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A BIG SUSTAINABILITY COMMITMENT IN KUALA LUMPUR
John Burke , general manager , Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre , briefs us on the venue ’ s sustainability
As a global priority , sustainability has become ingrained in many aspects of life , including the event industry . It is now a sought-after aspect of a venue to support the ESG goals of the event organiser .
Event organisers increasingly incorporate sustainability into their event design , starting with the selection of a sustainable venue to help reduce the environmental impact of events .
As a leader in the industry , we place a huge focus and priority on sustainability , and we are committed to supporting the long-term sustainability goals of the business events , travel , and hospitality sectors .
Pillared on Environment , Energy and Community , our sustainability targets are based on the 12th Malaysia Plan – Advancing Sustainability and the ASM Global Acts ( as part of ASM Global ’ s network of venues ). Our vision is to present a sustainable destination for organisers and visitors , not just a sustainable venue .
What sustainable practices and initiatives has KLCC implemented ? We have a range of practices as well as new technologies in place across waste management and utilities such as electricity and water to help reduce the environmental impacts generated by events . The most recent advancement we have made in this regard is a switch to green energy .
Waste management , especially food waste , is a big priority for us . We have a 300-litre food waste composter as well as a great partnership with the Food Aid Foundation , a local organisation which works to collect and distribute surplus food to various community groups in need . We have also invested in an AI-powered food waste tracking and data collection system which enables us to study guest consumption behaviour and tailor our menus , ultimately reducing waste .
We also have a hydroponic farm and herb garden on our rooftop which supplies directly to our kitchens . This project is still being developed further but so far it demonstrates the possibilities of urban farming – supporting educational visits to the centre for corporates looking to take a step on their own ESG pathways .
Finally , we have a zero-energy rainwater harvesting system with the capacity of collecting 240,000 gallons of rainwater per year . This is used to wash down our loading bays post-exhibitions and water our rooftop farm and gardens , allowing us to save our water consumption .
Do share examples of successful sustainable events held at KLCC and the positive outcomes achieved ? A recent example is our collaboration with the Malaysia International Food and Beverage ( MIFB ) 2023 trade show to manage food waste generated by the exhibition , with the long-term aim of achieving net zero carbon .
Themed ‘ Accelerating ASEAN ’ s Food Security and Sustainability ’, the show ’ s environmental target was to reduce waste sent to landfill . Our team worked very closely with the organiser to conceptualise and set up a dedicated sustainability booth at the trade show which housed our AI-powered food waste tracker . Discarded food waste was then processed into organic compost using the Centre ’ s 300L composter . During the three-day event , over 100kg of food waste was collected and composted into 33kg of compost for local urban farmers .
How does the Centre address the carbon footprint of international attendees ? As Malaysia ’ s premier purpose-built venue that hosts numerous international events , our location in the heart of the city , amidst an
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