The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC) has recently implemented a major recycling program in support of Abu Dhabi’s environmental agenda which will transform the Centre into one of the region’s most eco-friendly event venues.

ADNEC completed the installation of recycling stations throughout the exhibition complex in late June 2009. After only a month of operation, the entire system was able to recycle almost 5,000 kilograms of paper, carton, magazine, plastic and aluminum can waste. ADNEC intends to recycle other materials in the future as technology becomes available in the UAE.

“The Abu Dhabi Government looks to sustainability as a key component of its development goals towards 2030, so we wanted to improve our own sustainable strategy to further minimize our ecological footprint. After a year of brainstorming and close coordination with recycling experts, we’ve been able to come up with a system that perfectly complements the capital’s green agenda and fits well with our operational requirements as a leading international exhibition centre,” said Humaid Al Dhaheri, Director of Finance and Human Resources, ADNEC,

The recycling units are designed according to UK standards and incorporate modifications to suit the specific needs of the facility. Each station provides four chambers for separating pulp and paper, plastic, cans, and regular waste. The refuse is transported to a loading area and kept in color-coded bins, where they are picked up by DULSCO, the first Integrated Management System–certified waste management company in the UAE.

“Through this project, ADNEC has effectively taken the lead in promoting higher environmental standards within the events industry of the region. This system will help us to identify, investigate and resolve the unique waste management challenges faced by our venue. The result will be more eco-friendly practices that will help in enhancing Abu Dhabi’s image as a “green” capital city,” added Humaid Al Dhaheri, Director of Finance and Human Resources, ADNEC,

ADNEC initiated its “Re-use, Reduce, Recycle” environmental campaign in January of 2008 to coincide with the launch of the highly successful World Future Energy Summit.

The campaign aimed to address exhibition waste produced by the Centre’s numerous events which eventually influenced the conceptualization of the present recycling strategy.

ADNEC owned venue ExCeL London also leads the way on recycling initiatives and sustainable work practices at the UK capital’s largest exhibition centre. The UK venue partners with its clients and suppliers to develop and promote the most sustainable events possible. In 2008 75% of waste produced was recycled and it also reduced its carbon (CO2) emissions by an impressive 27%.

“The success of ADNEC’s recycling program is a significant platform for the Gulf’s largest conference and exhibition centre to lead out with further sustainable initiatives in the future” concludes Humaid Al Dhaheri, Director of Finance and Human Resources, ADNEC,

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