Sustainable Engineering: Case Study: Waste Reduction At Sonae Sierra: An Innovative Approach To Waste Management - Essay Example

Sustainable Engineering: Case Study: Waste Reduction At Sonae Sierra: An Innovative Approach To Waste ManagementI have selected the “Waste Reduction at Sonae Sierra: An innovative approach to waste management” as the case study to be summarized. At Sonae Sierra, waste management is given priority. Waste management not only reduces the impact of the waste on the environment but also provides a convenience to process and treat and recycle the waste. Through waste management it is possible to reduce the landfill waste and thus no waste may penetrate into the human bodies through agriculture, aquaculture, etc.

At Sonae Sierra, the major objective of the waste management is to increase the recycling rate by categorizing the waste products and reducing the landfill waste. For this reason, the company developed a system to separate the waste. Each type of waste (Paper, plastic, metal, etc) are dropped at designated bins that makes the waste separation method energy efficient. At Sonae Sierra, large volumes of waste are generated as shopping centres deal with the public. Dealing public is a challenging issue while maintaining high level of waste management.

Managing waste properly also improves the working atmosphere and attracts the shoppers. Before 2008, there were many complaints about the food courts that were not properly cleaned and waste cans and paper cups were not properly disposed off. However, between, 2009 to 2011, there were about 74% less complaints about the issue dealing with waste. NorteShopping at Sonae Sierra (Portugal) recycles about 64% of its waste and saves about €64,000 a year. Thus, it is also economically favourable.Works CitedWBCSD - World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

“Waste Management - Sonae Sierra Case Study”.Wbcsd.ch, 2014. Web. 20 Jan 2014. .