WFES in Abu Dhabi most sustainable ever
abu dhabi — The 13th edition of the World Future Energy Summit (WFES), held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), is by far the most sustainable one.
The registration process was fully paperless, badges and bags biodegradable, temporary structures were built using sustainable or recycled materials, and carpet from the exhibition will now be recycled after the event.
The Adnec didn’t use any plastic in its restaurants and water dispensers were installed to reduce the use of bottled water. Pavilions like that of Tadweer — the centre of waste management — was made from recyclable and used products.
“One of our objectives was to drive new sustainable initiatives across the exhibition down to using more sustainable products,” Grant Tuchten, group event director of the WFES, told Khaleej Times.
Apart from government, business leaders and experts promoting renewable energy and sustainable
technology, the stand-out features of this summit were the sundry art installations and works made by local students and artists that dotted the hallways — all of which were made by waste and recycled materials.
Shough Abdullah, a student, put together a turtle made from debris and mortar, shedding light on need to protect one of the world’s most-endangered species. There
were installations with sea creatures gasping for life and more highlighting capitalist lifestyles, consumption, threat from plastics and many others.
Tuchten said there was a conscious effort to reach out to the youth and make them part of the summit. “The art installations are by Emirati artists and students. They have conveyed the key message is on reducing waste, extent
of damage to oceans and the need for awareness to take measures to reduce impact in environment. We work closely with Masdar, who looked to invest in young artists and bring them to this summit,” he added.
Tuchten said what’s seen and experienced by the visitors is an effort of round-the-year work by some 200 people. “Now we have closed this year and will start on 2021 edition. Each year we bring in new components to keep the event fresh. This year we had Smart Cities component, next year we will bring in climate and environment exchange.”
Tuchten said plans are afoot to conduct more events throughout the year to maintain momentum for the campaign on renewable energy and sustainability.