Riyadh: Industry leaders at the World Environment, Social and Governance Summit discussed the circular economy’s benefits, particularly in fashion and water management. Florence Bulte highlighted consumer interest in sustainable practices, while Nizar Kammourie introduced AI for water digitalisation, driving eco-friendly innovations.
At the World Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Summit held in Riyadh on Monday, industry leaders convened to discuss the advantages and implementation of circular economy models in various sectors, particularly in fashion and water management. Florence Bulte, the chief sustainability officer at Chalhoub Group, addressed the audience, focusing on the significant environmental impacts of the fashion industry, which is responsible for 10 percent of global CO2 emissions and is the second-largest consumer of water resources.
During her remarks, Bulte indicated that there is a notable consumer interest in sustainability, particularly in the realm of fashion. “We have been looking for a solution to change this aspect,” she stated, referring to the industry’s detrimental environmental footprint. She highlighted the growing demand for second-hand luxury items, which are repaired and resold rather than discarded. This model promotes recycling of materials, reduces costs, and responds to consumer desires for high-quality products while mitigating environmental harm.
The conference shed light on the broader shift among businesses toward circular economy models, which serve as a sustainable alternative to the traditional linear economy, characterised by a simple take-make-dispose approach. In contrast, the circular economy aims to design products and processes that reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and extend the lifespan of materials, addressing both environmental concerns and fostering opportunities for economic growth and innovation.
The summit further emphasised the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable development, with various panels addressing different ESG topics and investment prospects. Nizar Kammourie, CEO of SAWACO Water Group, was among the notable panelists. He elaborated on the company’s strategy to incorporate artificial intelligence (AI) into its water digitalisation initiative. Kammourie explained, “The purpose of this AI implementation is to have productive maintenance in place, so we know exactly what needs to be repaired before emergency shutdown.” This innovative approach has led to reduced power consumption and maintenance costs, while simultaneously conserving water resources and reducing waste.
Through these discussions, the ESG Summit served as a platform for exploring how sectors can contribute to sustainability initiatives and the potential for significant advancements in environmental stewardship.
Source: Noah Wire Services
