Waste management and carbon management updates from Egypt and the UAE

WASTE MANAGEMENT-

#1- Egypt launches first construction and demolition waste recycling project: The New Urban Communities Authority in Egypt has partnered with local waste treatment firm ZeroCarbon — formerly known as Reliance Investments — to launch the nation’s first Construction and Demolition waste recycling project, according to a statement released on Thursday. The project will begin with the Beit Al Watan service area in New Cairo, processing 3.3 mn cbm of waste to transform materials like concrete, wood, and metals into green aggregates. The initiative is also expected to reduce diesel consumption by over 70% while promoting a circular economy.

ALSO- ZeroCarbon awarded solid waste management contract in Gharbia: Egypt awarded ZeroCarbon a contract for the the management and operation of a solid waste recycling and treatment plant in Egypt’s Difrah village in the Gharbia Governorate. The plant will employ advanced technology for waste treatment and recycling, aiming to reduce environmental pollution, boost recycling, and produce alternative fuels.

#2- Rebound rolls out a new recycling platform: UAE’s Rebound, a subsidiary of Sirius International Holding, has launched a new subscription-based platform for recyclable materials, according to a statement published last week. The platform aims to connect buyers, sellers, and partners globally, features a subscription model with 0% commission on trades, and offers several materials, including plastics, rubber, e-waste, metal, paper, and cardboard. Members benefit from dedicated account managers, real-time price indices, and a community page for industry discussions.

About Rebound: Founded in 2021, the company focuses on the circular economy by providing a digital ecosystem for recycled materials. They also offer market assessment studies, advisory for technical recycling operations, market pricing, and policies and regulation compliance, according to their website.

CARBON MANAGEMENT-

Blue Forest awarded mega mangrove restoration project: UAE-based mangrove conservation company Blue Forest has been awarded the operating license for one of the world’s largest mangrove restoration projects — MozBlue — located in Mozambique, according to a statement. The project is set to start in November 2024 and will cover an area twice the size of Singapore, standing at 155k hectares. MozBlue aims to plant 200 mn mangroves to restore coastlines, remove 20 mn tons of CO2, create 5k jobs, and involve local communities in its management to preserve a long-term and sustainable land tenure.

OTHER STORIES WORTH KNOWING ABOUT THIS MORNING-

Burjeel Holdings bags AAA ESG rating: UAE’s Burjeel Holdings has been awarded a provisional ESG rating of AAA by MSCI, placing it among the top 6% of healthcare companies for ESG performance. The rating highlights Burjeel's effective management of ESG-related risks, including reducing environmental impact while ensuring safety and quality in healthcare services, amongst others. (Statement)
Emirates Steel Arkan is now Emsteel: UAE’s largest listed steel and building materials company Emirates Steel Arkan is now called Emsteel, representing the merger of Emirates Steel and Arkan Building Materials in 2021. The company is currently valued at a total of AED 13 bn. (Wam)
Dnata switches to biodiesel for airside operations at Dubai airports: Emirati-based global air and travel services provider Dnata, in partnership with Dubai Airports and Emirates National Oil Company, has transitioned all non-electric airside vehicles and ground support equipment at its Dubai airports to run on a biodiesel blend. This move is expected to reduce CO2 emissions by over 3.5k tons annually, and involves the conversion of 2.5k vehicles across Dubai International and Al Maktoum airports. (Statement)
UAE’s Diamondlease expands fleet with new branch in Dubai: UAE based car rental and leasing company Diamondlease — a subsidiary of Al Habtoor Group — has expanded its EV fleet with a new branch in Umm Al Rumool, Dubai, near Dubai Airport. Diamondlease will also install EV charging stations and solar panels at its facilities. The company will also offering discounts on short-term rentals, including EVs, until 15 October. (Statement)