The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) has achieved a significant 40 tons and 25 percent reduction in waste from 163 tons in 2011 to 124 tons last year thanks to its commitment to responsible waste management.
Since opening in 2005, the KLCC 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.
“The Centre’s waste management policy calls for waste minimization through reuse and recycling, and the outsource composting of food waste,” said Chen Soo Yoong, director of facilities, KLCC.
He further explained the Centre’s waste-management process starts with more than 18 color-coded sets of bins strategically placed 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 centers at least once a day to ensure waste leaves the Centre every day,” said Chen. “Where possible, materials left over from events are recycled in-house and reused.”
Such procedures in part, have enabled the KLCC to retain its ISO 9001, ISO 22000, ISO 14001 and EarthCheck Bronze (environmental) certifications.
“The Centre will continue to encourage clients and event organizers to achieve ISO14001 certification so everyone works towards a common goal in waste management and environmental sustainability,” said Chen. “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 June 5, 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 practice 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.
