Sustainability – Women Deliver

Sustainability at WD2026

Building a Greener, More Just Future — Together

At Women Deliver, sustainability is a core value. From the way we travel to how we source food, manage waste, and power our spaces, we’re taking bold steps to make the Women Deliver 2026 Conference (WD2026) as sustainable and climate-conscious as possible.

With so much of the world watching, we’re using WD2026 to model what a truly climate-responsible convening can look like — rooted in justice, inclusion, and action.

Our Approach: Four Pillars of Sustainability

1. Reducing Carbon Emissions

We’re committed to minimizing our carbon footprint by:

  • Hosting WD2026 at a sustainable venue in a city with green public transport.
  • Encouraging delegates to use public transit, bike, or carpool.
  • Offering shuttles from transit hubs to reduce individual car use.
  • Partnering on carbon offset opportunities and encouraging voluntary contributions at registration.

Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Alignment: 7 – Affordable & Clean Energy | 11 – Sustainable Cities | 13 – Climate Action

2. Minimizing Waste & Resource Use

We’re designing WD2026 to generate as little waste as possible by:

  • Going digital — from the Conference program to communications.
  • Offering reusable or compostable badges and lanyards.
  • Encouraging delegates to bring reusable water bottles — with refill stations onsite.
  • Partnering with vendors to sort waste and recycle responsibly.
  • Promoting zero-waste practices for exhibitors and side event hosts.

SDG Alignment: 6 – Clean Water & Sanitation | 9 – Innovation & Infrastructure | 12 – Responsible Consumption | 14 – Life Below Water

3. Centering Inclusion in Sustainability

Sustainability means nothing without equity. At WD2026, that includes:

  • Prioritizing accessibility for delegates with disabilities.
  • Offering financial support through scholarships.
  • Creating wellness and quiet spaces throughout the venue.
  • Ensuring interpretation, accessible formats, and sliding-scale ticket pricing.
  • Providing volunteer opportunities for local youth.

SDG Alignment: 1 – No Poverty | 3 – Good Health | 4 – Quality Education | 10 – Reduced Inequalities

4. Embedding Gender Justice

A sustainable Conference must also be a feminist one. We’re committed to:

  • Uplifting underrepresented voices, including Indigenous, youth, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ leaders.
  • Ensuring gender diversity in speakers and panels.
  • Creating safe, harassment-free, family-friendly spaces.
  • Co-creating WD2026 alongside the communities it’s meant to serve.

SDG Alignment: 5 – Gender Equality | 10 – Reduced Inequalities | 16 – Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions

Our Host Venue: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

WD2026 will take place at the award-winning Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) — one of the most environmentally innovative event venues in the world.

MCEC is:

  • Sustainable Tourism Accredited – Officially accredited in 2024 for meeting national standards in sustainability and high-quality service delivery.
  • EarthCheck Platinum Certified – Recognized in 2024 for meeting rigorous global sustainability standards. MCEC is one of only five convention centers worldwide to achieve Platinum or Master certification.
  • The First 6-Star Green Star Convention Centre – The first venue of its kind to be awarded a 6-Star environmental rating for excellence in sustainable building design and operations.

Built for Sustainable Impact

MCEC’s entire operations — from energy and water use to food, transport, and waste — are designed with sustainability in mind.

  • Food and Beverage
    • More than 95% of food suppliers are based in Victoria.
    • MCEC grows its own herbs, citrus, and edible flowers in 36 onsite food cubes.
    • Single-use coffee cups have been replaced by returnable ones at select catering stations, and eco boxes are used instead of disposable lunch containers.
    • Any surplus food is donated to OzHarvest or BrightSparge, our local food rescue partners.
  • Waste Management
    • Food waste is sorted into organics bins across the venue, then dehydrated onsite and repurposed as compost and mulch.
    • Waste is monitored by IKON, MCEC’s waste management partner, who provides detailed post-event waste reports and supports high-efficiency recycling and sorting systems.
  • Event Styling and Materials
    • MCEC is eliminating unnecessary items like notepads and pens to reduce waste.
    • Stands and signage are designed for reuse — made from recyclable or compostable materials like cardboard and avoiding non-recyclables like MDF and PVC.
    • In-house digital displays and wayfinding replace printed materials, cutting down on paper and plastic use.
  • Energy, Water, and Emissions
    • Currently, 100% of MCEC’s electricity comes from renewable sources.
    • An advanced energy management system tracks and reduces emissions through CO₂ monitoring and variable-speed drives.
    • Rainwater is harvested from the roof and reused for cooling systems and landscaping irrigation.
  • Transport and Access
    • Located in central Narrm (Melbourne), MCEC is easy to reach via train, tram, and bike routes.
    • Free tram service within the CBD reduces reliance on cars and supports low-emission commuting for attendees.
  • Marketing and Transparency
    • MCEC’s sustainability goals and progress are shared publicly, reinforcing its commitment to accountability, you can access the latest Impact report here.
    • The venue has signed onto the Net Zero Carbon Events Initiative, pledging to achieve net zero emissions and contribute to a global climate solution.

Explore MCEC’s full approach to sustainable event planning here:
mcec.com.au/our-impact/positive-impact-guide/sustainable-events-guide

Our Partners in Sustainability

Professional Conference Organizer: Arinex

Arinex is a certified carbon-neutral organization — measuring, reducing, and offsetting emissions while embedding sustainability into every part of the event. They’re also committed to First Nations reconciliation, making them a powerful partner in aligning WD2026 with climate justice and First Nations leadership.


Learn more: Arinex Sustainability Journey.

Exhibition Builder: Harry the Hirer

Harry the Hirer is leading the way in greener exhibitions:

  • All displays are modular and reusable.
  • Furniture is made from recycled, recyclable, or sustainably sourced materials.
  • LED lighting and efficient packaging cut emissions and waste.
  • A dedicated team ensures sustainability across every department.

Discover more: Harry’s ESG Statement

Our Commitment to Climate Justice

At a time when the climate crisis is deepening inequalities, sustainability at WD2026 goes beyond carbon. It’s about climate justice — ensuring the solutions we champion are feminist, inclusive, and centered on the leadership of those most affected.

Want to learn more or have ideas to share?
Reach out to us at wd2026@womendeliver.org