The Conference Centre

Earlier in 2009 Robyn took over ownership of The Conference Centre, having formerly managed it on behalf of AUT University. Centrally located in Penrose, the Centre offers a comprehensive range of meeting and entertainment facilities, with 16 fully equipped conference rooms and on-site catering. It aims to offer the most sustainable conference package available.

The Conference Centre aims to direct and drive sustainability. Every decision, purchase or process is questioned for its environmental impact, as part of developing environmental and social best practice.

The Challenge

• Bringing people together for face-to-face interaction inevitably requires travel and consumption of resources.
• The building must be managed carefully to maximise its environmental performance while maintaining the Centre’s commitment to ‘four star’ service and quality.
• Reducing waste by effective planning, re-use and recycling, and educating staff and clients to share and adopt the Centre’s philosophy.

Some responses

• The Centre has dramatically increased its use of reusable, recycled and locally sourced products, and is developing good routines for on-site recycling of organic waste.

• Clients are being encouraged to use public transport options, and other means of reducing the overall impact of events.
• Staff are provided with facilities that encourage walking, cycling and public transport usage.

The results

• Since conducting a waste audit, The Conference Centre has seen a measurable reduction in packaging, as suppliers are provided with reusable containers for the delivery of food daily, which are then washed and reused.
• Old monitors were recently sent to a kindergarten and day care centre for the children to role play with.
• Clients and suppliers have become involved in the Centre’s drive to sustainability, which has already impressed those that share or are developing the same sustainability focus as them.
• Increased awareness about waste has encouraged staff to keep a tidier and less cluttered workplace, which has produced more pride in their surroundings and helps them to focus on their jobs more. This has seen an increase in productivity and smarter working.
• With various recycling rubbish bins located throughout the Centre, everyone is more mindful of what waste they produce. There has been a drop in packaging and reducing kitchen costs.

Northern Regional Awards judges' comments

• The Conference Centre has a clearly articulated vision of becoming a sustainable business. They are aware of their key environmental, social and financial impacts and have plans in place to manage these.
• They have made a particularly impressive effort in reducing their waste and sourcing environmentally friendly supplies and are connected to and engaging with their supply chain.
• The Centre has a strong link to the community and engages staff and suppliers in every aspect of their sustainability planning.