Top 10 Sustainable Event Venues in Melbourne

Planning an event in Melbourne? Whether you're an event planner, office manager, or sustainability manager, finding the right green venue can be challenging. With Melbourne's commitment to environmental responsibility, there are several eco-conscious venues that cater specifically to different needs—whether you're looking for cost-effective options, seamless logistics, or venues that align with corporate sustainability initiatives.

But what exactly makes an event venue green? Let's explore the criteria for a sustainable event venue and showcase ten of Melbourne's top spots that meet these standards.

Criteria for a Green Event Venue: What Matters to You

To qualify as a green event venue, a space must adhere to various sustainable practices that reduce the overall environmental impact of events hosted there.

Here are some key criteria that define an eco-friendly event venue:

1. Renewable Energy Use: Venues that use renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind, help to significantly reduce carbon emissions and align with Melbourne’s renewable energy targets.

2. Water Conservation: Implementing water-saving features, such as efficient plumbing and greywater recycling, helps to reduce water usage—a crucial consideration given Australia’s water scarcity challenges.

3. Waste Management and Reduction: Recycling programs, composting options, and minimising landfill waste are critical practices for green venues. These ensure less event waste and help fulfil sustainability goals.

4. Energy Efficiency: Energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems help lower energy consumption, which can translate into lower operational costs during your event.

5. Local Sourcing: Venues that source materials, food, or decor locally reduce the environmental impact associated with transportation, while supporting local Melbourne businesses.

6. Green Certifications: Venues with certifications such as a Green Star rating demonstrate their commitment to sustainable practices and environmental standards, boosting the credibility of your event’s sustainability claims.

Top 10 Eco-Friendly Event Venues in Melbourne

1. Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) | Website

• Location: 1 Convention Centre Pl, South Wharf VIC 3006

• MCEC is renowned for its commitment to sustainability, holding a 6-Star Green Star rating. The centre uses renewable energy, has efficient waste management systems, and prioritises water conservation. With its extensive focus on environmental practices, MCEC is a prime choice for eco-conscious event organisers.

2. CERES Community Environment Park | Website

• Location: Roberts St, Brunswick VIC 3057

• CERES is a not-for-profit environmental education centre and social enterprise hub. Its event spaces are surrounded by urban agriculture, and the park supports a variety of community-led sustainability initiatives. CERES focuses on both environmental education and sustainable infrastructure, making it ideal for events centred around community and sustainability.

3. Library at The Dock | Website

• Location: Docklands, VIC

• As one of Australia's most sustainable community buildings, Library at The Dock boasts a 6-star Green Star rating. It offers versatile spaces for community events, workshops, and meetings.

4. The Abbotsford Convent | Website

• Location: Abbotsford, VIC

• A unique arts, culture, and learning precinct, The Abbotsford Convent emphasises sustainability through its community gardens and eco-friendly initiatives. It offers various indoor and outdoor spaces for events.

5. The Commons Collective | Website

• Location: St Kilda Rd, Melbourne, VIC

• The Commons Collective is committed to sustainable practices, including waste reduction and energy efficiency. It provides elegant spaces suitable for weddings, corporate events, and social gatherings.

6. East Elevation | Website

• Location: Brunswick East, VIC

• East Elevation is a charming venue with a focus on sustainability and local sourcing. The venue features a seasonal menu, locally grown ingredients, and minimal waste practices. The unique space—home to a chocolate factory and urban garden—offers a creative environment for small to medium events.

7. The University of Melbourne's Green Building | Website

• Location: Parkville, VIC

• The University of Melbourne's Green Building is designed with sustainability at its core, featuring energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials. It offers various spaces suitable for conferences, seminars, and workshops.

8. The Wheeler Centre | Website

• Location: Little Lonsdale St, Melbourne, VIC

• Dedicated to literature and ideas, The Wheeler Centre incorporates sustainable practices in its operations. It provides event spaces ideal for lectures, panel discussions, and literary events.

9. Melbourne Showgrounds | Website

• Location: Flemington, VIC

• Description: Operated by Melbourne Royal, the Melbourne Showgrounds have taken steps to minimise their environmental footprint. With waste management practices in place and a commitment to resource efficiency, the Showgrounds can accommodate larger events while keeping sustainability in mind.

The Grain Store | Website

• Location: Melbourne CBD, VIC

• Located in the CBD, The Grain Store is an eco-conscious venue that prides itself on using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. The focus on a hyper-local menu helps reduce the venue's carbon footprint, making it a great choice for gatherings that include catering.

Why Choose a Green Venue for Your Melbourne Event?

Choosing a green venue for your event not only helps reduce the environmental impact but also aligns with Melbourne’s broader goals of sustainability. For event planners, office managers, and sustainability managers, a green venue offers significant advantages:

• Cost-Effectiveness: Many of these venues provide integrated waste management, energy efficiency systems, and renewable energy solutions, potentially reducing overall event costs by minimising utility and waste disposal fees.

• Credibility and Stakeholder Satisfaction: Hosting an event at a venue with a Green Star rating or similar certification enhances the credibility of your sustainability efforts. This helps satisfy corporate stakeholders and clients who are concerned about the environmental impact of the event, and allows you to highlight quantifiable contributions to sustainability goals.

• Practical Logistics: Features like renewable energy, locally sourced catering, and on-site composting simplify the logistics of planning a sustainable event. For example, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre provides comprehensive packages that include waste management and carbon offset options, helping reduce the burden of arranging these separately.

Each of these venues is designed to meet Melbourne’s sustainability expectations, whether through advanced energy efficiency, community initiatives, or direct collaboration with local suppliers. Hosting your event at one of these venues is a great way to ensure that your gathering reflects values of sustainability and community responsibility while meeting your logistical needs. Each of these venues has demonstrated a commitment to eco-friendly practices, whether through energy efficiency, water conservation, or promoting local, sustainable sourcing. Hosting your event at one of these venues is a great way to ensure that your gathering reflects values of sustainability and community responsibility.

Note: For ideas on making events greener, we’ve compiled simple steps to help you host a sustainable events in Brisbane and these tips equally apply to Melbourne :)

Resources: Terra Tag Melbourne page and eco-friendly name badges