Lessons in Sustainability from GA2023

Australia ICOMOS is proud to have delivered a sustainable and responsible General Assembly and Scientific Symposium, with more than 1,800 participants from around the world taking part in more than 150 individual events in Sydney from 31 August to 9 September.

GA2023 achieved carbon neutral certification, communicating a strong message about the nexus between traditional perceptions of ‘heritage’ and ‘heritage’ being the totality of what we pass on to future generations.

Over the course of GA2023 and in the weeks since, many colleagues have asked about the GA2023 sustainability program; including our ‘Sustainability Guide’, our carbon neutral venues, and how the certification was achieved.

Our sustainable General Assembly was managed by Helen Wilson, the GA2023 Sustainability Focal Point, and made possible through the generous support of strategic partners like EarthCheck, one of the world’s leading certification, consulting and advisory groups for sustainable destinations and tourism organisations.

GA2023 Convenor Richard Mackay AM spoke to EarthCheck founder and CEO Stewart Moore about the importance of sustainable events, and how sustainability and heritage intertwine.

Richard Mackay (right): Stewart, the ICOMOS Members definitely took note of how sustainability was intertwined throughout GA2023. What do you think was key to how that was achieved?

Stewart Moore (below): These things can be a journey, but establishing a Sustainability Guide for GA2023 put everyone on the same page from the beginning.

GA2023 was also meticulous about its procurement policies, preferring sustainable suppliers, a carbon neutral conference organiser in Arinex and particularly carbon neutral venues, including the EarthCheck-certified International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney), as well as emphasising First Nations procurement.

I was also impressed by how you collaborated with Arinex and ICOMOS colleagues from around the world to showcase sustainability throughout the event – particularly by including ‘Heritage as Sustainability’ as a program within the GA2023 Scientific Symposium, and by using recycled resources for on-site display material.

And of course, you worked with EarthCheck to actively monitor, measure and manage the event’s carbon footprint, and ultimately offset the remaining emissions with a dedicated tree planting program supported by Reforest. Being able to link each delegate to their own offset ‘tree’ was a particular highlight!

It all added up to an event that really walked the talk. EarthCheck was pleased to collaborate with Australia ICOMOS – and delighted that we could certify GA2023 as a carbon neutral sustainable event.

RM: Why is it important for events like GA2023 to be sustainable?

SM: They're more than events – they become statements. Sustainable events set an example. They show us how we can gather, celebrate, and learn without straining our planet's resources. It's about being mindful of our environmental and social footprints.

And when an event like this showcases sustainability to representatives from the world’s cultural heritage sites and monuments, and inspires those individuals to carry those principles forward, then that statement becomes even more impactful.

RM: Speaking of our ICOMOS Members, how does sustainability intertwine with the responsibility of managing cultural heritage places?

SM: That's a great question. It’s because these sites are inheritances, and inheritances aren’t just assets – they're stories, cultures, and histories handed down from one generation to the next. Sustainability can’t just be a buzzword at heritage sites. The responsibility of preserving these treasures for future generations has to be taken seriously. It’s about creating a legacy that respects both the past and the future.

RM: What role does tourism play in the sustainability of cultural heritage?

SM: Globally, heritage tourism has become one of the largest and fastest-growing tourism sectors. Australia has a rich natural and cultural heritage that underpins our sense of place and national identity, and today’s travellers want to experience this.

Consumer expectations have changed – visitors are now seeking a more active role in supporting the conservation and management of the cultural heritage sites they’re visiting. They’re openly looking for activities that are more purposeful and enriching when they’re in a destination, and searching for experiences that connect them with a sense of place.

At the same time, the tourism industry has become critically aware that tourism in all of its forms needs to be well managed, so that it protects the very things that make a site special.

Operators of cultural heritage sites should aim to tell stories and share their values in a way that nurtures the minds of visitors. When it’s done right, heritage tourism can be a symbiotic relationship, where visitors contribute positively to the conservation and understanding of these sites rather than harming them.

GA2023 provided delegates with sustainable stainless steel water bottles and bamboo USBs | Photos: Oneill Photographics

RM: The world has changed in many ways following the COVID pandemic. We’ve seen a rise in virtual and hybrid conferences, and people are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their travel. But we just had an exceptional event where personal relationships were forged and fortified, and frankly, that seems more important than ever. How do personal relationships fit into the sustainable tourism puzzle?

SM: You're spot-on there. The essence of sustainable tourism still boils down to personal connections. It's about connecting with local cultures, understanding the community's heartbeat, and fostering those genuine, one-on-one interactions. It's what makes the whole experience enriching and real. And it’s why when we talk about sustainability, we’re not just talking about the environment – we’re also talking about preserving, protecting – and contributing to – communities and livelihoods.

Jannawi Dancers and (below) edible table centrepieces at the Gala Dinner | Photos Kylie Christian

RM: Considering the urgency of the threat posed by climate change, what steps can cultural heritage sites globally take to manage its impact? Sustainability credentials were front and centre at GA2023 – but how easy would it be for ICOMOS Members to adopt and replicate those practices at other sites?

SM: Our advice is to always break the steps into bite-sized pieces which can be managed. You don’t have to overcommit, and you don’t have to resolve every issue immediately, but it’s important to undertake a quick check on what plans and policies are already in place and what immediate risks and challenges are present. It’s also important to establish some data and operational measurement on site so that you can monitor and track progress.

Heritage sites sometimes come with restrictions that can make implementing modifications challenging, because they have architectural, historical or other features and attributes that must be preserved. But these constraints don’t make sustainability impossible; they just necessitate a more thoughtful and nuanced approach.

For instance, you might be able to implement a building management system to make heating, cooling and lighting more efficient without altering the building’s structure. You can also focus on waste reduction, water conservation, community management, and on providing opportunities for local procurement, employment and training – all of which benefits the community and the environment.

Collaboration is essential. Heritage sites across the globe can greatly benefit from sharing best practices and innovative solutions to common challenges posed by climate change.

Continuous improvement is the name of the game. It's a journey, but one well worth embarking on.

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This content has been a collaboration between:

EarthCheck

Australia ICOMOS