Bank Muscat, the flagship financial services provider in the sultanate, in line with its vision ‘To serve you better, everyday’ and commitment to partnership in sustainable development, signed an agreement with Oman Environmental Services Holding Company (be’ah) for safe disposal of lead acid batteries (LAB) and electronic waste from the bank’s head office.
The agreement as part of the bank’s ‘Let’s Go Green’ initiative was signed by Said Salim al Aufi, group DGM – Projects & Infrastructure, and Khamis Marhoon al Siyabi, head of Municipal Solid Waste Operations at be’ah. Aufi said, “Bank Muscat is happy to sign the agreement with be’ah which will contribute towards creating a sustainable environment in Oman. The benefits include safe handling and disposal of hazardous waste, investment opportunities for the private sector and in-country value contributing towards economic development and creation of jobs. The initiative is aimed at environmental protection by reducing carbon footprint by recycling wastes through approved ways by the government.”
Siyabi said, “The agreement aims at unifying public and private institutions’ efforts in controlling the movement of Lead Acid Batteries to achieve be’ah’s strategy in tackling the damage caused by negative practices. Inappropriate disposal of this type of batteries causes several damaging effects on the environment including ground water and soil pollution, as well as hazardous effects that the random burning of batteries cause to the air. We welcome companies, institutions and individuals to take part in reducing environmental negative practices by disposing Lead Acid Batteries properly by directing them to be’ah’s processing facility for recycling.”
Oman Environmental Service Holding Company (be’ah) was established in 2007. In 2009, a Royal Decree No 46/2009 granted be’ah the mandate and the legal status as the entity responsible for solid waste management in Oman. In the first offtake, be’ah collected 560 LAB from Bank Muscat head office. Be’ah has awarded a contract to Arab Lead Company (ALC) for processing LAB in a sustainable and environment-friendly manner within the sultanate. ALC has commissioned a lead acid battery treatment plant in Oman with a capacity to treat 15 tonnes per day.
Oman joined the Basel Convention on Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal on December 7, 1994. The treaty aims at reducing environmental risks of hazardous waste by reducing movement of hazardous waste between nations and disposing it in the nearest facility of the source of generation.
Bank Muscat strives to raise environmental awareness by bringing about positive behavioural change towards environmental protection through various activities. The bank accords balanced consideration to environmental, social and economic development when pursuing green initiatives benefiting the country
and people.
The bank’s iconic head office incorporates a number of sustainable initiatives. The eco-friendly building has a lighting system which automatically dims as sunlight increases and bathroom taps work by sensor, leading to substantial saving of water.
The solar penetration is minimised by deep recessed punch windows, allowing optimum natural light to enter the building while at the same time keeping the building cool.
