HSR Zero Waste Wins 2026 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 significant advancements in sustainable waste management practices across Canada. The Clean50 Awards, presented annually by Delta Management Group, celebrate organizations making substantial contributions to climate action and clean innovation, with the Top Project category specifically honoring initiatives that demonstrate exceptional results in waste reduction and circular economy practices.

The award-winning project transformed waste management at the Vancouver Convention Centre through a comprehensive waste diversion and resource recovery model. By redesigning waste flows, reconfiguring existing equipment, and implementing hands-on sorting programs with extensive staff training, the initiative dramatically increased the facility's diversion rate from 50% to between 75-90% in 2024. This transformation resulted in the diversion of over one million kilograms of material in a single year, significantly reducing landfill waste while advancing sustainable event management practices.

Gavin Pitchford, CEO of Delta Management Group, emphasized the selection criteria for Clean50 Top Project Awards, noting that projects are chosen based on measurable impact, innovation, and their ability to inspire replication. The Convention Centre Zero Waste Transformation project exemplifies these qualities, demonstrating the potential of circular systems in large-scale operations through collaboration with event organizers, facility teams, and stakeholders.

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 the future of climate leadership. The summit provided a platform for connecting with fellow award recipients and leaders from diverse industries who share a common commitment to building a cleaner, more circular future.

This recognition underscores the growing importance of innovative waste management solutions in achieving environmental sustainability goals. The project's success demonstrates that significant waste reduction is achievable in large venue operations through systematic approaches that combine infrastructure improvements with comprehensive staff training and stakeholder collaboration. The measurable outcomes provide a replicable model for other convention centers and large facilities seeking to enhance their sustainability performance while reducing environmental impact.