Crowd at ICC Sydney Theatre, photographer is facing the crowd.

Turning up the volume on sustainability at ICC Sydney

29 Sep 2025

At ICC Sydney, we believe live events can do more than entertain. Events can inspire change, drive meaningful action, and leave a legacy that lasts well beyond the final encore. 

This belief has been recognised by Green Music Australia through their new Green Venue accreditation initiative, where ICC Sydney was awarded a 4-star certification for its dedication to sustainability – earning the highest ranking of venues participating in the inaugural pilot program. It’s a milestone that places us at the forefront of sustainable live entertainment in Australia and sets a new benchmark for what’s possible when environmental and social responsibility are embedded into every aspect of venue operations. 

So, what does sustainability look like at ICC Sydney? 

Our 4-star Green Venue rating is more than a symbol, it’s a reflection of the dedication, creativity and culture of our team. It highlights the many initiatives happening behind the scenes, including: 

  • Inspiring clients to collaborate with ICC Sydney to deliver sustainable, inclusive, and accessible experiences through its Legacy Program’s five streams: Environmental Sustainability, First Nations, Inclusion & Belonging, Creative Industries, and Innovators & Entrepreneurs. 
  • Powering the venue with 24% renewable energy through a combination of procured renewable energy (20%) and onsite solar generation (4%). 
  • Growing and embedding a culture of environmental responsibility, with internal and external campaigns encouraging sustainable travel, waste and energy reduction, and support for local sustainable suppliers. 
  • Aiming for 75% waste diversion, managing 24 separate waste streams across our venues, including ICC Sydney Theatre and Darling Harbour Theatre.  
  • Contributing to a circular economy by donating surplus food and event materials to local charities, and repurposing end-of-life textiles in-house. 
  • Championing inclusion with our Accessible and Inclusive Events Guide, to encourage diverse participation in the events we host, by creating a welcoming environment for all attendees. 

Supported by the NSW Government through Sound NSW and the Australian Government through Music Australia, the Green Music Australia Green Venue certification reinforces a growing truth: entertainment and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand. 

This October, we’ll continue to amplify this mission when ICC Sydney’s Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, Jess Zickar takes the stage alongside other passionate professionals, at SXSW Sydney 2025 Jess Zickar

Jess will lead the panel “Sound Choices: Creating Sustainable Legacies in Live Music and Events,” joined by industry leaders Emma Bosworth (National Program  Manager, Green Music Australia), Emily Collins (Head of Sound NSW), Jessie Parker (Festival Director, Laneway Festival), and Heidi Lenffer (CEO, FEAT Live). Together, they’ll explore how we can future-proof the music and events industry through real, scalable action.  

On the agenda: 

🎤 Choosing environmentally responsible venues and suppliers 

🎤 Embedding sustainability into touring and gigging 

🎤 Making live events a driving force for social and environmental impact 

This is a call to all music and event professionals and live entertainment fans to unite on Gadigal country at SXSW Sydney 2025, to shift attitudes and champion practical solutions for a more sustainable future. 

At ICC Sydney, sustainability isn’t a side initiative. It’s embedded in our operations, our people, and every event we deliver.