney, our congress venue. -
Sydney prioritises and believes social sustainability is a framework that puts people at the heart of cities and recognises that our personal wellbeing impacts on, and is impacted by, our collective wellbeing.
Sustainable Destination Partnership
Sydney’s Sustainable Destination Partnership was launched in 2018, led by the City of Sydney, Australia’s first carbon neutral local government.
In the Partnership, Sydney’s leading hotels, event centres, cultural institutions and tourism bodies work together to improve environmental performance and build Sydney’s reputation as a leading sustainable destination.
The partnership holds member organisations accountable for using and promoting environmental ratings, improving waste management, cost-effective retrofits, onsite solar or procuring renewable energy, and where
possible, connecting to recycled water.
Global Destination Sustainability Index
BESydney is proud to be a member of the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS-Index) and ranked 15th globally for 2021.
Sydney was one of the first cities in the world and the first in Australia to join the GDS-Index.
The index aims to promote the sustainable growth of international
meeting destinations, highlighting best practices and responsible business tourism.
Sustainable Conference Partners
By partnering with ecologically responsible service providers, venues and tourism operators, congress organisers are connected with a network of providers that lessen the environmental impact on our city.
Key partnerships include:
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ICC Sydney - Sydney's premier congress venue is comprehensively committed to reducing the environmental impact of operations, working with partners and clients to facilitate sustainable events.
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Sydney Opera House - green-certified, carbon neutral
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Qantas - ‘Future Planet’
initiatives cut fuel consumption through improved aircraft efficiency – data analysis, reduced aircraft weight, the use of biofuel, and electric service vehicles on the ground. -
Sydney Airport - committed
to sustainability goals: curbing carbon emissions, ensuring
the safety and security of employees and airport
users; and applying sustainable practice to all planning, design, and construction it undertakes.
Sydney Airport’s sustainability approach is rated in the top 15% for its industry by the Dow Jones
Sustainability Index. The Airport is considered an industry leader, with an AA rating from the MSCI ESG Indices, and a Level 3 Airport Carbon Accreditation. -
AccorHotels - the Planet 21 sustainable development program outlines AccorHotel’s aim to tackle food and buildings across four strategic groups (employees, customers, partners and local
communities). -
Barangaroo - Australia’s first largescale carbon neutral community, Barangaroo is
testament to NSW Government's commitment to sustainable practices. Barangaroo is one of only 19 projects around the world participating in the C40 Cities Climate Positive Development
Program. -
Merlin Entertainment - environmental policy ensures high standards on managing marine habitat and wildlife across their
animal collections; reviews the impacts of activities on biodiversity; plans practical and cost-effective
water usage; waste and energy conservation and pollution control measures.