ECOTECH 2014 – green economy forum

In September 17-19, 2014 Almaty hosted the EcoTech 2014 exhibition and conference on methods of environmental protection, waste management, industrial wastewater treatment and green innovations. As part of the event, a conference was held to discuss the development of waste reclamation and materials recovery facilities in Kazakhstan. Tengizchevroil took an active role in the event and participated as co-sponsor.

EcoTech 2014, held in Almaty to recognize the 10th anniversary of the initiative, once again gathered domestic and foreign companies, offering to them a brilliant opportunity to share achievements and best practices in the areas of: waste collection, waste reclamation, recycling and landfilling, management of industrial and municipal waste, wastewater and sewage water treatment, expedient use of freshwater resources, gas and air purification, cleaning of soils, work and industrial safety, monitoring, energy conservation and resource-saving. This list, while not complete, emphasizes the importance of the event. In fact, companies encounter difficulties with each of the issues listed, hence Kazakhstan's willingness to borrow best ideas and effective practices as it aspires to comply with the highest international standards in the area of green economy and environmental protection. Tengizchevroil has something to share, because the company has amassed a significant expertise in developing and effectively implementing a number of related projects and programs.

The data on achievements in the area of waste management strategy improvement and reports on increased volume of waste recycled have been made available to the audience. Special brochures and booklets were handed out, and videos were played, yet the highest value created was the open discussion and Q & A where the entire TCO team answered questions and shared the activities, success stories and future plans of the company.

The exhibition was organized on the premises of the Atakent Expo Center, which served as the primary and most popular ground of Ecotech 2014 used for sharing experiences and best practices. The audience was particularly interested to know the names of the companies contracted by TCO for recycling and collection of waste, and the type of waste chosen for recycling. These significant issues appeared in the focus of discussion. The public wanted to learn more about the increase of Kazakhstani content in the national economy and the technologies used for saving of resources.

The exhibition was visited by people of various age groups, professions and countries. For some visiting from abroad, the facts reported by TCO appeared totally new and often unexpected.

Domestic and international companies producing equipment and providing services were interested to learn more about TCO's requirements for potential contractors. Students seeking future employment at TCO asked about career opportunities and checked on personal experience of our specialists.

On the opening day of Ecotech 2014 Tengizchevroil offered a presentation to the audience on waste management in Kazakhstan. Arman Sadyrbaev, deputy general manager of TCO OE/HES, shared TCO's strategy to address the issue of waste management, making a special emphasis on the practical impact of the work done. He reported on the success of TCO's lasting effort and strong commitment to responsible operation, innovative technologies and significant projects implemented to effectively address waste management, recycling and reclamation of waste.

Experts from Geneva and Wien, and national specialists from United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) shared international experience in the given area and made in-depth analysis of the situation in Kazakhstan, in particular, the issue of electronics waste and made a review of best processes available. Kazakhstani environmental protection specialists highlighted the priority issues and suggested ideas to implement modernization of solid waste treatment facilities.

As a result of the forum, Tengizchevroil has once again proved its leadership in the area of environmental protection in Kazakhstan.

The TCO booth worked as a magnet, attracting more visitors through the closing hour of the exhibition. The designer's idea to use a mosaic map of Kazakhstan made of hundreds of photos telling the history of Tengizchevroil was appealing to the public. The creativity of the original design was appreciated by the visitors and participants, which made our booth the most popular background for those seeking unusual photo opportunities. Representatives of other companies praised the concept and design of TCO's booth as a successful art design style to copy.
During the closing session, Tengizchevroil was cited by the organizers and recognized as the owner of the Best Booth Design.

However, the chief value of the EcoTech 2014 exhibition and forum was the productive discussion held by all attendees on the priority issues faced by Kazakhstan and the commitment from all participants to jointly address problems and work out effective resolutions.

'Tengizchevroil' LLP