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In order to help KAUST implement their goal of zero waste operations, Averda has partnered with the school to provide cutting-edge sustainable waste management solutions | |
| Staff Writer |
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), a graduate research university in Saudi Arabia, is pleased to announce that it has signed a new contract with Averda, the leading end-to-end waste management and recycling company in emerging markets, for a waste management facility and services that will provide sustainable waste management solutions for the University, with zero-waste goals projected by 2025. Averda will handle the collection, transportation, and disposal of all solid and hazardous waste.
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Since 2015, Averda has collaborated with KAUST to develop and implement an integrated waste management solution for the university's campus facilities and residential areas, one that is tailored to the specific requirements of the institution and its commitment to sustainability. More than 3,500 tonnes of trash have been recycled so far; this includes 1,332 tonnes of cardboard, 227 tonnes of paper, 357 tonnes of plastic, 614 tonnes of metal, and 243,000 litres of oil of various kinds.
Using a one-stop, integrated materials recovery facility (MRF) and optimised processes for collecting, sorting, and bundling garbage, Averda will help KAUST come even closer to its zero-waste-to-landfill goal during the course of a ten-year contract. The partnership will be bolstered by the addition of an electric garbage truck fleet manufactured by Averda (previously diesel). Electric vehicles have many advantages over conventional ones, including lower energy use, less noise pollution, and less upkeep.
Facilities Management Vice President at KAUST "KAUST is thrilled to continue our cooperation with Averda in this transformative zero-waste path," stated Matthew Early. Waste management efforts, from the sorting facility to the all-electric collection fleet, will help KAUST achieve its objective of zero-waste by 2025 and enhance KSA's pursuit of environmental sustainability by protecting the environment and enhancing people's quality of life.
With the help of IT, KAUST can better track, analyse, and report on waste management data, which is crucial to the program's success and to achieving the university's sustainability goals. Bin management, a dynamic weighing system, and fleet tracking and management are just some of the technologies that will be implemented to enable the collection of fine-grained data. To ensure that KAUST is aware of the environmental impact of the activities and services provided by Averda, both on and off site, a sustainability strategy for operations will monitor and measure progress against targets to maximise emission reductions.
Executive Vice President of Averda for Business Development Mazen Chebaklo said, "Sustainable practises are a fundamental aspect of the KAUST campus. Over the course of ten years, Averda has provided KAUST with a sustainable waste management service that has grown and adapted to meet the needs of the institution and its surrounding community. We're ecstatic to support KAUST as they take the next step in their sustainability journey, where they've pledged to cut emissions and send no trash to landfills. When it comes to putting circular economy ideas into practise, KAUST is in a league of its own. We're pleased to back a company that takes environmental responsibility seriously.