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2026 Sustainable Built Environment Conference destined for Melbourne.
Melbourne has been announced as the host city for the World Sustainable Built Environment Conference (WSBE) in 2026. This event, which first began in 2000, has become a key platform for discussing sustainable development in the built environment. The 2026 edition will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
The Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB), in partnership with RMIT University, successfully secured the bid to host the event. The MCEC is noted for being the first convention centre globally to achieve a 6-star Green Star rating.
Julia Swanson, CEO of the Melbourne Convention Bureau, said: “We are thrilled to bring the World Sustainable Built Environment Conference back to Melbourne,’ she said. ‘Our city has a long-standing tradition of hosting successful, sustainability-focused events that leave a lasting impact.”
The 2026 WSBE is expected to bring together over 1,000 delegates, including researchers, academics, and practitioners from around the world. The conference will focus on the theme “Beyond the Sustainable Development Goals: Who, What, and How?”
WSBE26 Convenor, Professor 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 WSBE26, 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.”
The conference programme will address a range of topics, from sustainable construction and infrastructure to the role of technology and policy in shaping future practices. Discussions will include issues like the reuse of materials, green certifications, circular economy approaches, and the role of government in driving change. Technology will also play a key part, with artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other digital tools set to feature prominently.
