The Darwin Convention Centre has achieved the Bronze Benchmarking Standard through EarthCheck, the world’s leading environmental management and professional services group for the travel and tourism industry.

With an ongoing commitment to achieve the highest environmental credentials, the Darwin Convention Centre will now aim to proceed from the EarthCheck Benchmarked Bronze status to EarthCheck Certified Status.

The Darwin Convention Centre building was designed to be as energy efficient as possible. Careful consideration was made for its orientation, shape and integrative design so as to minimise overall energy consumption for the lifetime of the building.

Other design elements include:

• Large eaves and overhangs to create a 15% saving on air-conditioning consumption
• Direction of the building minimises solar radiation entering the building to reduce cooling costs

The design and construction of the Darwin Convention Centre has resulted in a variety of awards including:

• 2008 National Master Builders Association Awards – Public Buildings over $50 million
• 2008 Territory Construction Awards, President’s Award
• 2008 Engineering Australia Awards (Northern Division), Engineering Excellence Award
• Australian Institute of Architects 2009 Northern Territory Architectural Awards
• Northern Territory Architecture Awards – Tracy Memorial Award
• The Reverend John Flynn Award for Public Architecture
• Colourbond Award for Steel Architecture

Careful considerations of sustainability issues were adhered to in the selection of all internal materials such as floor and wall coverings, furniture, fixtures and fittings.

The selection criteria incorporated:

• PVC minimisation and use of PVC alternatives in conduits and piping
• Use of low volatile organic compounds [VOC] paints, adhesives and glues
• Plantation timbers
• Embodying energy efficient star rating appliances
• Provision for recycling material including glass and paper

The selection of construction materials was based on sustainability criteria which included the following considerations:

• Recyclability
• Sustainable sourcing
• Low embodied energy
• Low pollution from manufacturing
• Minimal environmental impact
• Durability and minimal maintenance
• Non-hazardous, eco-labelling and certification

A Building Management System was installed to monitor and control power usage along with preventative maintenance programs. This system includes an integrated digital based lighting system for automated lighting, stepped dimming control and energy efficient timers.

The Centre’s cooking equipment burners are designed to maximise energy utilisation versus kilowatt input. All heat sources are surrounded by baffles which direct the energy to the cooking appliances.

Cyclonic filters have been installed as they require smaller fans and ducts, reducing their energy consumption and lowering noise generation. Clean air is vented after being processed through these filters and an ultraviolet light system.

The installation of a high-efficiency, gas-boosted hot water generation plant helps to reduce greenhouse emissions.

Over 70% of the Centre’s drainage pipework is constructed from recyclable material in place of PVC. These recyclable materials are significantly stronger, resulting in lower risk of breakages and reduced risk of soil contamination.

We’re committed to recycling all our waste at the Darwin Convention Centre. Significant waste storage facilities have been installed with the ability to separate all recyclable material. We have contractors in place to regularly service these recycling initiatives.

A Siphonic Roof Drainage System has been designed with HDPE pipe work and fittings. This results in 50% of the roof drainage discharging directly to the lagoon to assist with the flushing process.

The Darwin Convention Centre follows environmentally responsible practices not only to operate as a sustainable business, but also to provide a higher quality of food for all events.

Using locally grown produce means ingredients travel a shorter distance from farm to plate, ensuring our guests enjoy fresher, more flavoursome food.

Only the freshest Northern Territory seafood makes it to the Centre’s kitchen, so it’s not unusual for dinner guests to dine on fresh, line-caught fish from that morning’s catch.

• Partnership with Tropiculture to recycle coffee grounds. The grounds are incorporated into their potting mixture to increase organic carbon content
• Use of energy-efficient star rating appliances, including cookers with burners that maximise energy utilisation
• Use of reusable platters, tableware and serving dishes as well as biodegradable and recyclable alternatives
• Provide on-site recycling of paper, plastics, metal, and glass used in food service
• Partnerships with other “green-conscious” food service businesses