The venue opened in late 2021 and committed to achieving carbonzero status in 2023 through its sustainable operations.

Being recognised as Toitū net carbonzero certified in 2024 is a result of Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre meeting Toitū Envirocare’s internationally recognised standards of measuring, managing and reducing lifecycle emissions from its operations, including design of its building, the use of renewable energy, recovery and reuse of food waste, and the installation of a chemical-free e-water system.

Toitū Envirocare is a collective of scientists and business experts who have come together to protect the ecological and economic future of New Zealand and the world.

“We are exceptionally proud of what we’ve achieved in a short time,” says Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre general manager Ross Steele.

“The Toitū net carbonzero certification – in addition to the international recognition we have received [winning the Community and Government Projects category at the 2023 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards] – reflects the commitment and hard work of our entire team.

“Many of our sustainability initiatives are being led by the Te Pae Christchurch team’s younger generation, which underscores our commitment to creating a positive long-term impact and lasting sustainability legacy.”

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has a local purchasing policy, which prioritises the procurement of goods from local organisations.

Currently, 85 per cent of its supplies are locally sourced, and analysis of freight on its purchased goods shows it to be less than one per cent of the venue’s total emissions.

“We’ve been serious about sustainability since we first began planning at Te Pae Christchurch,” says Steele.

“Being able to achieve these milestones demonstrates the level of focus we are placing on every stage of our sustainability journey.

“The science-led approach, guidance and support provided by Toitū Envirocare – Aotearoa New Zealand’s strongest environmental program – has been an important part of that.”

The next stage for Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in its sustainability path is finding ways to help partners and clients achieve their sustainability goals.

“We want to bring our clients and suppliers along with us on this journey, working with them to minimise the environmental impact of every event we hold,” says Steele.

“As the last couple of years have demonstrated, people still want to meet face-to-face, share knowledge and experience first-hand what this amazing region has to offer.

“It is up to us, as leaders in the events industry, to constantly monitor and measure, to innovate and to demonstrate best practice so they can have that experience in the most sustainable way possible.”