Etisalat Academy has joined the effort to promote positive environmental behaviour with the recent opening of a Recycling Centre on-site, collecting plastic, cans and paper. This initiative was implemented through the efforts of the Etisalat Academy’s ‘Green Group’, comprised of a number of staff who have been meeting together since early 2009 to find ways to ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ in the workplace.

Set up in partnership with the Emirates Environmental Group, the Recycling Centre has three cages for collecting different types of recyclable material. Some items will be recycled locally, whilst others will be exported to other countries.

Green Group founder and staff member of 11 years, Mary Lamont said,

“We were really concerned about the amount of waste material going into local landfills. With such large premises, we produce a lot of recyclable waste such as office paper and food containers. The Recycling Centre is located in the parking lot, which also makes it really easy for staff to drop off recyclable items from their own homes, and from their friends and neighbours too.”

David Brennan, General Manager of the Etisalat Academy, commented:

“I’m very proud of our staff. They’ve worked with me to put a focus on reducing energy, finding greener ways of doing business and, now with this latest initiative, recycling.  As a result of our actions, less plastic, paper and cardboard will end up in rubbish dumps.  That’s a great thing for the Emirates.”

David also commented, “Initiatives such as these all contribute to our aim of being the first certified ‘Green’ training academy in the UAE, which is an important part of our CSR strategy. We see benefits not only for the Etisalat Academy, but also for the local community as we work towards a more sustainable operation. I definitely encourage everyone within Etisalat to see what they can do to “Go Green!”

The Green Group is also working on a number of other initiatives, such as using energy-efficient light bulbs, using recycled paper for course workbooks and printing, monitoring air conditioning use, and reducing water and electricity use in the computer labs and Residences.