The Singapore Association of Convention and Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS) has launched its own sustainability certification to encourage industry professionals to implement more sustainable practices.
The MICE sustainability certification encourages greater adoption and practice of sustainability guidelines, in line with Singapore Tourism Board’s (STB) 2013 Sustainability Guidelines.
"As an international exhibition city and regional convention hub in Asia, Singapore should lead the region in sustainability performance," says Janet Tan, SACEOS president.
Tan urges industry members to "embrace sustainability meeting practices and become stalwart managers of carbon emission and model business ethics that protect the environment."
So far, only two organisations have received the certification. Marina Bay Sands has attained intermediate level certification for the venue category, and Globibo Singapore basic level for audio-visual provider.
Among the other certifying categories are event activity organiser, exhibition/conference organiser, F&B and hotel.
Candidates are assessed on the following criteria: management approach, waste management, energy, water, CSR initiatives and human resource.
As a pre-cursor to this initiative, the organisation held a sustainability masterclass in December, offering attendees advice on implenting sustainability practices.