The Green Green Grass of Home - Singapore Environment Council
Transcription
The Green Green Grass of Home - Singapore Environment Council
The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration Contents 04 THE SEED 02 ROOTS Foreword 08 THE STEM 32 THE LEAVES 10 THE BRANCHES 43 THE FLOWER 46 THE FRUIT 06 THE 48 Acknowledgements The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration Foreword by Minister Since its inception in 1995, Singapore Environment Council (SEC) has been a key member of the 3P sector and has tirelessly contributed to a better living environment and future for all of us. Dr Vivian Balakrishnan Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Just last year, it led the ENVision Exercise which sought the views of 3P stakeholders on Singapore’s environmental future. The ENVision Exercise was instrumental in providing invaluable inputs into the review of the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint that was ultimately accepted by government. Over the years, SEC has also implemented other initiatives that recognise and provide opportunities for everyone to contribute to a more liveable and sustainable Singapore. For example, the School Green Awards I EXTEND MY WARM CONGRATULATIONS AND VERY BEST WISHES TO THE SEC ON ITS 20TH ANNIVERSARY AND LOOK FORWARD TO EVEN MORE CONTRIBUTIONS IN THE FUTURE. encourages schools to take on greater ownership in their environmental activities and management, and the Singapore Environmental Achievement Awards recognises overall environmental stewardship by organisations across Singapore and the region. Our founding Prime Minister Mr Lee Kuan Yew had the great foresight to make environmental protection a distinctive hallmark of Singapore’s development. I firmly believe SEC will continue to be guided by his vision and inspire environmental stewardship in individuals in Singapore, and around the region. I extend my warm congratulations and very best wishes to the SEC on its 20th Anniversary and look forward to even more contributions in the future. FOREWORD 03 Foreword by SEC Chairman policy review was carried out to balance our environmental and social needs. The Singapore Green Plan was presented at the United Nations’ Earth Summit in Rio in 1992 which laid out how Singapore wold become a model green city by 2000. Ms Isabella Loh SEC Chairman The 1990s saw Asia and Europe experiencing significant political and economic changes leading to new markets and increased environmental awareness. While the rapid economic and urban development was a boon, it gave rise to acts that would pose a major threat to Mother Earth. Consumption excesses contributed greatly to the haze, carbon emissions and waste disposal challenges. In came the Kyoto Protocol which called for measures to mitigate the effects of climate change brought on by human behaviour. Singapore was growing at a rapid pace and pursued technology-intensive industries. The wafer fab, pharmaceutical and chemical industries accompanied the successful growth of the financial sector, fuelling further infrastructural developments. Against the backdrop of our economic successes, a major Formed by the government in 1990, the National Council on the Environment (NCE) was restructured and renamed the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) in 1995 with the mandate to take the lead to drive greater awareness of green issues through experiential learning among our community. Over the next decade, SEC has stayed true to its mission by initiating relevant programmes in response to the changing environment landscape. From organising Singapore’s first Car Free Day in 2001 to rolling out the “Bring Your Own Bag Day” campaign in 2007, as well as leading the way in the SEC Climate Portal in 2009, SEC would never rest on its laurels. We are encouraged by programmes such as the Singapore G1 2012 which attracted more than 20,000 people, making it Singapore’s biggest ever, walk-for-green event. Our expectations rise when we see close to half a million students participate in the School Green Awards. And we cannot help but challenge ourselves even further when the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) covers almost 3,000 products, stretching across Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan and Germany, among others. We intend to make significant inroads and shift the mindsets of our stakeholders; moving from unrestrained economic growth and consumerism, to a more sustainable model of living. As SEC celebrates its 20th Anniversary, thanks and recognition must be extended to the SEC Board of Directors for their guidance, the SEC Secretariat for their dynamism and unwavering commitment, and the steadfast support of all other stakeholders, including business associates, partners, the government and the community at large. When a community comes together, great things happen. Much like how the roots, stems and leaves in a plant work in unison to produce fruits. Our efforts will instil the go-green mindset in every Singaporean