Australian event suppliers are going greener

AUSTRALIA - The number of business event suppliers in Melbourne and Victoria implementing enviromental initiatives is increasing, says a new report.

The Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau (MCVB) says, according to its latest Melbourne's 'Green Credentials' Report, that a 20 per cent increase in submissions had been received over the past year.

"The report provides meeting and event organisers with a concise collation of the environmentally responsible initiatives being undertaken by Melbourne's busdiness event suppliers," says MCVB CEO, Sandra Chipchase.

Highlights of the new report, compared to 2009, include:

* An 18 per cent increase in the number of audits conducted

* A 17 per cent increase on the creation of internal 'green teams'

* A 12 per cent increase in staff education and training

"MCVB's initiatives are also included in the report, such as launching an 'Event Carbon Calculator' to allow planners to offset the emissions of events held in the area," adds Chipchase.

The full report can be viewed at www.mcvb.com.au