The Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) and Singapore Environment Council (SEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to drive awareness surrounding environmental sustainability and encourage the adoption of the best green practices.
The MOU outlines a three-year plan to improve furniture manufacturers’ sustainability expertise through various programmes. These include training seminars, conferences, and courses to help companies undertake the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) by the SEC, a leading environmental standard and certification mark.
The SGLS empowers manufacturers to adhere to international environmental best practices in manufacturing. Successfully audited by the Global Eco-Labelling Network (GEN) in October 2011, it provides manufacturers with opportunities for regional expansion through a global network of eco-labels. To date, 11 SFIC members have attained green certifications awarded by both local and international bodies. The goal is to double this number by 2014.
“This MOU will further enhance our standing and raise our competitiveness and reputation in the eco-friendly furniture market,” SFIC President, Ernie Koh said.
The agreement also stipulates the collective education of consumers on the value of environmentally sustainable products through community outreach programmes, beginning with the School Green Awards (SGA) showcase to be featured during SingaPlural 2013.
Currently in its eleventh edition, the SGA is an audit programme involving the participation of 284 schools island-wide, ranging from primary to international schools and junior colleges. Via the platform, students work in teams to gather data and conduct an audit on their school’s environmental performance.
Highlighting these collective works at SingaPlural 2013 resonates with the SFIC and SEC’s objectives to raise awareness surrounding waste minimisation, resource conservation and the greening of the environment, both industry-wide and on a public scale.
Supported by the International Enterprise Singapore and SPRING Singapore under the LEAD Programme, several furniture sustainability exhibits will take centre stage at the upcoming said trade show. The week-long design celebration will be held in the city streets of Singapore, in conjunction with the annual International Furniture Fair Singapore (IFFS).
