Environmental Initiatives
at the Adelaide Showground
A Commitment to the Environment
The Adelaide Showground, one of South Australia’s largest multipurpose venues, that welcomes more than one million visitors each year, prioritises environmental sustainability. Through ongoing renovation and innovation, the Adelaide Showground acknowledges its responsibility to integrate and uphold sound environmental principles across all operations. The venue is dedicated to ensuring that both the Showground and its events meet stringent environmental criteria, in line with current legislation, regulatory standards, and statutory requirements.
Sustainable Energy Initiatives
Since 2009, the Adelaide Showground has been committed to sustainable energy, having installed more than 12,000 square metres of rooftop solar panels. These panels generate more than 700 mega-watt-hours (MWh) of solar electricity annually, equivalent to powering 140 South Australian homes and preventing the release of approximately 700 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year. In addition, a windmill has been installed to pump stored water to a header tank, ensuring easy access to water for landscape irrigation.
Energy Management
The Adelaide Showground has implemented a range of initiatives to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency. These efforts include replacing 90% of pavilion lighting with energy-efficient LED lights and upgrading the Main Arena with new LED lighting on the light towers. Additional measures include the installation of computer-controlled air conditioning and lighting systems for both indoor pavilions and outdoor precincts. These systems ensure that lighting and air conditioning are automatically switched off when not in use, further contributing to energy savings.
Waste Reduction and Management
The Adelaide Showground is dedicated to eliminating waste sent to landfill. In 2022, a comprehensive waste management strategy was launched, introducing organic and dry waste bins throughout the site while discontinuing the collection of general landfill waste. Organic waste is composted, and dry materials are converted into alternative fuels, significantly reducing the environmental impact. Thanks to these initiatives, over 92.99% of waste generated at the Showground was recycled or repurposed in 2023.
Water Conservation and Management
The Adelaide Showground takes water conservation seriously with a 3.5-million-litre underground water storage tank that supports essential services such as toilet flushing, irrigation, and water features across the northern precinct. The roof catchment system provides approximately 10 million litres of rainwater annually. Water collected from the Dairy Pavilion roof is injected back into the local aquifer, further enhancing sustainability. All toilets are equipped with water-saving dual-flush systems, while regular maintenance ensures there are no leaks, and the use of biodegradable cleaning products reduces harm to the wastewater system.
Going Green
The Adelaide Showground is proud to be a vibrant, green space, continually improving its sustainability efforts. Recent green initiatives include the addition of more than 70 mobile planter boxes, the creation of new garden beds along the northern fence line, and the transformation of once-barren walls into green, living spaces. The Showground has also planted 100 new trees, laid 3,290 square metres of turf in the newly developed Caravan Park, and introduced 36 fruit trees and four vines to enhance the environment around the State Basketball Centre.
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To support local ecosystems, the Showground plants a variety of flowering species to provide a year-round food source for bees. A rooftop bee colony, currently home to two hives, is also in place, with plans for expansion to accommodate additional hives in the future.
Other Initiatives Include:
Transport
The Adelaide Showground strongly encourages attendees to travel to events via public transport or walking and cycling. Extensive infrastructure has been put in place including bike parking facilities, the incorporation of public transport facilities in the Goyder forecourt, connection to the Adelaide train network through the Showground Train Station, as well as close connections to bus and tram routes along Goodwood Road and ANZAC Highway.
Catering
The Adelaide Showground, in collaboration with contract caterer O’Brien Group Australia (OBGA) proactively investigate programs to better understand carbon reduction opportunities across our operations. Clients' sustainability concerns are equally important to us as it is to them how we source, prepare and provide food. The Showground also encourages event organisers to consider alternative systems for food presentation and serving, as well as preparation and disposal.
Education
The Adelaide Showground is committed to protecting the environment, as well as aiming to provide a valuable educational resource for our staff and the wider community. Through initiatives such as a permanent ‘Environmental Walk’, Rooftop Tours to showcase the Solar Panel Array and active Beehives and additional training for RA&HS Employees.
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ROOM SPECIFICATIONSArea 6,400m2 Dimensions 100m x 64m Ceiling Height 10m (8m floor to catwalk) Electrical Available via 9m Grid Floor Pits Water Available via 18m Grid Floor Pits Loading Dock 6m high x 8m wide (access via Goodwood Road)
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FEATURESPublic Entry via Duncan Gallery, Atrium & Goyder Plaza Toilets to the North & South Carpeted Floor 600 Lux Lighting Security Cameras & Alarms Access to Jubilee Pavilion via Duncan Gallery Access to Mezzanine level Evaporative Cooling Gas Heating ATM Internal Café available Organisers Office Disabled Access Exhibitor & Organiser Parking Operable Wall to divide into North & South sections Access to Goyder Mezzanine break out rooms x 3 Access to Atrium break out rooms x 2
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SERVICES AVAILABLEElectrical Phone & Wireless Internet Water & Waste Gas Public Address System