The Royal International Convention Centre (Royal ICC) at Brisbane Showgrounds has been awarded Green Globe Certification, a significant milestone achievement which makes it one of Australia’s most environmentally sustainable venues of its kind.

Green Globe Certification is a global certification program that recognises venues for their commitment to sustainable practices and efforts to reduce their environmental impact. The Royal ICC achieved this prestigious certification after implementing a range of sustainable initiatives, including energy efficiency, waste reduction and recycling programs, energy-efficient lighting systems, and sustainable food and beverage options.

“We are Australia’s only convention centre to achieve this certification from the global leader in sustainability certification – Green Globe,” The Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland (RNA) chief executive Brendan Christou said.

“Our focus, as a not-for-profit organisation, is to champion and exhibit our environmental practices, diversity and inclusion to build a more sustainable future.

“We are delighted to be part of the global Green Globe community and are committed to continuing to achieve positive outcomes for our organisation, our people, our community and the environment.”

The venue’s sustainability initiatives that underpin Green Globe certification include: the promotion of local producers with sustainably focused menus; energy saving through the Royal ICC Solar Panel Project, which has so far reduced the venue’s carbon emissions by more than 720 tonnes; and a Resource Conservation Policy, which commits to 21 sustainability management objectives.

Green Globe certifies the sustainable operations of 26 of the world’s leading conference centres which Green Globe chief executive officer Birte Pelayo said is an important tool for event planners and attendees who are looking to host or attend conferences in a sustainable and environmentally responsible way.

“The Green Globe certification of the Royal ICC is a significant achievement and demonstrates their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. It also strongly positions this Australian conference venue as a global leader for Green Meetings and Events,” Pelayo said.

The Royal ICC is one of Queensland’s largest convention centres, featuring more than 4,000 square metres of event space.