UAE telecom operator du diverted 21 per cent of its waste from landfill at 145 sites during the first half of 2024 after implementing an ambitious three-year corporate sustainability programme with facility services provider Farnek Services.
The achievement builds on du’s determination to reduce its environmental impact and align with the UAE’s vision for a sustainable future and commitment to achieving Net Zero.
A comprehensive waste audit and the introduction of state-of-the-art composting technology at the group's headquarters have been fundamental to achieving these results.
Over a thousand du employees have also been empowered through training to manage waste more effectively.
Adel Al Raees, Head of Corporate Communication & Protocol at du, says: “Our waste management initiatives symbolize du’s push towards responsible stewardship through remedial action taken to enhance sustainability but also anticipate the vast potential for environmental innovation within the telecom industry.
"By surpassing our planned 16 per cent goal, we have set a positive precedence for forthcoming months, reflecting our continuous efforts in achieving our long-term aspiration of becoming a net-zero waste entity.
"We are not just transforming our company but are contributing to a movement that is important for the UAE and the global environment.”
Muna Alnahdi, Farnek's Head of Sustainability, adds: “Successfully navigating the net-zero transition in the UAE, particularly in waste management, requires addressing complex stakeholder dynamics.
"We've adopted an innovative approach that brings together key stakeholders, our facility management team, waste management experts, du's leadership, and their staff to work in unison. du's impressive waste diversion in H1 highlights the effectiveness of this collaborative effort and their steadfast commitment to sustainability.
"By focusing on waste reduction and composting, we aim to significantly reduce methane emissions further, a crucial step toward achieving net-zero goals.”
Both organisations additionally credit the achievement to a roadmap that integrating data streams with technology (Wastek), ambitious waste reduction goals, overcoming unique waste challenges and a step-by-step plan for improvement.
