The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) on Friday announced its pledge to Net Zero Carbon Events, promising to produce a net zero carbon footprint events by 2050 as it creates and supports a greener future for the MICE industry.
The announcement follows the signing of the Net Zero Carbon Events pledge, a new industry initiative to address climate change, which also coincides with the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26).
This pledge is part of a global new initiative initiated by leading events industry stakeholders through global industry trade associations. These include the Global Association of The Exhibition Industry (UFI), International Association of Convention Centres (AIPC) and International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA), in addition to representatives from global key stakeholders in the events industry.
Among the first UAE, entities to make a Net Zero Carbon Events pledge, ADNEC has committed itself to ensure the sustainable development of the MICE industry in the UAE, region and world. and actively promoting the environmentally-friendly industry efforts throughout the value chain.
ADNEC’s pledge also supports the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative to reduce carbon, which will see the country spend over AED 600 billion on renewable energy during this time period.
“It is a critical time for global action, and we are honoured to be in a position to support the sustainable future of the MICE industry,” Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, Managing Director and Group CEO for ADNEC Group said. “Through our Net Zero commitment, we aspire to bring about meaningful change for the entire value chain of the MICE industry.”
The company’s plans include; identifying and prioritizing actions to reduce emissions such as energy management, water conservation, materials management, food and beverage waste reduction, housekeeping initiatives, sustainable procurement, stakeholder management and employee engagement and set goals accordingly.
Additionally, ADNEC will address residual emissions, once minimized, through the purchase of credible carbon offsets, while looking at transitioning towards carbon removal and carbon capture.
It will also contribute resources to develop a collective low carbon roadmap for the events industry and collaborate with partners, suppliers and customers to drive change across the value chain.