Sustainable events
Everything you need to know about the environmental impacts of events and what you can do to minimise them.
The University is committed to delivering COVIDSafe events in line with government and health advice. Please ensure COVIDSafe practices are followed in the planning and running of all events on campus by visiting Events and COVID-19 on the University’s Staff Hub.
Events are a fantastic way to engage with a large number of people, make connections, foster collaboration and raise awareness. However, they can cause significant environmental impacts.
In a world where resources are rapidly diminishing and society contributes to excessive (and often unethical) consumption, an area we have the capacity to make significant improvements to our operational sustainability is through the events we run.

Run a sustainable event on campus
University events range from small meetings that take place every day to large public-facing events like Open Day. Each event we run has the potential to raise awareness about sustainability and help drive positive change.
To learn how to make the next event your organise as sustainable as possible, download and read the Sustainable Events Guide and individual event checklists. The guide and checklists have been developed to help event organisers plan and deliver successful events that minimise negative impacts on the environment and foster positive community relations.
Run a sustainable event at home
Learn how to reduce the environmental impact of your next picnic, barbecue or dinner party by following these tips.
Sustainable Events Guide and Checklists






Event services
There are a range of services available at the University that make running a sustainable event hassle-free.
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Choose to Reuse Events Service
Hire crockery and cutlery for events held on the Parkville campus.
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Bin hire
Hire extra waste and recycling bins for your event via Service Now (staff only). For organics bins email sustainable-campus@unimelb.edu.au
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Equipment hire
Hire a-frames and banners, chairs and tables, or umbrellas and bunting for your next event.
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Cleaning services
If you require extra cleaning after your event, log a request through Service Now (staff only).
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Bin warriors
Contact the Sustainability Team to have student volunteers stand by the bins at your event to instruct attendees – larger events only.
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Sustainable events workshops
Attend a sustainable events workshop to learn more about running a sustainable event. Check our events page for upcoming workshops.
Make the commitment
Follow our guidelines, pledge to make your next event more sustainable, then record how you went via the sustainable events register.