Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network launches ‘ACT to Sustain - Be Responsible’ Waste Management Campaign

On the occasion of the World Environment Day, the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network, in association with Dubai Municipality, launched its 2^nd Waste Management Campaign, entitled “ACT to Sustain - Be Responsible” at Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s head office on Thursday. 

Building on the huge success of the first campaign which was launched in 2012, the companies that are part of the Waste Management and Resource Efficiency Task group of the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network are currently working towards raising awareness by introducing positive steps necessary to preserve and protect the environment in the emirate. 

Under the theme “ACT to Sustain - Be Responsible” the Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network Members in collaboration with Dubai Municipality through this campaign aim to share best practices on waste management and resource efficiency as well as engage with different stakeholders to address some of the main concerns, challenges and gaps in managing industrial and commercial waste. 

During this event the Dubai Municipality also shared with the business community and for the first time the highlights of its “Waste Management Master Plan 2030”. The launch ceremony also provided businesses the opportunity to interact with the authorities on how regulations and policies were being implemented in the area of waste management. 

In his welcome address, Mr. Atiq Juma Nasib, Senior Director, Commercial Services Sector, Dubai Chamber, said that in an effort to curb environmental damage, both governments and businesses around the world are exploring innovative and sustainable ways to manage waste and raise awareness on the importance of reducing industrial, commercial and household waste.  This is vital if we want to protect the world for future generations and create a more efficient and sustainable business community in the country. 

He further stated that Dubai Chamber is playing its part in line with Dubai’s vision to become one of the world’s top ten sustainable cities by 2020. Since the renovation of our green building, when we removed all waste bins and introduced recycling bins on each floor, office recycling rose from 15 to 85%, he said. 

Mr. Nassib also thanked the members of the Waste Management & Resource Efficiency task group for their initiative, and for their drive and commitment in organising this campaign. 

The companies participating in the Waste Management Campaign include Al Ghurair Investment, Apparel Group, Henkel GCC, Majid Al Futtaim Properties, Eros Group, Dulsco, SamTech Middle East, Al Rostamani Pegel, Veolia Environment, QBG Facilities Management, Al Futtaim Carillion, Six Construct, Intercoil International LLC, ECCS.Co, du, Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC), Blossom Nursery, Lulu Hypermarket and Saeed & Mohammed Al Naboodah Group. 

The speakers at the launch campaign included H.E. Essa Al Ghurair, Vice-Chairman, Al Ghurair Investment, Xavier Joseph, CEO Gulf Countries, Veolia Environment, Zahra Hamirani Esq., CEO and Founder of Blossom Education, and Madhumohan S., Director, Waste Management Services, Dulsco. Also, Dubai Municipality gave an overview of their ambitious Waste Management Master Plan 2030. 

Accrediting the late Sheikh Rashid for sowing the seeds of sustainability in the old days, H.E. Essa Al Ghurair, stated that today’s generation is reaping the fruits of the hard work done by the past and present rulers of Dubai. 

‘‘Today, we all are the first command in making a change by reducing our waste and conserving energy through small means which will ultimately make a big difference in the lives of our children in the future,’’ said H.E. Al Ghurair whose company leads the Waste Management and Resource Efficiency Task Group of Dubai Chamber’s Sustainability Network. 

In their presentation on Dubai Strategic Integrated Plan for Solid Waste 2030, Dubai Municipality revealed their strategy to be a world-class waste management organisation in the wake of the increasing tonnage of waste produced by the emirate and the government’s efforts in tracking waste and finding additional landfills as well as its strategy of spending millions to keep the city clean. 

The Dubai Chamber Sustainability Network has 57 members till date.   

The Sustainability Network started out with only four corporate members in 2010 and in just 3 years 73 networking events have been held, bringing together 1,049 participants from across the business community. It aims to grow its members to 100 by 2017, not only in the country but also across the region. 

At the heart of the Sustainability Network are the business-driven and action-oriented task groups aimed to address CSR and Sustainability challenges within the UAE. The task groups serve as a multi-stakeholder platform to discuss and exchange CSR/Sustainability views and practices. 

The Centre for Responsible Business, which was formed in 2004 and celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2014, plays an important role in instilling a culture of responsible business in the UAE. The Centre assists Dubai Chamber members to apply responsible business practices that enhance their performance and competitiveness. It also provides research, training and events related to the concept of corporate social responsibility while raising the profile of Dubai as a sustainable business destination.