Southbank Melbourne©Tourism AustraliaMelbourne has been selected to host the World Sustainable Built Environment Conference (WSBE) in 2026, reaffirming its status as a global leader in sustainability.
The event will gather over 1,000 experts in sustainable development from around the world, focusing on innovations and challenges in the built environment.
The bid, led by the Melbourne Convention Bureau (MCB) and RMIT University, with support from the Victorian Government and Tourism Australia’s Business Events Bid Fund Program, will see the conference held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC).
MCB Chief Executive Julia Swanson praised Melbourne’s long-standing commitment to sustainability. “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 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: “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.”