4
waste collection terminals
KAFD
King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, empowers businesses through access to advanced office infrastructure and sustainable smart city solutions.
The brief
Saudi Arabia is on a mission to become a sustainable, circular economy and continues investing in innovative solutions that contribute positively to the environment. Envac is honoured to be part of this journey in the Middle East by becoming a partner in their waste collection demand strategy at the King Abdullah Financial District, the prime business and financial district in the region. King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, empowers businesses through access to advanced office infrastructure and sustainable smart city solutions.
KAFD is the largest mixed-use financial centre in the Middle East. The development has been designed by 25 of the planet’s most efficient architects and extends over an area of 1.6 million square meters in which 95 buildings have been built so far, including 64 towers, intended for residential use and offices, apart from spaces for commerce, leisure, and hospitality.
The system
160
waste inlets with a total pipe length of 21 kilometers
16
public litter bins connected to the Envac system
5000+
apartments connected to the Envac system
Benefits
0%
reduction of CO2 emissions and pollution
0%
lower energy consumption
0tonnes
of waste/day – mixed and recyclables
Waste-ability at KAFD – largest installation in the Middle East region
Unlike traditional waste management systems, where waste is manually collected, placed into a compactor, and collected via trucks, Envac’s flexible system is connected to all areas in the district. 160 waste inlets collect waste from 2 different fractions, general and recyclables. Furthermore, the waste is automatically collected from 16 public litter bins on the Wadi pedestrian boulevard. An estimated 140 tonnes of waste is collected daily and transported through the underground vacuum pipes to the collection terminal. Here the waste is then stored in sealed containers which are removed from the site once full.
Intelligent automation
Envac’s advanced state-of-the-art Automation Platform (EAP) controls the waste collection system with frequency converters, AI, and sensors. The intelligent system has lowered the energy consumption by up to 50%.
A 21 kilometres underground network of pipes and 16 extractors of 110 kW have been deployed to serve KAFD’s currently built-up properties, although it has been designed to grow for new development in the area.
Sustainable development goals
Envac’s waste collection technology is helping build smart cities, promoting sustainable development, and improving urban environments and the quality of life. The system eliminates the need for traditional waste collection and contributes positively by reducing traffic and lowering carbon emissions by up to 90%. It enables good health and well-being among citizens as it improves hygiene, cleanliness, and safety. Envac system equates the waste collection process in terms of comfort and benefits to the rest of the collective infrastructure. It is a must in sustainable urban planning and needs to be planned alongside water supply, energy supply, sanitation, etc.
Accolades and recognition
KAFD has been awarded the US Green Building Council (USGBC) Leadership Award for its sustainability initiatives. It has also achieved the platinum certification from the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program. These make this project an example of a sustainable city on a global scale. It highlights unique architectural designs inspired by the local environment and highly efficient energy consumption, focused on conserving, and recycling natural resources.
Official opening of the Envac system at King Abdullah Financial District
Courtesy KAFD
