At the recent Waste-to-Energy Summit organized by Rack Centre in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)’s Community Development Service, stakeholders from various sectors, including Information Technology, academia, and government, emphasized the importance of utilizing waste from landfill sites to generate sustainable energy. The summit highlighted the need for energy efficiency in waste management to enhance environmental sustainability.
Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, Managing Director of the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA), represented the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Dr. Tokunbo Wahab. He noted the critical importance of managing solid waste, especially in Lagos, which has a rapidly growing population of 20 million and generates 30,000 tons of waste daily. Effective management of landfill sites is essential to mitigate pollution and health risks associated with carbon emissions.
Lars Johannison, CEO of Rack Centre, explained that the company’s commitment to sustainability drives its focus on energy efficiency in data center operations. He highlighted the importance of measuring power usage effectiveness (PUE) to assess energy consumption. A lower PUE indicates a more efficient power infrastructure.
Ezekiel Egboye, Chief Operating Officer of Rack Centre, stressed the need for data centers to be mindful of their energy sources and usage while working toward a green economy. He emphasized that transforming the Olusosun landfill could create job opportunities for youth and contribute to a sustainable future.
Dolapo Olaoluwa, convener of the Waste-to-Energy Summit and a representative of the NYSC Community Development Service, explained that the summit was organized in response to firsthand observations and experiences working near the Olusosun landfill in Lagos. The discussions aimed to drive environmental sustainability through innovative waste management solutions.