as we strive towards realising a cleaner environment and a healthier ecosystem. It is our fervent hope therefore, to continue our endeavours indefinitely with our green partners to achieve a greener world for all. Thank you green partners and we wish Singapore Happy 50th Birthday! The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration THE SEED Plants start their life cycle with seeds. Seeds are dispersed in a variety of ways including the wind, water, animals and by the splitting of fruits. Seeds, when provided with a conducive environment of air, food and water, will germinate. THE SEED 05 The first Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lee Kuan Yew, had big dreams for a small city. It was his vision to fashion Singapore into a clean and green city. “When I planted my first tree at Holland Road Circus back in 1963, it was to make Singapore green.” And with these words of wisdom, the SEC inspires to usher an era of green living in Singapore. AFTER INDEPENDENCE, I SEARCHED FOR SOME DRAMATIC WAY TO DISTINGUISH OURSELVES FROM OTHER THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES. I SETTLED FOR A CLEAN AND GREEN SINGAPORE. SO IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THE WHOLE ISLAND BE CLEAN, GREEN AND WITH EVERYONE OWNING PROPERTY. IT WAS A FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE ON WHICH I CRAFTED ALL POLICIES, AND IT’S WORKED. 1963 Mr Lee Kuan Yew sowing the seeds of a young Singapore Mr Lee Kuan Yew The Founding Father of Singapore 2013 Mr Lee Kuan Yew continuing his unbroken 50-year tradition of planting a tree The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration THE ROOTS Roots hold plants firmly to the ground and provide an anchor to ensure strong winds do not uproot them. Roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil. THE ROOTS 07 DURING THE VERY FIRST CLEAN AND GREEN WEEK IN NOVEMBER 1990, THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON THE ENVIRONMENT WAS CREATED. ITS MAIN AIM WAS TO ENCOURAGE AND CO-ORDINATE PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION. On 6 November 1995, that Council was restructured and renamed to become SEC – the Singapore Environment Council. Mr Teo Chee Hean, Minister for the Environment, said: “The SEC is the facilitator and umbrella organisation for the environmental movement in Singapore, and will help to unite all environmental interest groups in the common cause of keeping Singapore clean and green.” The office at 21 Lewin Terrace served as a base for a small workforce to carry out a big undertaking. Barely six months on, SEC brought together green groups, students, researchers and the business community for the first Earth Day Conference on 20 April 1996, setting in motion SEC’s effort and momentum of environmental initiatives and programmes covering public education, recycling, environmental research and community projects. Official launch of SEC’s 3-Year Plan by Minister for the Environment, Mr Teo Chee Hean The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration THE STEM Stems hold plants upright and support the branches and leaves so they can get sufficient sunlight to make food. It transports water, mineral salts and food throughout the plant. THE STEM 09 FROM THE CRACK OF DAWN, SEC HAS BEEN FORTUNATE TO HAVE HAD LEADERS WHO HAVE THE FORESIGHT AND APTITUDE TO STEER THE ORGANISATION IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. LIKE A STEM SUPPORTING A PLANT, THERE IS ONLY ONE WAY TO GROW, AND THAT IS UP. Chairman: Mr Ho Kwon Ping Mr Heng Chiang Meng 1995 1997 2004 2008 - Present Mdm Kay Kuok Oon Kwong Ms Isabella Loh Executive Director: Mrs Kirtida Mekani 1995 Mr Shaw Chai Li Howard 1997 Ms Penelope Phoon-Cohen 2003 Mr Edwin Seah 2011 Mr Jose Raymond 2015 - Present The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration THE BRANCHES Branches grow out to allow as much sunlight exposure as possible. They can be considered the horizontal stem, maximising the accommodation of leaves that plants can hold. THE BRANCHES 11 Nurturing the Environmental Spirit from Young IT IS VITAL TO INSTIL IN OUR CHILDREN A SENSE OF THEIR RICH ENVIRONMENTAL HERITAGE, WHICH THEY MUST LEARN TO PRESERVE AND APPRECIATE. THE “GREENING SINGAPORE’S YOUNG MINDS” PROGRAMME AND A STUDY PROGRAMME ON REFORESTATION TECHNIQUES AT BUKIT TIMAH NATURE RESERVE GAVE RISE TO A SOURCEBOOK “GREENING OUR YOUNG MINDS”, AIMED AT PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS. The unveiling of the Greening Singapore’s Young Minds programme on 19 April 1997 The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration Launched on 4 November 1997, the book encompassed a spectrum of local environmental issues, from nature conservation to waste and sewage. And because teachers found the book to be informative and highly useful due to its relevance to the syllabus and the interesting activities which the pupils enjoyed, SEC saw the need and potential to reach out to all students in Singapore. Students actively planting plants along the