In 2021 , the Government launched the Green Plan , outlining a focus on fi ve pillars ; city in nature , sustainable living , energy reset , green economy and resilient future — along with bold ‘ green ’ targets to be achieved by year 2030 .
The Plan will see 50 percent more land being set aside for nature parks – with an additional one million trees being planted – and every household living within a 10-minute walk of a park .
The effects of generating a culture of embedded sustainability have been embraced by the MICE sector , giving event organisers extensive support when embarking on their sustainability journey .
Singapore Tourism Board launched sustainability guidelines in 2013 that build on the
ISO 20121 International Standard for Event Sustainability Management . These guidelines cover the entire business events ecosystem , from hotels and venues to event organisers and meeting planners . In October 2021 , it then joined the Global Sustainable Tourism Council with the aim of becoming one of the world ’ s most sustainable urban destinations .
Singapore ’ s commitment and the number of green venues provide assurance that attending an event in the country offers a myriad of ways to reduce their carbon footprint .
Besides traversing across the island in electric vehicles , and meeting in the growing number of Green Mark certifi ed buildings , they can also reside more sustainably , thanks to the sheer number of green hotels catering to different budgets .
Contributing to the Plan , the Meetings industry has created its own initiatives . The Hotel Sustainability Roadmap announced in March 2022 sets out clear targets and strategies ; at least 60 percent of the country ’ s room stock will
reach an internationally-recognised sustainability standard by 2025 , with the intention of achieving zero emissions by 2050 .
A greener venue ecosystem Change is evident . Larger hotel chains like Pan Pacifi c Singapore have renovated their existing establishments to include eco-friendly design features that reduce electricity usage .
Local brand , Oasia Hotel Downtown now features a massive vertical garden that both reintroduces biodiversity and reduces temperature in the building , while Carlton Hotel Singapore managed to lower both water and energy consumption with its sustainability measures .
Many business meetings take place over meals , and Singapore is a foodie ’ s paradise offering countless choices for working lunches and dinners .
Nevertheless , food waste remains a critical issue for the MICE sector . To help solve this
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