Many of us think of industry being the polluter while offices are relatively environmentally clean but 10 years ago the Singapore Environment Council, a non-governmental organization, teamed with a developer, City Developments Limited, to establish an Eco-Office certification program.
Among the criteria required to be addressed for an office to qualify for the Eco-Office logo are ones addressing:
- Purchasing Practice
- Paper Use
- Printer, Photocopier, Fax & Cartridges
- Waste Reduction Measures
- Recycling
- Office Kitchen
- Office Furniture
- Energy Conservation
- Water Conservation
- Indoor Air Quality
- Signs
- Travel
To date, 110 Singapore office locations have received the Eco-Office certification. The SEC plans to add 100 more this year. The program involves an environmental self-assessment, on which an office must achieve at least a Good rating to qualify for certification, followed by an independent third-party audit.
The Eco-Office workbook can be found at http://www.ecooffice.com.sg/templates/madeyourweb/pdf/Step_by_step_guide_How_to_green_your_office.pdf
The press release describing the program on its 10th anniversary is at http://www.ecooffice.com.sg/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=71&Itemid=127
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