Event: ICOMOS 21st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium 2023 (GA2023)
Dates: 31 August – 9 September 2023
Venue: International Convention Centre (ICC) Sydney, and other iconic Sydney locations
More than most, the members of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) understand that preserving our planet’s most cherished assets is critical.
GA2023, hosted by Australia ICOMOS, assembled more than 1800 participants from the cultural and heritage sector globally. The 10-day symposium featured more than 150 sessions woven together by the pivotal theme ‘Heritage Changes: Resilience – Responsibility – Rights – Relationships’. Discussions not only addressed climate change impacts on cultural heritage but also championed sustainable futures.
The climate change implications for cultural heritage sites are significant. Embracing the theme and the challenges on their doorstep, the GA2023 Organisers committed to hosting an environmentally sustainable and carbon-neutral event. This comprehensive initiative spanned policy formulation, procurement, venue and product selection, menu design, communication strategies, and carbon offsetting.
EarthCheck’s Responsible Events experts put together a science-backed sustainable event framework for ICOMOS, integrating the theme of the symposium with the sustainability requirements to ensure the event was carbon neutral.
Carbon control and offset
In partnership with EarthCheck and leveraging a tree planting initiative by Reforest, GA2023 aimed for carbon neutrality. Key efforts included selecting carbon-neutral venues, engaging sustainable suppliers and planting 1200 trees in Widgewah Conservation Sanctuary in Victoria, Australia, to offset residual emissions.
Sustainability guide
This guide served as a blueprint for GA2023, including how to minimise carbon footprints, procure responsibly and advocate for sustainable practices within the GA2023 framework.
Aboriginal procurement policy
This policy, developed by the GA2023 Indigenous Advisory Panel, underscored the significance of cultural heritage by engaging 12 local Aboriginal-owned businesses as suppliers, thereby reducing carbon miles and enhancing cultural connections.
Venue and supplier selection
The EarthCheck Certified ICC Sydney was a cornerstone venue, contributing only five per cent of emissions to the overall carbon footprint. Sustainable suppliers were preferred, including Arinex, Australia’s first carbon-neutral event management company.
Travel
GA2023 promoted sustainable travel among attendees, including a partnership with Qantas for carbon offsets, with the airline matching contributions dollar for dollar. Additionally, through Reforest, delegates were provided with access to a travel calculator, enabling them to estimate and offset their travel-related carbon emissions, directly through Reforest. Many GA2023 planning meetings went the hybrid route, significantly reducing the carbon footprint for both local and interstate travel.
Sustainability elements during the event
Delegates could take part in specific sustainability activities during the event with special sessions, food, themes, materials and more. The event integrated sustainable practices across various aspects including:
GA2023 was certified as carbon-neutral, setting a precedent for future global ICOMOS events. Australia ICOMOS communicated a strong message about the nexus between heritage and what is passed on to future generations. It also demonstrated that event size does not constrain the attainment of carbon neutrality.
GA2023 Convenor Prof Richard Mackay AM said: “The success of the ICOMOS 21st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium was underscored by dedication to sustainable strategies. Our commitment to carbon neutrality responds to the urgent need to address the impacts of climate change, not only on cultural heritage, but also on the communities to whom it is important and on the environment. The GA2023 certification was made possible through the support of EarthCheck and Reforest, and partnerships with Arinex and ICC, Sydney, all of whom embraced our vision for a sustainable event. ICOMOS recognises that present actions can set the trajectory for a sustainable future.”
Your next meeting, conference or event can be Good for Business and Good for the Planet. Talk to our team today about EarthCheck’s Responsible Meetings and Events products and services.
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