challenge , Singapore is updating legislation to require large commercial and industrial food waste generators such as hotels to segregate their food waste and allocate space for on-site food waste treatment from 2024 .
Likewise , MICE venues in the country are providing more options for sustainable catering menus . Fairmont Singapore and Swissôtel The Stamford for example recycle food waste using an Eco-Wiz Dry System Model DV1000 machine which can process 100 kg of raw vegetable scraps and peelings daily , with the compost later used as fertiliser in their shared herb garden .
They also launched the industry ’ s first urban aquaponics farm in 2019 , a 450-square-metre space designed to allow fish and vegetables to grow together in an integrated system and supply vegetables and fresh fish for the two hotels . Event planners can request catering menus that feature produce from this garden .
Greener meetings initiatives Singapore MICE venues have further made paper and plastic waste reduction a significant part of their operations . Resort World Sentosa ( RWS ) stopped using single-use plastic straws , water bottles and tableware at all its venues saving more than 100 tonnes of plastic annually . In 2021 , RWS also introduced Eco-MICE packages for sustainable events , which include serving meals in sustainable packaging and providing reusable pens and recycled paper at events . Affirming the integrated resort ’ s ongoing sustainability journey , the Global Sustainable Tourism Council honoured RWS with its ‘ Destination Criteria and Industry Criteria for Hotels ’ certifications .
Many hotels in Singapore have incorporated sustainable measures that go beyond planting a few extra trees on its compounds . ParkRoyal Collection Marina Bay is Singapore ’ s first garden-in-a-hotel and is home to one of Southeast Asia ’ s largest indoor atriums that also function as natural air purifiers .
With its solar panels and double-glazed glass ceilings , the hotel reduces energy consumption by an estimated 160,000 kwh a year .
As the global conversation around sustainability grows , event organisers across the globe have rallied to do their part . The 2018 Schneider Electric Global Innovation Summit held in Singapore , was the largest green event held locally – one free from single-use materials like paper or plastic , and with a fully sustainable , Earth-friendly menu ..
In a world where organisers are demanding the highest standards of sustainability running through every facet of their events , Singapore is designing an ecosystem that delivers .
6 / CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD / SINGAPORE