Green building practices are becoming a key priority for the construction industry in the Middle East, a topic which was in the spotlight at the recent GAIA Awards, held as part of The Big 5 exhibition. Recognized for its contribution to environmental practices in the region, InSinkErator food waste disposer was awarded at the prestigious awards ceremony, taking the top accolade in the Bathrooms and Kitchens category.

Reducing domestic kitchen waste around 30%, InSinkErator Food Waste Disposer is an environmentally responsible alternative to sending food waste to landfills where waste decomposes and creates methane gas, a major contributor to global warming. The food waste reduces the level of domestic waste going to a landfill around 30%, which leads to a reduction in the level of methane gas created. In addition, at capable wastewater treatment plants food waste can be converted to fertilizer, energy and clean water.

Commenting on the award win, Mohamed Karam, Sr. Business Development Manager, Middle East and Africa for InSinkErator said: To have recognition from such a well-respected authority on environmentally responsible products is a significant achievement for us. The only criteria that is judged at the GAIA Awards is the product and its impact on the environment, and this award win underlines the success of InSinkErator food waste disposer in reducing the harmful effects of waste, while promoting sustainability.

Karam added: InSinkErator disposers are playing an increasingly critical environmental role in managing food waste, and are gaining popularity on a global scale. The Middle East represents a major opportunity for us as green initiatives move further up the agenda and we are pleased to be part of this regional movement.

Andy White, Group Event Director for the Big 5 pointed out in his speech: Across the GCC regional governments and private sector stakeholders are embracing the challenge of constructing green buildings. The new technologies that contribute to successfully meeting this challenge have become the foundation of The Big 5 over the last 3 years. To enter The Gaia Awards is free; its open to any company whose product is available in the Middle East and North Africa. We believe its essential that the GAIA awards remain 100% credible. The only thing that is judged is the product and the impact it has on the environment nothing else matters. The criteria for entering this years Gaia awards were tougher than ever and as a result the quality of entrants was considerably higher. This meant that the panel of judges had to look at each entry in more detail to ensure they selected the products that met the winning criteria.