Melbourne is set to host the prestigious World Sustainable Built Environment Conference (WSBE) in 2026, one of the longest-running global scientific and technical conference series on sustainable development in the built environment. This announcement marks another milestone for the city, known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The conference will provide a premier interdisciplinary platform for leading academic scientists, researchers, practitioners, and educators to present on all aspects of sustainable built environment and discuss the latest innovations, trends, and practical challenges in the field.
The successful bid, spearheaded by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) in collaboration with RMIT University and supported by the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program, will see more than 1,000 delegates gather at Australia’s largest convention and exhibition space and indisputable leader in environmentally sustainable design – the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
MCEC was the first convention centre in the world to achieve a 6-star Green Star environmental rating and is one of only six convention centres globally to be awarded platinum certification. MCEC boasts a wide array of world-leading sustainability initiatives that remain unique today.
MCB Chief Executive Julia Swanson said the collaborative effort in securing this event showcases Melbourne’s commitment to sustainability and excellence in the built environment sector: “We are delighted to bring the World Sustainable Built Environment Conference back to Melbourne. Our city has a rich history of hosting successful sustainability-focused conferences, leaving a lasting legacy.
“Melbourne remains at the forefront of addressing sustainability challenges in the built environment, and the Victorian Government is dedicated to enhancing the environmental performance and resilience of buildings in response to urban growth and climate change.
“Well-designed and resource-efficient infrastructure, such as the world’s first 6-star Green Star environmental rating venue, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, is essential for creating more sustainable cities and business events.”
RMIT University Professor of Sustainable Built Environment Dr Usha Iyer-Raniga said bringing together the best expertise and the latest research will support sustainable development and management of the built environment at all scales: “We are excited to showcase our cutting-edge research and development and to encourage innovative thinking to address these critical issues. The city of Melbourne, known for its iconic green buildings and pioneering energy efficiency regulations, will provide a fitting backdrop for this global event.
“As we approach the 2026 event, there is a growing need to plan beyond the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) timeline of 2015–2030. This conference provides an opportunity to take stock and move from inaction to action, addressing important challenges such as the triple planetary crises. We aim to chart a new course for humanity, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking and accelerating solutions for both the Global North and the Global South.”
As a local host, RMIT University is the nation’s leading institution for design and creative fields. Architecture, Built Environment, and Art and Design are both ranked number one in Australia and in the top 20 globally in the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject.
RMIT will be supported by other universities and research centres across Australia, alongside peak industry bodies representing the built environment in delivering the event.
Tourism Australia Managing Director Phillipa Harrison said hosting the World Sustainable Built Environment Conference in 2026 will significantly benefit Melbourne, Victoria, and Australia economically: “At Tourism Australia, we know business events make an important contribution to our visitor economy, and that’s why we work to secure a strong pipeline of new international events through our Bid Fund Program.
“The Bid Fund Program plays a key role in the critical bidding stage for business events, which bring hundreds of thousands of people to Australia each year to experience our world-class event delivery and also take the opportunity to explore more of our country.”
