Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC.

article_kids-day-out-is-back_hero-banner
Back to Stories and ideas

Making Green Moves at MCEC

By Bree Pagliuso |

If it’s been a while since your last visit, you’ll notice a few changes when you’re here next. We’re making strides in sustainability, supporting local, cutting waste, and backing smart solutions that make a real impact.

article_making-green-moves-at-mcec_people
A Small but Mighty Farm  

Our brand-new Greenspace Microfarm is quietly growing the freshest micro-herbs right inside our venue, cutting down food miles and boosting nutrition at the same time. These tiny greens are grown hydroponically just 1km away, then nurtured right here at MCEC until they’re ready to land on your plate. They’re packed with 40% more nutrients than standard herbs and use up to 95% less water than traditional farming methods. Local, fresh, and seriously sustainable. 

article_making-green-moves-at-mcec_microfarm
Why does it matter?  

  • Zero Pesticides: No herbicides, no pesticides; just clean, fresh greens. 

  • Lower Food Miles: Grown just around the corner and delivered on foot, meaning fewer emissions and a lower carbon footprint. 

  • Harvested to Order: We only take what we need, reducing food waste and ensuring every herb is at its best when it reaches your plate. 

article_making-green-moves-at-mcec_cup
Your New Favourite Keep-Cup  

Let’s be frank—our Returnr cups are better than yours. 

Tram in the distance, coffee in hand, nothing says Melbourne like that. Our Returnr cups feature the city’s most iconic ride, so you can carry a little piece of Melbourne wherever you go. 

Now, when you visit MCEC, you can buy your very own tram-inscribed Returnr keep cup. The perfect Melbourne souvenir to take home or share with visitors. 

Why the tram? 

Every morning, tens of thousands of Melburnians commute by tram, keep cup in hand. It’s a daily ritual, a Melbourne moment, and now, you can make yours even better with a cup designed for reuse. 

What makes Returnr special? 

These stainless-steel cups are built to last, with a twin-walled design that keeps your drink at the perfect temperature. Hot stays hot, cold stays cold, and no condensation drips. They’re safe, comfortable to hold, and part of a shared system that helps cut down waste. 

article_making-green-moves-at-mcec_lemonaide
Life-Changing LemonAid  

When life gives you lemons…turn them into something that fights food waste. That’s exactly what OzHarvest has done with their Life-Changing LemonAid. 

OzHarvest has been rescuing food and feeding people for years, making sure perfectly good food doesn’t end up in the bin. Now, they’ve put that mission into a can—literally. Life-Changing LemonAid comes in two seriously refreshing flavours: natural sparkling lemonade and rescued ginger twist, made with ginger saved from the juicing process (because why waste a perfectly good ingredient?). 

The best part? Every can sold helps OzHarvest provide a meal for someone in need—it’s that simple. 

Why back this? Because tackling food waste is about small, everyday choices that add up. It’s about making sustainability second nature. It’s about turning something as simple as grabbing a drink into an act of good. 

article_kids-day-out-is-back_microfarm

From our Microfarm to reusable coffee cups to drinks with purpose, sustainability is in everything we do. Because we care for our community, our city, and our planet.  

So next time you visit, take a moment to notice the little changes; because together, they’re making a big difference. 

Want to learn more about our sustainability efforts? Explore our Impact Guide here.  

Enquire now

Interested in hosting your next event at MCEC? Find out more about how we can bring your event to life.

Reach out to the team