Workplace summit focuses on sustainable environment
The Green Workplace Summit, which focused on developing a healthy, energy-efficient and sustainable built environment for all, took place at the Crowne Plaza Muscat on Wednesday.
The event was inaugurated by H H Sayyid Mohammed bin Salim al Said. An eminent speaker like Sheikh Dr Abdul Aziz bin Ali al Nuaimi affectionately known as the Green Sheikh was also present.
Speaking on the topic Beyond Sustainability, Sheikh Nuaimi focussed on being responsible towards the environment and urged people to act now.
“That is why it is important that there is an awakening amongst the masses, bring in a behavioural change in them and get down to action. Action and words must be aligned to make changes. The biggest challenge today is that people do not know what they don’t know.”
He also spoke on the challenges facing the world including water, weather, energy and wheat amongst others.
“How many litres you waste in one or two shower can sustain a family for months together. Wheat is what we eat. There are millions who suffer from diabetes and millions who die because of hunger. Half of the food will heal you and half will kill you. So use food as a medicine and not medicine as food. Energy should be used judiciously. Climate change is happening and we must act now and the future is now and here.”
A member of one of the ruling royal families in the oil-rich UAE, Sheikh Nuaimi is known for his work as an environmental campaigner.
The summit also discussed topics like energy efficiency for chiller plants where Chaitanya P Powale, executive vice president - energy performance and services, Siemens, talked about saving on hydronic circuit using PICV’s and intelligent valve and demand based ventilation using CO or presence detectors amongst others.
On the other hand, Mohammad T Asfour, head MENA and Africa Regional Networks World Green Building Council, while talking on the topic ‘Greening the world: one building at a time’ detailed about building and construction sector focussing on climate action resource efficiency, health and well-being to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals amongst others.
Discussions were also held on methodology for successful green workplace transformation, wellness at workplace and well building standards, PDO’s environmental initiatives, developing a successful waste management strategy amongst others.
A panel discussion on the workplace of the future was also conducted.
Mark Rix, CEO, Apex Media, the strategic partner of the summit, said, “Apex Media is delighted to be the strategic partner of the Green Workplace Summit and our BITTER ABOUT LITTER campaign and corporate paper recycling initiatives are an important factor in supporting Oman’s efforts to build a sustainable environment in workplaces and the wider society.”