Consumer demand for green products is driving companies to become more environmentally-focused and invest heavily in new technology, underscoring the importance of a trade platform like Green Middle East that brings together technological advancements from all over the world under a single roof.
According to a recent survey conducted in several countries by global consultancy Accenture, it was revealed that many establishments selling environmentally-friendly products and services are struggling to keep up with consumer demand, with the majority of the respondents seeing spending on sustainability as an investment rather than a cost.
“Businesses’ growing concerns over their public profile and the need to meet corporate social and environment responsibility obligations mean they are under constant pressure to be eco-friendly to stay competitive. For businesses, investing in green technologies not only save money, but demonstrate a commitment to customers and shareholders. For consumers, they offer safer, healthier and economical products in the long run,” said Mr. Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, Director-General of Expo Centre Sharjah, which will organize and host the second Green Middle East exhibition and conference from October 15 to 17, 2012.
GROWING MARKET
Globally, the green transition market is being valued at a staggering US $45 trillion as governments, businesses and the civil society earnestly attempt to control the depletion of natural resources, improve fuel efficiency, and reuse & recycle to create a society that would in turn give rise to a knowledge-based economy.
According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), investment in clean technology and renewable energy hit US$ 243 billion in 2010, a rise of 30 per cent on the US$ 186 billion spent a year earlier. The WEF found that the increase in spending was almost even across the various regions it tracks. Investment across Europe, the Middle East and Africa rose to US$ 94.4 billion, while the Americas saw an increase of US$ 17 billion.
“Demand for automation technologies that increase the efficiency of energy management, alternative energy systems and water technologies for drinking water and industrial use are on the rise,” said Mr. Midfa.
RISING PRIVATE PARTICIPATION
Until a few years ago, governments were supposed to carry the burden of waste management, but not any more. “These days, waste management is not just a government responsibility, with waste and sewage management going to private operators. Real estate developers, free zones, universities, hotels, and other such large establishments are increasingly required to get involved in the waste management of their own properties with collection, segregation and compacting being done at the source. Green Middle East will be a boon for them to find the right equipment they need to do such work,” said Mr. Midfa.
Grey water recycling, hazardous waste segregation and STP plants are also required to be installed in medium and large establishments, and sourcing of equipment & technology for such treatment is now a priority for these organizations. New regulations in air pollution, dust control, emissions and hazardous waste require state-of-the-art technology and equipment to be installed. Certifications like LEEDS, green building also demand the use of energy efficient and resource saving devices.
For consumers, green products and services create healthier surroundings, better savings due to energy efficiency, lower maintenance costs, less waste or toxicity, convenience and status quotient. Such products are often renewable, and produce little to zero greenhouse gas emissions, and are considered the way of the future.
BEE’AH TIE-UP
Bee’ah – the Middle East’s leading and award-winning fully integrated environment and waste management company – is partnering with Expo Centre Sharjah to host the exhibition, which is set to be the leading exhibition for the environmental management and technology industry in the Middle East region, introducing effective environmental solutions and bring about positive changes in both the industry as well as the society.
With Bee’ah planning to take its offerings beyond Sharjah and into other regions, the Green Middle East is expected to help it explore the knowledge and expertise needed to sustain its cutting-edge environmental initiatives and campaigns.
EXCELLENCE AWARD, SEMINARS & ENVIRONMENTAL FORUM
To coincide with Green Middle East, Expo Centre Sharjah has launched an environmental excellence award. Entries have started pouring in from organisations, businesses and individuals who have succeeded in the Middle East region in implementing and promoting environmental issues in 14 categories, including ‘best solid waste management company of the year’, ‘best waste water management company of the year’, ‘best alternative energy project of the year’, etc. The awards will be announced during a ceremony on October 16 during the Green Middle East. Eligible applicants must fill out the inquiry form on www.green-middleeast.com, and answer the relevant questions to the possible 14 categories by September 15th, 2012.
The exhibition will also present a knowledge-sharing platform through the Technical Seminars. Seminars will combine with the “live” demonstrations at the exhibition to make the visitors experience at Green ME an eye-opener on the latest technology in the field of environment management.
Following its success last year, Bee’ah will once again host the Forum for Environmental Change, which will be an interactive and knowledge-sharing platform, bringing together decision-makers and industry stalwarts to share their insights, introduce a positive change to the environment, and discuss future opportunities in the region’s fastest growing industry. The Forum will be held throughout the first day of the Green ME exhibition and will provide an unparalleled networking opportunity to hear from industry leaders who will play a key role in formulating the region’s environmental policy in the coming years.
SUB SECTIONS
The second Green Middle East, considering the industrial strengths of the local and regional economies, will cover all aspects of environment technology, featuring individual segments such as Solid Waste, Waste Water, Air Pollution, Scrap Metal, Alternative Energy and Green Building.
It will be a must-visit event for industry as it addresses the multiple environment-related buying needs of visiting buyers, from solid-waste segregation system to grey-water treatment plant, and solar street lighting to balers & odour control. New products on display will range from bacterial water-treatment to medical waste systems, and vehicle & bin sanitizing systems to waste-to-energy systems.
The debut edition of the exhibition was successfully held in October 2011. It occupied an area of 2,500 sqm and attracted over 60 exhibitors & brands and 3,000 trade visitors. The event was attended by visitors from the GCC and across the region.
