Scene at a past exhibition of Green Middle East

GOING green is the new mantra and the way forward for all business today. The adoption of clean technology and substitution of products of daily use with more eco-friendly ones is helping companies boost their corporate social responsibility initiatives as well as cater to the heightened environment awareness among office-goers, says a statement from Expo Centre Sharjah, organisers of an event dedicated to green issues.

Targeting businesses that are looking for innovative green technology and eco-friendly products, Expo Centre Sharjah is set to host the third edition of the environmental management and technology exhibition and conference Green Middle East from October 28 to 30, 2013.

Aiming to empower local and regional industries in the green race, Green Middle East 2013 will provide a variety of technological solutions to reduce and reuse solid waste, waste water and other trash, while at the same time helping save energy, lessen pollution and build greener structures. Green Middle East is the only carbon-neutral event of its kind in the region.

In a first, the show will also focus on residents and businesses that are enthusiastic about using eco-friendly alternatives in their homes and offices by launching a new event dedicated to such products – Green Products Middle East.

The event will touch on facets of interest to
businesses and consumers

“Environmentalism used to be a fringe issue, confined to a few countries and a limited spectrum of society. Not anymore. Today, the urge to adopt green products and processes is practically universal. Middle East Green Products, the new addition at Green Middle East, will be a one-stop shop for everything that is green,” said Saif Mohammed Al Midfa, director general, Expo Centre Sharjah.

Green products focus
According to an agreement signed between Expo Centre Sharjah and Vienna-based Concept Agentur für Marketing & Kommunikation, its marketing and distribution arm Select Economy will co-organise the ‘Middle East Green Products’ show which will be spread across 4,000 sq m of exhibition space and host up to 100 companies, mostly from Germany and Austria.

“Through the Middle East Green Products, we will promote a greener lifestyle here. Looking at the import-oriented market in the region, we are planning a product range that covers food and beverage, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, textiles, household articles, products for animals and games and toys for children,” said Gregor Konrad, owner, Concept Agentur für Marketing & Kommunikation.

Aside from Middle East Green Products, another new addition to Green Middle East 2013 will be the Equip 4 Municipalities section, which will feature green solutions for urban road building, city transport and traffic support, street and outdoor lighting, communal facilities, parks and other public places.

“Municipalities and government departments will have to prioritise the environment more, as they seek to change the behaviour of society at large. The Equip 4 Municipalities section will aid the civic bodies to look after the environment and natural resources in their region in an eco-friendly way,” said Al Midfa.

Regional businesses will have an opportunity to weigh up their green credentials against their peers in the region, through the second Green Middle East Environmental Excellence Award. Organisations, businesses and individuals who have succeeded in implementing and promoting environmental issues can submit their entries in 10 categories by September 15.

Expo Centre has also tied up with IQPC to launch the Green Middle East Conference 2013, which will aim to put the spotlight on waste management and environmental protection within the industrial sector.