A Sustainable Way to Meet in Singapore

As consumers become more aware of the impact of their purchases, travel and meetings professionals are demanding more sustainable options when planning business events. Ready, get set, go green! – a white paper released by STB and American Express Global Business Travel (Amex GBT) – looks at key trends of green meetings and events, the role a destination plays and how travel and meetings planners can measure a destination’s sustainability.

Ready, Get Set, Go Green! - The White Paper

According to findings from a study that was carried out by Amex GBT's Global Business Consulting group, travel and meetings professionals encourage travellers to practise 8 ecologically responsible behaviours (listed in the following order):

1. Choose energy-efficient hotels and event venues (76%)
2. Prioritise routes with smallest CO2 footprint (73%)
3. Reduce frequency of travel (71%)
4. Prioritise electric vehicles over hybrid or conventional cars (67%)
5. Prioritise flights using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (65%)
6. Give preference to sustainable food options (62%)
7. Prioritise public transportation (60%)
8. Offset emissions by investing in environmental projects (60%)

 
A sustainable supply chain is also a major consideration, with 70% of travel and meetings professionals placing high or medium importance on green certifications and credentials when selecting a supplier.
 
As organisations strategise to reduce their environmental impact, the white paper also offers practical tips on how they can make their meetings and events more sustainable, underlining various milestones along the sustainability journey.

Road to Sustainability

STB will continue to help the industry adopt sustainability certification and green practices through the BEiS scheme.
 
To encourage sustainable travel, the Singapore MICE Advantage Programme (SMAP) 3.0 also includes a new sustainability focus. In partnership with key tourism partners including Singapore Airlines, Changi Airport Group, JetQuay, Sentosa Development Corporation, StarHub, Grab and NETS, the refreshed scheme offers delegates and event organisers the choice to travel sustainably through green transportation options, environmentally conscious tours, and discounted public transportation on trains and buses, among other initiatives.
 
Singapore’s sustainability journey is also underscored by the country’s recent participation in the GDS-Index, which builds on Singapore’s sustainability efforts under Singapore Green Plan 2030; as well as Singapore’s hosting of sustainability events such as Ecosperity, which returns for its 8th run in 2022.
 
The upcoming edition, themed “Accelerating Action at Scale”, will tackle issues raised at the recent United Nations Climate Change conference, and catalyse discussions on real solutions and key levers to help accelerate the energy revolution, decarbonise transport and heavy industries, and finance Asia’s green transition.
 
(Source: Singapore Tourism Board, 1 June 2022)