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Case Study - The Victoria Racing Club

The VRC’s role as a #SEA Changer

The Victoria Racing Club (VRC) is proud to be a founding member of SEA, embracing the opportunity to improve its environmental practices and share knowledge with other industry leaders.

As the world’s largest member-based racing club with more than 30,000 members, the VRC is committed to attaining the highest standards in environmental performance, while balancing its environmental needs against that of its operations. In 2007, the VRC established the Sustainability Charter, guiding the operations of staff and suppliers at the Racecourse, and shaping VRC initiatives on energy, waste, food rescue, and water.

With its shining jewel, the Melbourne Cup Carnival, attracting more than 300,000 racegoers to Flemington Racecourse each year, the VRC aspires to be a leader in world racing in all aspects of the sport, including in environmental performance. They aim to achieve this through:

  • Continuous improvement of the efficient use of resources, particularly water and energy, and minimize the use of chemicals and consumables
  • Continuous improvement of the management of the Club’s waste materials and effluents
  • Managing Flemington Racecourse, its gardens and facilities as a leading entertainment venue and ensure its sustainability as a profitable, community asset
  • Engaging with the local community on the impact of its operations

The VRC and it’s Club Stand

Unveiled ahead of the 2018 Melbourne Cup Carnival, the VRC’s new Club Stand put sustainability at the forefront of the racing agenda. Designed with environmental sustainability in mind, the Club Stand paints a future of a more sustainable racing experience. The Club Stand features:

  • Energy-efficient LED lighting
  • Sensor-activated lighting and escalators
  • Integrated building management systems controlled remotely via app or computer
  • Use of recycled materials in the fit out, such as outdoor seating consisting of 97% recycled plastic.

“The Club Stand redefines the benchmark for sporting and entertainment venues and secures Flemington’s future as one of the world’s top racing destinations.”

“Designed by Bates Smart and constructed by Multiplex, the state of the art venue’s environmentally sustainable design allows the VRC to manage the facility in the most effective manner to reduce demands on utilities.” – VRC Executive General Manager, James Reid.

Environmental Sustainability Efforts

“For the VRC, leading from the front doesn’t stop at racing and event entertainment – we very much see our values of excellence and innovation extending into how we operate with respect to sustainability and our impact on the environment.”
James ReidExecutive General Manager

SEA Changes

ENERGY
ENERGY

Thanks to their official Energy Partner, Momentum Energy and the SmilePower program, the VRC has been able to match their energy usage with the production of hydro and wind energy in Tasmania. While their partnership with GreenSync enables the VRC to go off the grid during times of peak energy demand, when requested. The VRC has also made a number of changes on the ground at Flemington to further reduce energy consumption, including the use of solar panels which generate 25,000Kw/h of power, and the installation of energy-efficient air conditioning systems and a commercial refrigeration system in the Grandstand.

WASTE MANAGEMENT
WASTE MANAGEMENT

With over 300,000 racegoers making their way to Flemington over the Melbourne Cup Carnival, waste management is a top priority for the VRC. Working alongside caterers and event management organisation Incognitus, the VRC has reduced packaging and is diverting organic waste from landfills by using composting facilities. The VRC also uses reduction of waste levies as a financial incentive to encourage Sponsors and Corporates to reduce the use of Medium Density Fibreboard in their building projects. Members and patrons are encouraged to bring only recyclable food packaging to the venue, with glass crushing machines on site reducing the amount of recycling pickups.

FOOD RECOVERY
FOOD RECOVERY

Since 2007, the VRC has proudly partnered with SecondBite, a charitable organisation redistributing fresh food from organisations like the VRC to people in need. During the 2017 Melbourne Cup Carnival alone, 2,000kg of food was redistributed through SecondBite, equating to 4,000 meals for people in need, with 4,225kg of food redistributed over the past two years.

WATER
WATER

Working alongside City West Water, the VRC has considerably reduced its potable water consumption and drought-proofed Flemington racecourse by introducing a major in situ desalination (ISD) plant. ISD produces up to 150 megalitres annually, consuming 50% less power than other desalination practices, and eliminating the use of excess brine that later needs to be disposed of.

Possible Next Steps

Critical next steps in the evolution of the VRC and Flemington as an sustainability leader could include:

  • Examination of Flemington’s desalination plant, turf nursery and green house, solar energy and recycling crushers for further improvement or expansion.
  • Growing and nurturing industry and government partnerships to progress innovation with mutual benefit.
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