AsiaWorld-Expo Launches Carbon Reduction Program; ムGreen Menus' Catering

July 25, 2011

Hong Kong-based AsiaWorld-Expo plans to launch two new environmentally friendly initiatives; a carbon reduction program and ‘Green Menus’ by the venue’s banqueting team.

New aspects of the Carbon Reduction Programme include the recycling of other plastic waste, the recycling of food waste and the recycling of wood, as well as the use of induction lighting, which enables energy savings of more than 50 percent, compared with metal halide lighting.

Another key aspect of this new program is that AsiaWorld-Expo will also offer its full support to event organizers who want to reduce or offset the carbon footprint of their events.

“Environmental awareness is an important part of ethical business,” said H.W. Lau, COO of AsiaWorld-Expo. “We’ve found that increasing numbers of event organisers and event planners want to make environmental protection an integral feature of their event.”

In order to help out organizers, the venue has partnered Hong Kong’s top carbon consultants, which now offers event organizers at AsiaWorld-Expo a tailor-made package of carbon-reduction services based on international protocols and the highest carbon-management standards.

The Carbon Offset Projects offered by the consultants are all validated in accordance with the United Nations’ Clean Development Mechanism, according to AsiaWorld officials.

In December 2010, AsiaWorld-Expo joined the Hong Kong International Airport Carbon Reduction Pledge and is committed to reducing carbon emissions by 15 percent by 2015 from 2008 levels.

With the introduction of the new initiatives, along with existing efforts - such as the use of solar control film on skylights, the recycling of paper and plastic bottles, the installation of LED lights where appropriate and the extensive use of T5 fluorescent lamp - the ultimate goal is to make AsiaWorld-Expo a carbon-neutral venue, according to venue officials.

Besides the structure and events held there, AsiaWorld-Expo also took a look at its catering program and added the ‘Green Menus’ option that emphasizes environmental and ecological sustainability.

The CarbonCare Menu is endorsed by Carbon Care Asia as having a reduced carbon footprint. This is achieved by using local ingredients, which means fewer carbon emissions from delivery and transportation.

The menu also focuses on ingredients that are grown or reared in a low-emission manner and are cooked in ways that minimize carbon emissions.

The venue’s Ocean-Friendly Menu is endorsed by the WWF - Hong Kong. Designed to protect the ocean’s ecological diversity, this menu only features seafood from sustainable, WWF-approved sources. 

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