STB launches "Sustainability Guidelines"

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has launched Sustainability Guidelines to serve as a reference guide for meetings, incentive travel, conferences and events (MICE) industry personnel in Singapore.

These guides are referenced from international standards such as ISO 20121 and the APEX/ASTM Environmentally Sustainable Meeting Standards and geared towards those who are keen to adopt sustainable practices.

Through these guides, the STB also hopes to encourage local MICE players to meet global sustainability requirements.

The Sustainability Guidelines cover seven industry categories including hotels, venues, event organisers and meeting planners, transportation, food and beverage, as well as audio-visual set-up.

Areas covered under the guidelines include advice on waste management and the efficient use of water and energy, as well as initiatives that encourage employees to develop a commitment to sustainable practices.

The first event to adopt these guidelines is the “Responsible Business Forum on Sustainability Development”  being held at Marina Bay Sands from 25-26 November 2013.

“With corporate clients and delegates increasingly concerned about the environment, business event organisers and meeting planners are turning to destinations and venues with strong sustainability policies in place,” said Chew Tiong Heng, executive director, business tourism development at the Singapore Tourism Board.

“Green initiatives are gaining traction among MICE event organisers, who recognise that such endeavours significantly enhance the overall visitor experience,” he added.

The Sustainability Guidelines for the MICE industry will complement the various green practices, policies and programs for hotels and other buildings in Singapore.

Venues and hotels have also started offering green meeting packages that include options such as water dispensers instead of bottled water, and making extensive use of natural daylight to reduce electricity usage.

Against this backdrop, the Sustainability Guidelines serve as a timely reminder for event organisers, meeting planners and their suppliers to ramp up their sustainability efforts.

STB launches "Sustainability Guidelines"