Responds regarding International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban as the venue for the COP17 climate change conference

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QUESTION NO: 3117 (NW3641E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 31-2011 OF 14 OCTOBER 2011

Dr JC Kloppers-Lourens (DA) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

1. Whether, in choosing the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban as the venue for the COP17 climate change conference, any consideration had been given to the degree to which cleaning products used by the centre management to clean the venue are eco-friendly; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
2. whether her department has found that the cleaning products that are being used are eco-friendly; if not, what steps will be taken to rectify the situation; if so, how was this conclusion reached;
3. whether the cleaning products are biodegradable; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;
4. whether the cleaning products are accredited under any green or eco-friendly accreditation system; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

1. Yes
2. The cleaning products utilised by the iNkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) and the Durban Exhibition Centre (DEC) are eco-friendly.
3. All products are environmentally friendly and meet the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and ISO 14001 environmental requirements.  These were audited as part of the ICC’s ISO 140001 certification and found to be acceptable.  
4. The ICC is ISO14001 certified.  This internationally recognised standard includes all elements of environmental management of the business including the use of environmentally acceptable cleaning products.

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