Reduce Your Carbon Footprint When Visiting Darling Harbour
At ICC Sydney, we’re committed to delivering world-class events with a lighter environmental impact. By making small, considered choices throughout your visit; from your transport to your accommodation, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint while enjoying everything Sydney has to offer.
To help you travel more sustainably, we’ve compiled practical, simple steps visitors can take before, during and after their ICC Sydney event experience.
Sustainable Travel: Flights
Making responsible travel choices starts before you even arrive in Sydney.
- Choose economy class where possible, travelling in economy can reduce your carbon impact by up to three times compared to business class.
- Offset your flights at the point of purchase through your airline’s carbon offset program.
- Select airlines with strong sustainability commitments, such as those investing in sustainable aviation and carbon-reduction initiatives.
Accommodation
Your accommodation choices can play a major role in reducing your environmental impact.
- Select hotels with sustainability accreditations, such as LEED or programs recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council.
- Stay within walking distance of ICC Sydney, the venue is surrounded by more than 44,000 hotel rooms, reducing the need for vehicle travel.
- Bring your own reusable toiletries to avoid single-use plastics.
Ground Transport
Travelling around Sydney sustainably is easy and accessible.
- Choose active transport options such as walking or use share e- bikes and e-scooters where available.
- Opt for public transport, including Sydney’s Light Rail, which produces up to 10x less carbon than a single-passenger car trip.
- If you need to use a taxi or rideshare service, carpool with colleagues to reduce emissions.
- For directions and transport options, visit Getting to ICC Sydney: https://iccsydney.com.au/visitors/getting-here/
Reduce Waste During Your Visit
Simple habits can significantly reduce waste across your stay.
- Bring a reusable water bottle, coffee cup and tote bag, saving 3–5 disposable items per day.
- Participate in ICC Sydney’s recycling and composting programs throughout the venue.
- Request digital event materials where possible to avoid unnecessary printing.
Ethical and Sustainable Shopping
Make your souvenirs meaningful and sustainable.
- Support local artisans and suppliers, especially businesses providing direct profits to First Nations creators.
- Choose gifts that are ethically made, durable, and environmentally responsible.
Mix Business and Leisure
Extend your stay and make your trip more sustainable.
- Participate in eco-friendly leisure activities, such as volunteering with conservation groups or joining eco-tours.
- If you can, stay an extra few days, fewer flights and a longer visit reduce your footprint while giving you more time to enjoy Sydney’s culture, beaches and vibrant dining scene.
Sustainable Food Options
What you eat during your stay can also contribute to a reduced footprint.
- Choose vegetarian or vegan options, ICC Sydney offers 30% plant-based menu options and can accommodate all dietary requirements.
- Ask your event organiser to select from ICC Sydney’s range of low-carbon core menus, which highlight local sourcing, 100% NSW wines, and responsibly procured ingredients.
- Support the local community by dining in nearby bars and restaurants.
FAQs – Sustainable Event Attendance at ICC Sydney
How can I reduce my carbon footprint when travelling to ICC Sydney?
You can minimise your carbon impact by choosing economy flights, offsetting emissions, selecting eco-certified accommodation, and using low-emission transport such as walking, public transport or carpooling.
What sustainable food options are available at ICC Sydney?
ICC Sydney offers menus with 30% vegetarian and vegan options, as well as six dedicated low-carbon menus focused on locally sourced ingredients and sustainability-led procurement.
Can I recycle or compost waste at ICC Sydney?
Yes. ICC Sydney has comprehensive recycling and composting programs available throughout the venue, helping attendees minimise waste during events.
Are there eco-friendly hotels near ICC Sydney?
Many hotels within walking distance of ICC Sydney participate in sustainability programs or hold environmental certifications such as LEED or GSTC-recognised accreditations.
What are some sustainable leisure activities in Sydney?
Visitors can join eco-tours, volunteer with local conservation groups, support local artisans, and explore Sydney on foot or via public transport to maintain a low impact stay.