Tackling the carbon footprint produced
by events held in the Middle East sparked a lively debate at a professional
sound and light industry summit in Dubai today (TUES).
During a panel discussion at PALME Middle East 2013, experts
looked at whether the massive amount of energy needed to put on everything from
spectacular launch parties to concerts and shows can be justified.
The Middle East is often cited as a region which needs to
address its carbon footprint with reports stating it has doubled in the last
25-30- years. In some countries the footprint is said to be almost 60 tonnes of
carbon dioxide per person.
The event industry is a significant energy consumer through
the use of huge lighting rigs, large-scale sound equipment and temporary air
conditioning units.
A.B Sonu, a respected lighting designer who works across the
Middle East and India, believes those within the industry must look at bringing
in the latest electric-powered technology.
“There needs to be
action on reducing carbon footprint as soon as possible,” he said.
“There is the problem of a lack of understanding in the
region that new technology can do this - although cost is obviously a factor.
“The cost of diesel here is low so there is a reliance still
on that for power which I suppose is at the centre of the issue here.
“And when it comes to major concerts there is a reluctance
among some big rock groups to make a shift from what they are used to.”
Debate moderator Nige Holborough pointed to research which
suggests the problem is not that significant.
“There is data that says if all the people who come to a big
concert stayed at home they would actually consume as much power so is the
carbon footprint from events in the Middle East really that problematic?”
A large concert produces a carbon footprint of several
thousand tonnes but new technology can reduce it – especially through lighting.
During the debate a representative of Clay Paky, who make
lighting equipment for the Middle East, said the latest designs could reduce
this “by half”.
PALME Middle East, held at the Dubai International
Convention and Exhibition Centre, is the annual gathering of the region’s
professional sound and light industry and this year once again attracted
exhibitors from across the region.
Running until the end of the week, visitors are able to look
at the latest in everything from laser show technology to cutting-edge sound
equipment.
Alongside PALME is the Middle East EVENT Show which brings
together event leaders across three days.
This year record numbers of visitors are expected at the
exhibitions and for the series of lectures and discussion panels.
On the agenda is the increasing importance of social media
in attracting audiences, security and the type of events which can succeed in
the Gulf market.
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