CHICAGO — Singapore demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development by launching its MICE sector sustainability roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 And A research-toolbox based on to help event organizers plan and use sustainable practices in their events.
The roadmap, launched by the Singapore Tourism Board and the Singapore Convention and Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers Association (SAEOS) on December 1 set a target for Singapore to become the leading sustainable destination in the Asia-Pacific region by 2030 with a focus on waste reduction, recycling and management, as well as reducing energy and carbon emissions.
The roadmap includes three goals: developing sustainability standards by 2023 with a target of being internationally recognised by 2024, achieving sustainability certification for purpose-built MICE venues and 80% of SAEOS members by 2025, and tracking waste and carbon emissions by 2023. These goals aim to keep Singapore’s MICE sector on track to achieve net zero by 2050 and align with the Singapore Green Plan by 2030.
Singapore’s MICE Sustainability Roadmap also outlines three strategies to achieve the goal by 2050, including improving sustainability standards across the industry by following certification guidelines and embedding green capabilities into existing roles. In addition to following certification guidelines, another strategy is to raise awareness among businesses about industry best practices and solutions by providing resources and training, and to improve processes and test new solutions to innovate and adopt sustainable solutions across the industry.
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“Event attendees and business travellers are increasingly concerned about the environment, which is prompting event organisers to look to destinations that prioritise sustainability,” said Dr Edward Koh, executive director of conventions, meetings and incentives at the Singapore Tourism Board and co-chair of the MICE Sustainability Committee. “It is imperative that Singapore’s MICE sector evolves to meet the growing demand for responsible business travel.”
Singapore Tourism Board and Professional Association of Congress Management (PCMA) worked together and launched The Time Has Come – Sustainability in the Business Events Industry Research and Toolkit. These resources provide tips and strategies for planning and implementing sustainable practices when hosting an event.
The toolkit is designed to outline areas of influence for organizers and opportunities for increased engagement; identify initiatives, commitment and resources needed to raise awareness; capacity and encourage action; and provide resources that organizers can use immediately.
The roadmap and toolkit highlight circular thinking as the way forward to make events more sustainable and detail opportunities within the sector where a circular economy is possible. Actions such as reusing or renting out stands, offering a branded experience rather than branded gifts, printing with renewable ink and recyclable materials, and planning for the reuse or remanufacturing of remaining materials are all ways to move towards a circular reinvention of business events.
Contact Dr Edward Koh on 6831 3379 or edward_koh@stb.gov.sg