HSR Zero Waste Wins Clean50 Top Project Award for Convention Centre Transformation

HSR Zero Waste has been recognized with the 2026 Clean50 Top Project Award for its Convention Centre Zero Waste Transformation Project, highlighting the significant environmental impact achievable through innovative waste management practices in large-scale operations. The award, presented annually by Delta Management Group, celebrates outstanding sustainability initiatives that drive measurable environmental impact across Canada.

The Convention Centre Zero Waste Transformation Project introduced a comprehensive waste diversion and resource recovery model that diverted over one million kilograms of material in a single year at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Through strategic redesign of waste flows, reconfiguration of existing equipment, and implementation of hands-on sorting programs and staff training, the initiative dramatically increased the facility's diversion rate from 50% to between 75-90% in 2024.

Gavin Pitchford, CEO of Delta Management Group, emphasized the significance of the achievement, stating that Clean50 Top Project Awards recognize the best sustainability-oriented projects completed in Canada over the past two years based on measurable impact, innovation, and ability to inspire replication. The project demonstrates how circular economy principles can be effectively implemented in convention center operations, serving as a model for similar facilities nationwide.

The recognition comes at a critical time when event venues face increasing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint. Large convention centers typically generate substantial waste streams from food service, packaging, and event materials, making effective waste management strategies essential for sustainable operations. The project's success in diverting such massive quantities of material from landfills represents a significant advancement in sustainable event management practices.

HSR Zero Waste founders Stan and Della Kaminski represented the company at the Clean50 Summit in Toronto, where more than 160 Clean50 Honourees from across Canada gathered to exchange ideas and discuss climate leadership. The summit facilitates cross-sector collaboration among sustainability leaders, further amplifying the project's potential influence across industries.

This achievement matters because it provides a proven blueprint for other large venues seeking to improve their environmental performance while demonstrating that substantial waste reduction is achievable through systematic approaches. The project's methods and results are documented on the Clean50 website, offering valuable insights for organizations pursuing similar sustainability goals. As climate action becomes increasingly urgent, such successful implementations of circular economy principles in commercial operations show practical pathways toward reducing environmental impact while maintaining operational efficiency.