SUSTAINABILITY FEATURE

CSIR ICC implements several sustainability initiatives

Over the years, the CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC), in Tshwane, has implemented several social and environmental responsibility initiatives and has trained staff and partnered with relevant service providers to proactively promote green conferences to clients who share its commitment towards the environment, by reducing the environmental impact of events hosted at the ICC. Below are some of the initiatives that are already in place at the CSIR ICC.

Waste management and recycling

The separation of waste (bottles, cans, glass, paper, plastic, etc.) at the source inside the CSIR ICC increases the centre’s awareness of the vast amount of waste that it throws away. There is a twin-bin system in all public venues and kitchens. Waste is kept separate in special larger bins in the outdoor waste collection area until it is collected by an accredited provider for recycling. The ICC also contributes to used cooking oil recycling initiatives. The oil is collected by a professional oil-recycling company and is used in an environmentally friendly and responsible way according to the regulations relating to Edible Fats and Oils (Government Notice12 No. R 1316 of 16 August 1996), none of the oil that is recycled is used for human consumption.

The CSIR International Convention Centre has installed Essity’s hygiene manufactured Tork branded products in restrooms, to support efforts that contribute to the protection of the environment through resource efficiency and sustainability in its operations. Essity, a hygiene products manufacturing company has partnered with the United Nations to reach Sustainable Development Goals. The partnership is an initiative supporting global dialogue around hygiene, health, and well-being to improve hygiene standards worldwide. Through this initiative, the CSIR ICC has seen an overall 70 per cent reduction in culinary and restrooms, i.e. toilet paper usage.

In an effort to reduce water usage, the CSIR ICC installed water flow restrictors on all its bathroom taps and the restrictions have resulted in savings of 187 litres per day.

Energy demand management

All light bulbs and luminaries fitted in the CSIR ICC are energy-saving and energy efficient. Some new areas of the expanded building have motion sensors to switch the light on when in use and off when not. Furthermore, the CSIR ICC is currentlyreplacing some lighting with LED panel lights, which have the following benefits:

Energy Efficiency — LED panels are more energy efficient compared to traditional lighting.

Lifespan — Unlike traditional light bulbs, LED panels do not require to burn through a lot of energy for brightness, colour temperature and have dimming options and requires less maintenance and cost saving.

Economic and social responsibility

The CSIR ICC has been contributing to capacity pipeline development by annually appointing in-service trainees who are studying towards food and beverage and hospitality management diplomas or other industry-related qualifications, since 2001. Several students who have completed their in-service training with the CSIR ICC have

been hired in permanent positions by the centre, on completion of their courses. Surplus furniture, equipment, and excess conference stationery are regularly donated to charities, who make use of these in classrooms and care facilities in need. Surplus food from the CSIR ICC kitchens is also donated to a variety of charities in the City of Tshwane.

Furthermore, the CSIR ICC signed up to participate in the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative that was established at the Conference of the Parties 26 UN Climate Change Conference. The initiative is acknowledgement that there is an urgent need to accelerate the transition towards global net zero emissions, and for the events industry to play its part in helping to deliver the goals of the Paris Agreement and ensuring a just transition.

Paper made from Wheat Straw Fiber.

All CSIR ICC hygienic products are made from wheat straw in support of the environment. Did you know That wheat straw contributes to a low environmental impact as it uses less water and energy.