waterways of Sungei Ulu Pandan Wetland (left) and creating their own vertical wall-garden (right) The School Green Awards (SGA) recognises the management and the environmental activities of pre-schools, primary schools, secondary schools, junior colleges, international schools, special needs schools and institutes of higher learning. Kicking off in 2000 with just 28 award winners, the number grew to 170 in 2009. As at 2014, almost 90% of mainstream schools in Singapore have come on board. Primary school students collecting newspapers from housing estates (left) and college students donating their electronic waste, old clothes and books for recycling (top) THE BRANCHES 13 Students with special needs learning to plant trees (top) and water plants (bottom) THE FACT THAT PARTICIPATION IS BROAD-BASED IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE THE SCHOOL GREEN AWARDS IS NOT JUST ABOUT PROJECTS – IT GOES BEYOND THAT. Giant montage of clothes created by students to stress the importance of conserving water (top) and secondary school students participating in a Beach Cleanup at Pulau Ubin (bottom) SETTING TANGIBLE TARGETS AND WORKING TOWARDS ACHIEVING THE TARGETS, HELPED TO DEMONSTRATE THAT SAVING OUR ENVIRONMENT IS A PRACTICAL AND ACHIEVABLE EFFORT. AND THAT BY MAKING THIS PROCESS A REGULAR HABIT, ALL OF US CAN MAKE EVERY ACTION COUNT. Ms Grace Fu Minister, Prime Minister’s Office Second Minister for Environment and Water Resources Second Minister for Foreign Affairs at the SGA Ceremony on 5 November 2013 Recognising the efforts of pre-schools during the SGA Ceremony on 5 November 2013 The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration Engaging all Members of the Community WITHOUT CONFINING EDUCATION TO SCHOOLS ALONE, THE TRAINING & EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DELIVERS TALKS, WORKSHOPS AND TRAILS, TAILORED FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC, ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENTAL BODIES. Engaging the community through upcycling workshops THE BRANCHES 15 Our pool of customers include Singapore Telecommunications Ltd, the Singapore Police Force, Euromonitor International Ltd, the Royal Bank of Scotland, Singapore Chinese Girls School, MINDS – Lee Kong Chian Gardens School and MINDS – Woodlands Gardens School, among others. The Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Learning Trails programme has visitors from Hong Kong, China, India, Japan and Thailand, discovering how the conservation of water played a vital role in Singapore’s history, in the “Singapore Water Story”. Conducting talks at schools Local students engaging in hands-on activities at Singapore’s reservoirs while learning more about our water resources The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration Hong Kong students at Marina Reservoir enjoying the ABC Waters Learning Trails Marina Reservoir hosting students from Hong Kong at the ABC Waters Learning Trails (top and bottom) THE BRANCHES 17 Students from Thailand admiring the greenery and testing the water quality at MacRitchie Reservoir (right and bottom left) and Jurong Lake (bottom right) The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration Paving the Green Path THE SEC STARTED SINGAPORE’S FIRST CAR FREE DAY ON 19 APRIL 2001, WHICH EVOLVED THROUGH THE YEARS TO BECOME GREEN TRANSPORT DAY ON 5 JUNE 2003, AND SUBSEQUENTLY LENGTHENED TO BECOME GREEN TRANSPORT WEEK. Members of the public got to see the latest in alternatives to commuting while exploring technological advancements in this field. Visitors marvelled at the Segway Human Transporter and were made aware of the viability of car-sharing schemes utilising hybrid vehicles. With activities like cycling and walkathon events for the brave, the nimble and the young-at-heart, the Transport Minister and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Raymond Lim felt this was an “important strategy in promoting environmental sustainability in Singapore.” Mohamad Maidin BPM, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Environment and Home Affairs, commemorating the Green Transport Day on 5 June 2003 THE BRANCHES 19 Mr Raymond Lim, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, flagging off the Eco-Chase Race on 27 August 2006 during Green Transport Week 2006 Educating the public about greener modes of transport during the Green Transport Day exhibition from 15 to 24 April 2005 The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration When the F1 came to Singapore, SEC found it meaningful to balance-off the event with our very own G1 (Green One) in 2010. The Singapore Green One placed everything that moved, on the green track with alternative green transport, eco-friendly races for schools and organisations, and walks and cycling events. It was here too, that many got to try the world’s first mass-produced electric car. Organisations showcasing their green technology creations and competing in trishaws (left) and electric buggies races (right) 28 secondary schools