40 tonnes and keeps growing, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre says no to waste

KUALA LUMPUR – Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) has achieved a significant 40 tonnes or 25% in waste reduction, from 163 tonnes in 2011 to 124 tonnes in 2012, thanks to its commitment to responsible waste management.

Since opening in 2005, the Centre has had in place strict procedures aimed at reducing the amount of waste produced including a monitoring system that provides a comprehensive breakdown of how much waste each department generates to facilitate more accurate management (of the amount of waste produced) and to identify areas where waste efficiency can be enhanced.

According to Mr Chen Soo Yoong, the Centre’s Director of Facilities, “the Centre’s waste management policy calls for waste minimisation through reuse and recycling, and the outsource composting of food waste.” He further explained that the Centre’s waste management process starts with over 18 colour coded sets of bins strategically placed around the Centre to encourage guests, members of the public and staff to be part of this initiative.

“The waste is then separated again into dry, wet and hazardous waste before collection by the accredited recycling centres at least once a day, or whenever necessary to ensure waste leaves the Centre every day. Where possible, materials left over from events are recycled in-house and reused.”

Such procedures in part, have enabled the Centre to retain its ISO 9001, ISO 22000, ISO 14001 and EarthCheck Bronze (environment) certifications.

“Moving forward,” shared Mr Chen, “the Centre will continue to encourage clients and professional event/conference organisers to achieve ISO14001 certification so everyone works towards a common goal in waste management and environmental sustainability. Less is actually more; we hope to contribute less harmful materials and reduce more waste for the benefit of our future generations.”

In the lead up to tag along World Environment Day 2013 that is taking place on 5 June this year, the Centre’s 34 team members toured the facilities of its waste contractor and Malaysia’s first integrated waste management centre, Kualiti Alam Sdn Bhd, to learn more about the processing of food, general and recycled waste.  “When we want to champion a movement like this, we have to first start with educating our team to practise proper waste disposal through education, exposure and encouragement.”

‘Think. Eat. Save. Reduce your foodprint’ is the theme of World Environment Day 2013 which will be celebrated in Mongolia. Supported by the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organisation and others, the campaign aims to reduce food loss along the entire chain of food production and consumption and specifically targets food wasted by consumers, retailers and the hospitality industry.

Sourced: TravelDailyNews