ADP Consulting recently hosted a special event for clients, property industry leaders and Queensland government representatives to discuss the opportunities associated with building a more sustainable, carbon positive Olympics and Paralympic Games in 2032. 

Held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre (BCEC), the event saw 150 key stakeholders in the property industry convene under one roof to share strategies and insights, explore possibilities and accelerate positive change. 

Belinda Coates, ADP Consulting CEO, noted that the Sydney Olympics were a laboratory for green design with world-first implementation of new water recycling, waste management and solar infrastructure. Belinda noted that the Green Building Council of Australia, and with it the Green Star rating tool, were born from these Olympics.  

Following a keynote by Dr Clinton de Bruyn (Acting CEO, Brisbane 2032 Coordinator Office, Department of State Development and Infrastructure) guests were invited to participate in a panel discussion moderated by Board Director and former Brisbane City Council CEO (2000 – 2010) Jude Munro AO.

The panel consisted of:

• Laurent Deleu (Founding Director, ADP Consulting) 
• Troy Casey (Managing Director, Blaklash) 
• Davina Rooney (CEO, Green Building Council of Australia) 
• Chris Brown (Cross River Rail Precints Director, QIC) 

The speakers highlighted that Brisbane’s commitment to hosting the first-ever “climate positive” Games is a catalyst for collective action, necessitating collaborative and immediate action to achieve the best possible results.  

Key discussion points included: 

• What it means to be “climate-positive”;
• Pursuing a 6-Star Green Star rating for all new buildings and significantly altered venues; 
• Capitalising on social and economic opportunities facilitated by the Games; 
• Taking a precinct-wide approach to services and utilities; 
• Logistical challenges of delivering sustainability at scale; 
• Economic, social and environmental legacy of the Games; 
• The importance of early and meaningful engagement with our Traditional Owners and moving from engagement to co-design.

Thank you to all guests for engaging with the panel to share their thoughts, ideas and insights on how sustainability targets for the Brisbane Games can be best achieved. 

In lieu of gifts, ADP Consulting made a donation to Paralympics Australia on behalf of guest speakers to thank them for their time and meaningful contribution to the event. This donation will help empower Australian Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence while fostering a more inclusive sporting landscape in the country. 

Photography credit: Troy Elliot