MUSCAT: Following Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre’s ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and awareness, the premier events venue in the Sultanate of Oman was recently awarded the “Country Winner” title by the prestigious HSBC Middle East Living Business Programme for 2021.
Out of a total 71 applicants registered in this cost-free, open-access competition; followed by a shortlisting of 46 companies, Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre (OCEC) was selected as one of five overall winners.
The “Country Winner” award reflects OCEC’s firm commitment to carrying out operations that contribute towards a progressively sustainable planet, accelerated environmental awareness and consistent reduction of carbon footprint activities associated with the OCEC complex.
Throughout 2021, the programme collected data on participating companies with operations in Bahrain, Egypt, the Sultanate of Oman, Qatar and the UAE. Winners were selected based on jury votes using an Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) framework.
In terms of the Environment framework, participants were evaluated according to overall sustainability and environmental footprint reduction.
“It’s great doing business together when you have a plan for the planet,” the Living Business Programme tagline reads.
Leading up to and including 2021, OCEC has actively implemented practices to uplift the centre’s associated Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) framework.
Furthermore, the venue remains committed to meeting prescribed sustainability targets, while transitioning into a more environmentally sustainable future.
According to Said al Shanfari, CEO – OCEC: “Environmental care and awareness form part of OCEC’s core values. Every year, OCEC’s Green Team carries out various programmes in line with environmental sustainability, and in line with reducing consumption of energy – whether in terms of utilisation or cost. We have continued this visionary approach, and this latest Living Business Programme 2021 Country Winner award — which we are exceptionally proud of — is a reflection of our ‘green’ projects making a greater positive impact on the environment.”
One of OCEC’s recent environmental sustainability initiatives has been to significantly reduce water consumption required by the venue’s landscaped gardens. This is achieved by carefully managing water usage to coincide with low evaporation periods throughout the day.
Another initiative is their utilisation of specific floral species in OCEC’s gardens that require less water usage and maintenance, and that naturally have a higher tolerance to growing in environments like the Sultanate of Oman — while still maintaining their aesthetic appeal for OCEC’s visitors.
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