competing in Asia’s first Soapbox Derby on the actual F1 track on 19 September 2010 Dr Amy Khor, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, flagging off the Singapore G1 2010 THE BRANCHES 21 Deputy Prime Minister Mr Teo Chee Hean (second from right) launching the roving exhibition on climate change, together with the Singapore G1 2012, Singapore’s largest environmentallysustainable lifestyle event, on 2 September 2012 Mayor of North West District, Dr Teo Ho Pin flagging off the G1 2012 walkathon The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration The Written Word OUR PUBLICATIONS ENGAGE PEOPLE ACROSS ALL LEVELS OF SOCIETY TO EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY ABOUT SINGAPORE’S ENVIRONMENT AND HOW ONE CAN PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN PROTECTING IT. The Green Map of Singapore showing open spaces, ecologically sensitive sites and places of interest One of the SEC’s most iconic works – the Singapore Green Map, published in June 2000 brings together all of Singapore’s eco-resources into a single publication, and it is the first such map in Singapore and the region. SEC’s 2013 position paper, entitled “Identifying and Mitigating the Wastage and Inefficient Use of Plastic Bags in Singapore”, was the result of feedback requesting for the SEC to step in and mitigate plastic bags wastage at supermarkets. By analysing patterns of plastic bag usage, a broad range of recommendations was targeted at policy makers, retailers and educators. SEC’s quarterly newsletter, Elements, featuring environmental issues and green volunteering opportunities Launched on 11 June 2009, the SEC Climate Portal served as a source of information and solutions on climate change for Singapore and the region THE BRANCHES 23 Inspiring the Spirit of Volunteerism THE SEC IS A FIRM BELIEVER THAT EVERYONE IN THE COMMUNITY HAS A RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT OUR ENVIRONMENT. OUR GREEN VOLUNTEERS NETWORK (GVN) BRINGS TOGETHER VOLUNTEERS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WHO ORGANISE AND CONDUCT BEACH CLEAN-UP SESSIONS, GUIDED NATURE WALKS AND TOURS OF INCINERATION PLANTS. The GVN also administered the first Clean Up Singapore campaign, a year-round initiative endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme, which attracted more than 30,000 volunteers from both the public and private sectors. The GVN helping to renovate the Ubin Green House which was launched on 24 March 2007 GVN cleaning up the coast as part of the Clean Up Singapore campaign Green volunteers planting a mangrove sapling The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration The GVN laid the foundation for the SEC Earth Helpers programme. With the registered number of Earth Helpers close to 800, they now facilitate educational trails, monthly recycling drives, and even rescue marine wildlife. Earth Helpers relocating corals away from the construction work of the Tuas Terminal Earth Helpers happily collecting items for the recycling drive held every month in the North West district THE BRANCHES 25 Honouring the 2012 Earth Helpers with a terrarium workshop held specially for them on 21 April 2012, with Dr Teo Ho Pin, Mayor of North West District, as the Guest-of-Honour Earth Helpers of all ages keeping Singapore beautiful with Operation WE Clean Up! The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration Envisioning the Future BY INITIATING A SERIES OF PUBLIC DIALOGUE SESSIONS TO DERIVE A COMMON VISION AND SET OF VALUES FOR THE ENVIRONMENT BASED ON THE VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS OF ALL SINGAPOREANS, SEC’S ENVISION EXERCISE ENGAGED NONGOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS, THE PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SECTORS, AND THE COMMUNITY. A Visioning Statement, which was presented to the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources on 27 May 2014 for incorporation into the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint 2015, was the result of 19 dialogue sessions among 440 participants. SEC continued with a media advertising campaign of several advertorials which drew more than 100,000 views. ENVision’s dialogue sessions engaged Singaporeans from all sectors, including corporations (top), schools (bottom left) and the community (bottom right) THE BRANCHES 27 ENVision’s Appreciation Evening on 27 May 2014, with Guest-of-Honour Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration Green Celebrities COLLABORATING WITH THE SINGAPORE NATIONAL OLYMPIC COUNCIL (SNOC), SEC LAUNCHED THE GREEN CHAMPIONS INITIATIVE WITH FAMILIAR SPORTS PERSONALITIES LIKE SWIMMER, MR JOSEPH SCHOOLING, PADDLER, MS ISABELLE LI AND STAR STRIKER, MR ALEKSANDAR DURIC. In total, 20 athletes endorsed and promoted environmental awareness through videos, posters and activities. Mr C. Kunalan, Singapore’s 100m record holder from 1968 to 2001, rightly said: “We may have many sports to choose from, but we have only one Earth.” Our pioneer Green Champions in 