As part of the Engineering Seminar series, the Engineering Week, and the GENG 222 Sustainable Development for Engineers, the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Balamand (UOB) hosted a Lecture entitled "Zero Waste is Not Science Fiction" on 4th April 2024, featuring Engineer Ziad Abi Chaker, the Chief Executive Officer of Cedar Environmental L.L.C.

Widely known as the “Master Garbage Man”, Eng. Abi Chaker is a multi-disciplinary engineer holding degrees in both Environmental and Industrial Engineering. Deeply engaged in waste and environmental issues, Eng. Abi Chaker founded Cedar Environmental, an organization dedicated to establishing recycling plants for producing organically certified fertilizers. His organization's endeavors gained recognition from Harvard Business School, which published a case study highlighting Abi Chaker's path in environmental and industrial innovation.

Vice President for Internationalization and Engagement and Dean of the Faculty of Engineering Professor Rami Abboud extended a warm welcome to Eng. Abi Chaker stressing the importance of the circular economy in addressing waste management concerns and challenges at this particular moment. Professor Abboud highlighted the Faculty of Engineering's dedication to sustainable development and in nurturing a culture of sustainability amongst the future engineers within the engineering curricula.

During his presentation, Eng. Abi Chaker delved into the pressing issue of waste management within Lebanon, providing a comprehensive overview of the country's waste crisis and offering detailed insights into the various categories of waste that contribute to the problem. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of proactive measures such as recycling, composting, and proper waste segregation to minimize the environmental impact of waste disposal. He ended his lecture showcasing projects that he worked on in Lebanon transforming plastic and other recycled materials into practical everyday items, exemplifying sustainable solutions in action and highlighting the many opportunistic disciplines that engineers can tap into to help in this field.

Professor Abboud underscored the Faculty of Engineering’s commitment to promoting sustainability, not only through academic endeavors but also through practical engagement with industry and society. He further highlighted the Faculty's commitment to sustainable education by announcing an upcoming visit for students enrolled in the GENG222 course to Cedar Environmental. The visit aims to provide hands-on experiences and insights into sustainable practices, aligning with the faculty's mission to cultivate a culture of sustainability among future engineers.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to environmental innovation, Professor Abboud also presented Engineer Ziad Abi Chaker with an award, acknowledging his exemplary leadership and dedication to advancing sustainable solutions in waste management.









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