Leading German exhibition organiser, Epoc Messe Frankfurt GmbH is set to open two trade shows, which will lay emphasis on preservation of the environment and the reduction of energy use and waste, in Dubai today (Sunday).

Garden+Landscaping Middle East and Light Middle East, which will run from October 31 to November 2 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, are the most representative trade gatherings of their kind in the region, attracting the who’s who in their respective fields, said the organisers.

Both events, which are amongst the region’s few exhibitions to be carbon neutral, will have one common thread running through them, which is the growing emphasis on sustainable development, preservation of the environment and the reduction of energy use and waste, they added.

“With worldwide concerns increasing about the growing cost of energy along with the rising worry over the preservation of the environment, it is no surprise that the emphasis at these trade shows is on how we can harness new technologies to achieve development that is both sustainable and easier on the environment,” said Ahmed Pauwels, chief executive officer for Epoc Messe Frankfurt.

“There are increased efforts amongst government entities across the Middle East region to implement legislation in order to raise awareness, set targets on limiting resource wastage and optimise energy use. We are happy to be able to join hands with local authorities in helping to realise these commendable objectives,” he added.

This year the exhibitions feature a conference running alongside where top experts from the field of lighting design and innovation will share their ideas and insights into the latest developments in the worldwide lighting industry. 

In addition to this, Green Talks will be held as part of the conference on Sunday. This is a series of seminars and presentations covering sustainability and environemntal topics within the garden, landscaping and outdoor living industries, and includes a representative from Dubai Municipality featured as one of the key note speakers.

Among those who will be speaking at the Light Focus Conference (Monday, November 1) are: Jonathan Speirs of Speirs and Major Associates, who will be presenting on the innovations and technology behind the celebratory lighting of Burj Khalifa and the illumination of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi; Beau McClellan of Beau McClellan Design, who will shed light on the technology and principles behind the world’s largest chandelier; and Mario Seneviratne, Managing Director of Green Technologies FZCO, who will elaborate on the challenges facing green developments in the region.

Garden+Landscaping Middle East will turn the spotlight on the need for increased use of local plant species in landscaping and ornamental gardening around the region. Local plant species are easier on the environment and take up much less water and fertilisers for their upkeep.

The event will also explore the use of green roofs and living walls as a means to reduce energy use, while also providing organic alternatives to the widespread use of harmful chemicals in fertilisers and pesticides.

Garden+Landscaping Middle East is the region’s sole dedicated trade event for the garden, landscaping and outdoor living industries, while Light Middle East is the premier trade event for urban, architectural, theatrical and retail lighting in the Gulf region.-TradeArabia News Service