2013 THE BRANCHES 29 Mr Chris Chan, Secretary General of SNOC and Mr Jose Raymond, Executive Director of SEC, signing an MOU on 8 July 2013 to launch the Green Champions initiative, in the presence of the Acting Minister for Manpower, Mr Tan Chuan-Jin (extreme right) and Ms Isabella Loh, Chairman of SEC The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration LEVERAGING ON THE MASS POPULARITY AND STAR POWER OF SCREEN CELEBRITIES, THE GREEN STARS PROGRAMME PUTS SEC IN THE LIMELIGHT WITH EASILY IDENTIFIABLE TV PERSONALITIES. Whether you share your music preferences with MTV VJ Utt Panichkul, or a movie moment with Jaymee Ong, know that SEC’s green movement is never far from the stars. Guest-of-Honour, Dr Teo Ho Pin together with various Beam Artistes’ celebrities at the Green Stars launch on 24 November 2014 THE BRANCHES 31 Dr Teo Ho Pin, Mayor of North West District (second from right) taking a we-fie with Beam Artistes, Utt Panichkul, Jaymee Ong and Paul Foster The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration THE LEAVES Leaves come in many shapes and sizes. They make food for the plant and absorb Carbon Dioxide in a process called Photosynthesis. THE LEAVES 33 Reaching Out to the Region OUR ENVIRONMENT SEES NO BOUNDARY NOR STATE LINES AND AFFECTS EVERY LIVING THING ON EVERY CONTINENT. IT IS WISE TO SHARE AND LEARN FROM EACH OTHER’S EXPERTISE AND EXPERIENCE. The Singapore Environmental Achievement Awards (SEAA) recognises organisations that have exemplary environmental practices. Mr Sidek Saniff, Senior Minister of State for the Environment understood that the effort would “further increase environmental awareness and understanding” in our local industries. The SEAA presentation ceremony (right) and winners (bottom) in 2002 The pioneer batch of SEAA award winners celebrating their success in 1998 The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration The Award became an important driver not just in the way business is conducted in Singapore, but around the region. With more categories created to accommodate the growing number of participants each year, the SEAA now welcomes participants from as faraway as India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, officiating at the 14th SEAA presentation ceremony on 11 August 2011 Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, at the Singapore Green Summit 2009, an event combining the SEAA presentation ceremony with a gala dinner THE LEAVES 35 Originally launched by the Ministry for the Environment and Water Resources in May 1992, the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) is now administered by the SEC. It has since grown to become Singapore’s leading environmental standard and certification mark, earning international recognition. SGLS passed the standards for the Global Ecolabelling Network’s International Coordinated Ecolabelling System and was officially accredited by the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN). Being the only eco-labelling body in Singapore that is a member of the GEN, products under SGLS receive full recognition and acceptance by other member countries of GEN. With almost 3,000 unique products certified across more than 25 countries, it is the region’s most established eco-labelling scheme. Guest-of-Honour, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, recognising excellence in corporate environmental leadership at the SEAA ceremony on 22 August 2013 Mr Sidek Saniff, Senior Minister of State for the Environment, gracing the Re-Launch of the SGLS and Green Label Exhibition along with guest-star celebrities on 25 March 2000 The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration SGLS’s global outreach continues through its collaboration with Uzbekistan’s governmentlinked environmental organisation on 3 April 2012. The partnership with the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan has set the wheels in motion, accelerating further alliances with other environmental agencies in the international arena. On 23 September 2014, a Memorandum of Understanding between the SEC and the China Environmental United Certification Center was signed to cross-promote each other’s eco-certification programmes. Promoting eco-labelling by collaborating with international agencies, such as the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan (top) and China Environmental United Certification Center (bottom) THE LEAVES 37 Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information officiating the AEJA ceremony on 17 October 2013 Asia’s first journalism awards for the environment tackled environmental journalism at all levels of society, from the professional journalists to the passionate social media bloggers. A Tale of Three Disasters, the SEC Coca-Cola Environmental Story of the Year for AEJA 2014 Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for Communications and Information recognised how the Asian Environmental Journalism Awards (AEJA) “presented a full picture of the realities on the ground, made