ICC TO RECEIVE AWARD – MINISTER

MBABANE – Government says the International Convention Centre (ICC), which is under construction, will receive silver accreditation.

This is due to the fact that the whole ICC building had been designed according to LEED energy and water efficiency principles. “This facility will be receiving silver accreditation in this regard,” Dr. Thambo Gina, the Minister of Economic Planning and Development, stated in his ministry’s annual performance report for the financial year 2021/2022. For a hotel or facility to get silver accreditation, it needs to be able to demonstrate that it is working extensively to source supplies locally and ethically, as well as maintaining standards, minimising damage to the environment and meeting good standards of practice – all while providing a high quality service.

Certification

Accredited professionals offer the certification to deserving facilities. The minister said the ICC’s multipurpose hall, theatre and exhibition space had been designed to allow flexibility in usage. He also mentioned in his report that the Five-Star Hotel (FISH) would also receive the silver LEED accreditation for water and energy efficiency. LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. It is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building types, LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings.

In turn, hotels reduce operating costs gained from energy efficient practices and utility cost savings, while also attracting a widely growing population of eco-conscious guests. It must be said that silver accreditation can put the ICC on the world tourism map as green tourism is associated with quality and high standards. Green tourism businesses’ focus on sustainability is demonstrated through three grading levels – bronze, silver and gold. They are, ordinarily, assessed every two years to ensure that standards are maintained.

Grading advisor

It means the ICC will be assessed by a qualified grading advisor against a rigorous set of criteria, covering a range of areas such as energy and water efficiency, waste management and biodiversity. On the other hand, government has maintained that the ICC/FISH is a viable project. As at March 31, 2021, a sum of E2.255 billion had been spent on the construction of the ICC.  As at March 31, 2021, a sum of E1.846 billion had been spent on FISH construction. The estimated total cost for FISH is E2 580 086 000, while that of the ICC is E4 484 109 000.
The ICC, is seen as a good venue that will derive revenue from hosting international meetings organised by various bodies. They include the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), World Health Organisation (WHO), World Trade Organisation (WTO), Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and Commonwealth.Dr. Gina said the ICC would accommodate a range of government, public and corporate activities.

Revenue generating

He said the activities included theatre, conferences, exhibitions and private functions. The minister said the lack of a facility has in the past contributed to regional and international meetings being held outside of the economy; hence the loss of business and revenue generating opportunities.

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