WASTE AND CLIMATE CHANGE

26-29 October, Hong Kong

The European Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong thanks to EUBIP was delighted to act once again as a sponsoring organization in the Eco Asia Conference that took place on 26-29 October 2011 in Hong Kong.

EUBIP’s first guest speaker was Jonas Törnblom, Marketing Director at ENVAC, world leader in underground waste transportation, with activities in 30 countries. Mr. Törnblom delivered a presentation on the topic of “Integrated Waste Management” and shared with the audience the company’s strategy of creating value by removing waste. The speaker focused on the importance of waste as part of the urban development, infrastructure planning and the energy system.

A large part of EU27 waste is still wasted by putting it on landfills (40% in 2006 according to EUROSTAT); however, Mr. Törnblom emphasized that waste is a valuable resource which should be utilised. He put the focus on the importance of waste separation as well, providing the audience with recommendations in its execution:

• Should be done at the source ie. in the household to obtain clean fractions.
• Should be based on the local collection schemes and treatment options
• Hazardous waste should be collected separate and treated (incinerated)
• Colored plastic bags could be used (one color for each fraction) both for pedagogic purpose and for automatic optical sorting.

EUBIP’s second guest speaker, Hermann Koller, Managing Director of ISWA (International Solid Waste Association) elaborated on the topic of waste management and the impact on greenhouse gas emissions. Up to 20% of the EU-CO2-emission-reduction-target can be reached through proper and comprehensive waste management measures. According to Mr. Koller, the waste sector offers a portfolio of proven, practical and cost-effective technologies which can contribute to greenhouse gas mitigation. When adapted and deployed according to local conditions and needs, they can help secure greenhouse emissions savings.

About ENVAC: http://www.envacgroup.com/web/Start.aspx

About ISWA: http://www.iswa.org/

Media publications:

http://www.ecoexpoasia.com/dm/2011/exhibitor_newsletter/4th/index.html

http://www.hrs-group.net/news/en/2011/08/08/support-from-eu-chamber.aspx

http://www.environmental-expert.com/news/support-from-eu-chamber-251066/view-comments