the public voice heard, and gave insight on potential impact which otherwise may have gone unnoticed.” Ms Grace Chua then from The Straits Times, who clinched the SEC-CDL Environmental Journalist of the Year award in 2012, said: “People don’t always see environment news as immediately, directly relevant to their lives. But it’s always relevant.” The AEJA appreciates the many perspectives of the community and most recently expanded the outreach to include a category for youths. The 2014 AEJA received a 78% increase in submissions from 21 countries. Winner of SEC Environmental Photograph of the Year category for AEJA 2014 The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration Turning our Vision of a Green Singapore into Reality WHEN YOU WORK, EAT OR SHOP, YOU WOULD HAVE PROBABLY BEEN UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF SEC’S ECO-ESTABLISHMENTS – PROJECT: ECO-OFFICE, PROJECT: ECO-SHOP AND PROJECT: ECO-F&B. Project: Eco-Office is a joint initiative between the SEC and City Developments Limited (CDL) that promotes environmentally-friendly practices in offices by increasing awareness amongst staff, and making available a range of knowledge-based and practical resources. Managing Director then, Mr Kwek Leng Joo, said: “Project: Eco-Office was born at a time when little was being done to encourage the uptake of eco-friendly habits at the workplace. As a major landlord in Singapore and a pioneer in the green movement, CDL recognised the need to change the way businesses work, think and manage precious resources at the workplace. Together with SEC, this initiative was introduced to reach out to businesses and office workers.” The pioneer batch of Green Office Label recipients are the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, National Environment Agency, Ricoh Asia Pacific Pte Ltd and CDL. Guest-of-Honour Dr John Keung, CEO of the Building and Construction Authority, at the 7th Eco-Office Label Presentation Ceremony on 16 February 2011 THE LEAVES 39 Project: Eco-Office actively participates in both local and overseas exhibitions and conferences, including Office Expo Asia,the 4th International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition and Conference in Malaysia and Eco Action Day. Today, all Singpost Post Offices display the Eco-Post Office Label, for office initiatives driven by habit and practice. At the end of 2014, Project: Eco-Office had reached out to almost 50,000 professionals, managers, executives and business owners in the region, with PT Holcim Indonesia being the first overseas office to be certified. Project: Eco-Office collaterals to remind staff to adopt environmental-friendly habits The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration Retailers and F&B outlets which are certified under Project: Eco-Shop and Project Eco-F&B respectively enjoy increased patronage from customers who understand the principles of going green. Tenants of Woodlands Xchange were the first eco-shop owners to be certified. And with food courts, cafes and restaurants joining in, we witness an entire community which affirms its support for the environment by adopting green business practices. Mr Desmond Kuek, President and CEO of SMRT Corporation Ltd and Ms Isabella Loh, Chairman of SEC signed an MOU on 1 July 2013 to roll out Project: Eco-Shop, Singapore’s first comprehensive EcoCertification programme THE LEAVES 41 The pioneer batch of shop owners receiving Project: Eco-Shop’s certification at Woodlands Xchange, Singapore’s first EcoMRT Station on 4 November 2013 Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of Central Singapore District (top row, third from right) presented the certificates to Ang Mo Kio Xchange tenants on 7 November 2014 The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration The university canteen at NUS’ Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences is the first recipient of Eco-Food Court: Mr Joseph Mullinix, Deputy President of Administration at NUS receiving the certificate on behalf of NUS from Guest-of-Honour, Dr Amy Khor, Minister of State, Ministry of Environment and Water Resources on 19 January 2011 43 THE FLOWER Often admired for their colourful petals, flowers are the products of plants. They attract insects like bees and butterflies, which facilitate pollination. Flowers produce fruits and seeds. The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration August 2006 Highlights January 2000 June 2000 1990s November 1995 November 1997 2000 SEC is formed from the restructuring of the National Council on the Environment. The Singapore Environmental Achievement Awards is officially launched. The Green Volunteers Network is initiated. June 1999 SEC starts to administer the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme. April 2007 Together with the National Environment Agency, SEC introduces the very first Bring Your Own Bag Day on 18 April. June 2009 SEC rolls out the Climate Portal on 11 June. SEC launches the Schools’ Green Audit Awards, which later becomes the School Green Awards. Singapore’s first Green Map gets published. 