Climate Smart

Our eight month journey

The MECC undertook an eight-month program with the Department of Environment and Resource Management’s (DERM’s) ClimateSmart for Business Cluster program to earnestly lower their energy emissions. Here is a snapshot of that journey.

MECC is keen to change all bulbs to long life low energy use types over time. Staff education and engagement in the program was identified as a priority.

In the early stages of adoption our cleaning crew took a trip to the local Mackay Regional Council recycling facility to see firsthand the way co-mingled recyclables are dealt with. This was a real eye opener for the 4 staff members who attended and it would be great if we could arrange for more staff to attend at some time in the future.

Our lighting department, in cooperation with our ClimateSmart Advisor, has spent several hours investigating alternative lighting sources and drawing up costings. As a result, a clear indication of cost savings is now available to management and staff and there has been some level of commitment to sourcing the funding to change our current light fittings to alternative low energy, long life bulbs and fittings.

This is in on-going education process for our staff, but with a commitment of change coming from high level management, we will continue to have a focus on emission reduction, cost saving and providing a state-of-the-art entertainment facility.

MECC wants to provide residents of Mackay with a cost effective and quality venue. By introducing a couple of very simple, easy to achieve energy saving tips, we encouraged our staff & patrons to ‘do the right thing’. This way, we can reduce our carbon footprint, save money and provide Mackay with a really high quality entertainment and event facility.

Nicky Hansen, Business Development Coordinator,
MECC ClimateSmart Cluster Participant

3 ways we are making positive changes

Recycling
Introduction of co-mingled recycling alongside general waste in both public and office areas which will also save money in the long term.

Staff Awareness
Staff education, raising awareness of necessity to turn off air-conditioners and lights when not in use.

Light bulbs
Invest in light bulbs and fittings that provide lower energy use, and longer life saving the business money in the long term.