SEC partnership accelerates Melbourne Park’s sustainability goals

01 July 2025

Sustainability has long been a focus for Melbourne Park, which hosts some of the country's – and the world’s – biggest events at its iconic venues, including Rod Laver Arena, John Cain Arena, Margaret Court Arena, AAMI Park, Centrepiece and Kia Arena.

With its venues on display to the world, Melbourne Park has prioritised delivering sustainable outcomes for more than a decade, with its near-$1 billion redevelopment - completed in 2021 - laying the foundations for its current approach. The redevelopment delivered a range of sustainable outcomes, including LEED Gold certification for five of its buildings, installation of rooftop solar, rainwater harvesting via an on-site treatment plant recycling 12 megalitres of water annually.

In 2025, Melbourne Park will expand its sustainability credentials becoming one of the first customers to purchase 100 per cent renewable electricity from the SEC to power its extensive operations.

Further investment into sustainable outcomes has included sports lighting upgrades at AAMI Park, degasification at the AIA Centre, and precinct-wide energy efficiency lighting upgrades delivered under the Victorian Energy Upgrade initiative. These initiatives aim to reduce energy consumption, lower carbon emissions and support long-term environmental sustainability across the precinct.

“As an important part of the state’s live sport and entertainment industry, we aim to be leaders in environmental sustainability, so we can continue to create value for our community, and for Victoria,” said Melbourne Park CEO John Harnden.

Mr Harnden said Melbourne Park’s transition to the SEC’s 100% renewable electricity will be instrumental in meeting and exceeding Melbourne Park’s 2030 emissions reduction targets.

“By engaging the SEC as its retail provider, Melbourne Park is projected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 56%, reaching our 2030 emissions target of a 45% reduction from 2019 levels five years early – the equivalent of 5000 Victorian homes each year.”

With Melbourne Park bringing the best of the world to Melbourne, and showcasing the best of Melbourne to the world, Mr Harnden said it is important to have sustainability credentials in place that meet the expectations of climate-conscious artists and performers. In addition, it showcases Melbourne’s climate leadership on the world stage.

“As the global effort to combat climate change continues, sporting codes, promoters and artists are all setting their own sustainability targets, and Melbourne Park’s 100% renewable SEC retail arrangement helps us work together with our commercial partners and global touring artists to deliver on these shared goals.”

Partnering with the SEC was also a natural fit with Melbourne Park’s Victoria-first ethos which informs every level of its operations.

“From procurement policies to supply chain and event delivery, Melbourne Park prioritises Victorian jobs and businesses at every opportunity.

Engaging SEC as our large market electricity provider represents a significant uplift in the precinct’s contribution to Victoria, with operational energy consumption now directly contributing to Victorian jobs and economic outcomes, along with ongoing investment in growing and nurturing renewable energy in Victoria,” Mr Harnden said.