2001–2003 April 2001 Singapore’s first Car-Free Day takes place on 19 April. June 2002 Project: Eco-Office was first launched by the SEC and CDL on 5 June to mark the World Environment Day. June 2003 Green Transport Day starts on 5 June, World Environment Day. The Green Transport Week is jointly held by the SEC, National Environment Agency, the Land Transport Authority, SBS Transit and SMRT Corporation. 2006–2009 2010 September 2010 The inaugural Singapore G1 is launched ahead of the Singapore F1 Grand Prix. THE FLOWER 45 January 2011 April 2011 On 19 January, SEC introduces Project: Eco-Foodcourt. The programme expands to encompass all dining establishments in 2013, and is renamed Project: Eco-F&B. July 2013 Project: Eco-Shop is introduced on 1 July. Earth Helpers are roped in to promote environmental volunteerism in Singapore. January 2015 On 8 July, the Green Champions programme is launched. October 2011 The SGLS meets the standards for the Global Ecolabelling Network’s Internationally Coordinated Ecolabelling System and becomes a member of the Global Ecolabelling Network. 2011 September 2013 2012 January 2012 April 2012 September 2012 The Asian Environmental Journalism Awards is launched on 16 January. SEC signs an MOU with the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan on 3 April, its first collaboration with an overseas government-linked environmental organisation. SEC organises Singapore G1 2012, Singapore’s largest environmentallysustainable lifestyle event, on 2 September. SEC releases on 30 September, its position paper on the findings of consumer behaviour and attitudes towards plastic bags and reusable bags. 2013 February 2015 2014 February 2014 August 2014 September 2014 Project: Eco-Office completes its first overseas audit in Indonesia. SEC signs one of its largest sponsorship deals with StarHub, valued at S$450,000. 2015 Between February and April, SEC organises 19 dialogue sessions involving a total of 440 participants, for the ENVision exercise. SEC’s Training and Education arm is inaugurated. China Environmental United Certification Center signs an MOU with SEC on 23 September. November 2014 The Green Stars are introduced on 24 November. November 2014 A school from India participates in the School Green Awards, along with a record number of 344 academic institutions. The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration THE FRUIT Fruits protect the seed while ensuring the future and continuity of its kind. They form an important part of our diet and are usually rich in vitamins. THE FRUIT 47 A FRUIT DOES NOT SIGNIFY THE END OF A LIFE CYCLE OF A PLANT, BUT THE BEGINNING OF A NEW ONE. SEEDS WILL ONCE AGAIN BE SOWED FOR ANOTHER GENERATION. MUCH LIKE THE PLANT, THE WORK OF THE SEC REGENERATES ITSELF. Through different hands, through different perspectives, SEC’s goal will however, remain the same. And that is to continually provide a path where everyone can step up to a more sustainable future – through education, through knowledge and through wisdom. The SEC will stay relevant with constantly refined programmes, so as to stay in harmony with the changing needs of Singapore and the region. The Green Green Grass of Home A 20th Anniversary Celebration Acknowledgements Credits Our Chairman, Board of Directors and Secretariat of SEC would like to thank all stakeholders for playing a key role in our success. We owe much to our visionary pioneers, who planted the vision of a green Singapore for us to cultivate. Published By Thanks also to our esteemed business associates and partners and our dedicated staff for their unwavering support over the years. Most of all, we appreciate our valued customers for giving us the continued opportunity to serve all of you. The thrill of our past achievements can only be superseded by the excitement of our future. And it is with such motivation that we look forward to greater opportunities for partnerships with like-minded organisations both near and far. Singapore Environment Council Copyright © 2015 Singapore Environment Council Editorial Team Editor: Shirley Chua Researcher: Goh Song Lin Rigel Photo Credits Page 05 (1963 picture) – The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reprinted with permission. Page 05 (2013 picture) – My Paper © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reprinted with permission. Design By Anamics Creative Group Pte Ltd Printed On 9lives Gloss 300gsm and 130 gsm, a 55% recycled, FSC™ and certified paper sponsored by Spicers Paper www.spicersasia.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the copyright owners. Whilst every care is taken to ensure that this publication is as up-to date and accurate as possible, no responsibility can be taken by the publisher for any errors or omissions contained herein. 1 Kay Siang Road, #04-02 Singapore 248922 Tel: 6337 6062 | Fax: 6337 6035 | www.sec.org.sg Enquiries: info@sec.org.sg SingaporeEnvironmentCouncil @SECSingapore SECSingapore