Food waste poses a significant national challenge in Malaysia. A recent report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) revealed that Malaysians discard a staggering 8.3 million metric tonnes of food annually. Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is taking an initiative exemplified by our actions during a recent Hari Raya gathering that serves as a springboard for TNB's broader commitment to responsible consumption. This initiative supports the reduction of non-hazardous waste, specifically by tackling food waste, a major contributor in TNB's operations. By addressing food waste, we aim to create a ripple effect that inspires broader behavioural change across the nation, tackling a significant national challenge.
Knowing that change begins internally, TNB implemented strategies to minimise food waste at the Hari Raya event and for future events:
Portion Control
We collaborated with caterers to ensure appropriate serving sizes, reducing leftover food.
Menu Planning
By working together with caterers on menus, we minimised waste by considering expected guest numbers.
During the Hari Raya event on 29th April 2024, a composting machine was stationed, encouraging attendees to participate in waste management. The 270kg of food waste transformed into 50kg of nutrient-rich fertiliser is planned to be used within TNB's premises, promoting circularity. Additionally, surplus food was distributed among employees.
Our primary goal goes beyond composting or redistribution; it involves waste prevention and minimisation through the waste hierarchy principle (reduce, reuse, recycle). We strive to divert as much waste as possible from landfills while embracing sustainable practices at every level.
Beyond the Event
TNB's commitment to sustainability extends beyond one-time events. We are exploring a cafeteria food waste segregation program as a starting point for a comprehensive waste management system. We believe that individual action drives real change, thus we promote behavioural shifts within our workforce, emphasising personal choices for collective sustainability. By fostering conscious consumption and waste reduction, we empower employees to make a positive impact at work and at home.
This aligns with the Malaysian Housing and Local Government Ministry's circular economy approach to solid waste management. Their plan, implemented from 2021 to 2025, aims to accelerate the transition towards a sustainable model. The plan targets diverting 30% of waste from landfills by 2025 through initiatives such as developing a Circular Economy Blueprint for Solid Waste and establishing integrated solid waste management facilities.
We are also exploring additional solutions for ongoing waste reduction including:
Food Waste Monitoring
To track food waste generation at TNB premises. The food waste generation at TNB premises is reported in TNB Solid Waste Inventory (TESWI) system under the non-hazardous waste reporting.
Tech Partnerships
Collaborations with technology companies are being considered to develop innovative food waste management solutions.
Internal Circularity
We envision diverting food scraps to the TNB Research Anaerobic Digestion system to convert food scraps into biogas and nutrient-rich digestate, thereby reducing landfill waste and generating renewable energy (biogas).
By fostering a mindset of conscious consumption and waste reduction, we aim to empower our employees to make a positive impact both within the organisation and in their personal lives.