• • Onsite sorting of plastic, paper, cardboard, glass, metals and other recyclable items
  • Continue to engage licensed third-party contractors to collect and manage general and hazardous waste including light bulbs, batteries, electronic waste, solvents and oils
  • Choose suppliers that use minimum landfill, re-usable packaging/containers
  • Re-use lanyards and name tag holders
  • Monthly carbon tracking analysis on waste generated
  • Maintain and promote the use of hand dryers to reduce paper waste
  • Recycle coffee grinds to local community gardens
  • Recycle all plastic bottle caps to Darwin Plastic Maker Space 

• • All taps and are fitted with a low flow system
  • All toilets have dual flush systems
  • Early detection and repair of leaks
  • Signage encouraging water-saving habits and practices in kitchens and offices

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.

• • Source locally grown, market fresh fruit and vegetables when in season
  • Use of energy-efficient star rating appliances, including cookers with burners that maximise energy utilisation
  • Use of reusable platters, tableware, glassware and serving dishes as well as biodegradable and recyclable alternatives
  • Provide water in jugs on tables for guests
  • Coffee Stations milk and juice are served in bulk, not single serves

The Darwin Convention Centre communicates its environmental guidelines to event organisers and makes recommendations such as:

• • Book hotels within walking distance of the Centre
  • Use local suppliers rather than ‘importing’ supplies
  • Use the Centre’s digital signage system for event information
  • Reuse of pens and recycled paper notepads when supplied
  • Select giveaways that are not over-packaged and are reusable or made of recyclable materials.
  • Donate re-usable materials to local schools or charitable organisations
  • Confirm guest numbers in timely manner to reduce food wastage

ARCHITECTURE
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

BUILDING FABRIC AND MATERIALS
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

ELECTRICAL SERVICES
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.

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

APPLIANCES
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.

PIPEWORK
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.

WATER
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 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 Silver Certified status.

The Darwin Convention Centre is proud to have completed the documentation and procedures required to satisfy the Australian Tourism Accreditation Standard for an Accredited Tourism Business Meeting Sustainable Business Practices.