Sustainable event delivery is now a standard part of procurement, with planners increasingly responsible for demonstrating how venue choices support their organisation’s ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) and reporting requirements. For many teams, the challenge is not intent — it’s finding venues with verified practices, transparent operations, and the ability to deliver quality without compromising sustainability goals.
A number of regional Victorian venues have built sustainability into the way they operate, offering planners tangible benefits such as reduced event emissions, responsible waste management, and socially conscious partnerships.
These examples highlight what planners can expect when sourcing sustainable venues in the region, and how these features translate into real operational value for business events.
Great Ocean Road Resort
Great Ocean Road Resort has moved beyond sustainability commitments into active regenerative tourism practices. Its operations run on four established pillars: Supply Chain Integrity, Waste Management, Regeneration, and Energy Efficiency. The resort already diverts multiple waste streams, runs an on-site kitchen garden supplying produce, and integrates recycling programs for Nespresso pods, bottle caps, and soft plastics. Rooms include separated waste bins, and the property encourages reduced water use through opt-out servicing and guest education. Landscaping is managed to enhance biodiversity, and staff receive ongoing sustainability training — all contributing to events with measurable environmental outcomes.
Nyaal Banyul – Geelong Convention & Event Centre (Opening 2026)
While still under construction, Nyaal Banyul has already embedded several verified sustainability measures into its build and operational plans that planners can confidently reference. These include a 5-Star Green Star pathway, solar infrastructure designed to supply around one-third of the venue’s energy load, and a fully electrified precinct. Cultural design principles, developed in partnership with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, are incorporated into naming, wayfinding, and accessibility features. For future event proposals, Nyaal Banyul allows planners to demonstrate alignment with ESG frameworks from day one of its operation.
Jackalope Hotel
Jackalope currently runs on a large solar array generating over 30% of the property’s energy, with on-site wastewater treatment and reuse systems supporting irrigation across the vineyard. Its kitchens integrate composting, and building materials include recovered and repurposed timber, reducing embodied carbon. Amenities across rooms and restaurants minimise single-use plastics through bulk refill stations and verified sustainable sourcing (e.g., Rainforest Alliance tea, ethical coffee). Jackalope also contributes to coastal regeneration via the Shell Savers Project, where oyster shells are recycled to restore local reefs — a tangible environmental contribution that planners can reference in event reporting.
Bayside Geelong Hotel & Apartments
Newly redeveloped, Bayside Geelong has already installed a 100 kW solar system contributing clean energy to guest rooms, meeting spaces, and operational areas. The property’s new design incorporates Energy Recovery Ventilation, double glazing, upgraded insulation, and smart LED lighting for efficient, low-emission event delivery. Underground parking includes EV charging, supporting sustainable delegate travel. The hotel’s restaurant, Franca’s, operates with a focus on local suppliers and is implementing food-waste minimisation systems, offering planners a traceable and responsible dining component.
Yarra Valley Estate
Yarra Valley Estate has long operated as a best-practice sustainable venue with programs already in place that directly benefit event delivery. Its waste systems divert organic waste, coffee grounds, soft plastics, and e-waste, supported by on-site worm farms and composting. The venue uses extensive rainwater harvesting, energy-efficient systems, and has eliminated single-use plastics from guestrooms through reusable and eco-friendly amenities. The property’s Edible Forest gardens and vegetable plantings supply fresh produce for event catering, reducing food miles. Its programs extend to community and wildlife initiatives, including Babbajin Park rehabilitation and partnerships with Global Gardens of Peace, reinforcing the social-impact dimension of sustainable events.
RACV Resorts
RACV has a strong focus on environmental and social responsibility, with sustainability embedded across its resorts and venues. Current initiatives include extensive water and waste-reduction measures, such as using natural spring water for irrigation, glass and oil recycling programs, and eliminating single-use plastics wherever possible. Light fittings have been upgraded to energy-efficient LEDs, and major systems — including exhaust fans, pool filtration, air-conditioning and water pumps — now run on variable-speed drives to reduce energy use. Guests are encouraged to support conservation efforts through optional linen changes and compostable cups. RACV installed a 377 kW rooftop solar array at RACV Torquay Resort.
How These Practices Support Better Event Outcomes
Collectively, these venues offer planners:
🌿 Evidence-based sustainability credentials for ESG reporting
🌿 Lower-emission event delivery through renewable energy and efficient systems
🌿 Waste-reduction pathways aligned with modern event guidelines
🌿 Transparent supply chains for catering and procurement
🌿 Genuine community and environmental impact that can be communicated to stakeholders
🌿 Improved delegate experience through healthier food, nature-connected environments, and thoughtful design.
Plan a More Sustainable Event in Regional Victoria
Regional Victoria’s venues show that credible, operational sustainability can sit comfortably alongside high-quality business events. If you’re sourcing for forthcoming programs, BEV can provide tailored venue recommendations and sustainability-focused itineraries to support your planning and internal reporting needs.
Contact Business Events Victoria to discover how your next regional conference can thrive and more.
Want to make your next event your most sustainable yet? Download our Sustainable Event Checklist for practical steps and easy wins.
