20 November 2024 –Launch of the Mutual Recognition Agreements for “Flooring Products” and “Tile Carpets” between Japan Environment Association’s EcoMark and Singapore Environment Council’s Singapore Green Label
The agreement will facilitate green trade between Singapore and Japan, and reduce compliance costs for companies to adopt green production.
1. The Singapore Environment Council (SEC; managing the Singapore Green Label Scheme) and the Japan Environment Association (JEA; managing the Japan EcoMark) have signed an agreement that establishes mutual recognition of common criteria for “Flooring Products” and “Tile Carpets” categories of both labels. The signing ceremony took place at the Singapore Pavilion during COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, witnessed by Mr. Yutaka Matsuzawa, Vice-Minister for Global Environment Affairs from Japan’s Ministry of Environment, and Mr. Stanley Loh, Permanent Secretary of Singapore’s Ministry of Sustainability and Environment.
2. With this agreement, flooring products and tile carpets certified with the EcoMark can apply for Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) without undergoing additional evaluations by SEC for the common criteria. This reduces the need for tests and documentation , saving time and costs for the applicant companies.
3. Over 50% of Singapore Green Labelling Scheme certified companies are based outside Singapore, primarily in the ASEAN region, and many of the certified products are construction-related. This mutual recognition is expected to benefit companies selling ecolabelled products in both Japan and Singapore.
4. “This agreement represents more than a formal partnership—it is a testament to the power of collaboration in facilitating climate action. As the world gathers here at COP29, this MRA aligns with the call for unified action, demonstrating how nations and organizations can work together to multiply impact.” said Mr Cheang Kok Chung, Singapore Environment Council, Executive Director.
4. Ecolabels such as the EcoMark and Singapore Green Labelling Scheme are key enablers in climate action. Lifecycle ecolabels follow ISO 14024 principles, are third-party verified and globally recognised as the most robust and credible form of environmental labelling by the United Nations. JEA and SEC are members of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN), the leading network of the world’s most credible and robust lifecycle ecolabels. By encouraging sustainable consumption and production patterns, these labels provide transparency on the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle, including the greenhouse gas emissions. Ecolabels empower consumers, businesses, and policymakers to make informed choices that collectively contribute to global emissions reductions and a sustainable future.
Singapore, 18 June 2024 – The Singapore Environment Council (SEC) is pleased to announce a new partnership with the Japan Environment Association (JEA), a public interest incorporated foundation based in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, responsible for the Eco Mark certification program. This collaboration marks the mutual certification of imaging equipment including copiers and printers, under the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS).
This agreement facilitates products certified with the Eco Mark in Japan to be recognised by the SGLS. This streamlines the certification process, reducing time and effort for manufacturers.
Imaging equipment is the most commonly used category in mutual certification, with over 1,300 models eligible across several countries. This is the second mutual certification agreement between SEC and JEA, following a similar agreement for projectors last December. Discussions are ongoing to expand mutual certification to more product categories, such as tile carpets and vinyl flooring.
This collaboration highlights SEC’s commitment to international cooperation in environmental standards, promoting eco-friendly products in Singapore. This is also part of a broader effort by JEA, which has similar agreements with organisations in countries including Germany, South Korea and Thailand.
The Singapore Environment Council (SEC) today signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) with the Japan Environment Association (JEA) to promote each other’s eco-certification and green best practices.
Businesses gain bigger competitive edge with eco-labelling
Singapore Environment Council and China Environmental United Certification Center sign MOU
China, 23 September 2014 – Singapore gets a stronger push towards enacting green purchasing policy (GPP), as the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) and China Environmental United Certification Center (CEC) sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN) Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Beijing from 23 to 26 September 2014.
Since 2006, China’s central and provincial government has given priority to products proven to be environment friendly in its procurement – a lead Singapore could take.
“SGLS-certified products can enjoy a competitive edge when venturing into the China market, particularly with government agencies because of the government green procurement policy, which was implemented to promote sustainable economic development and also to protect the environment,” said Mr Jose Raymond, CEO of the Singapore Environment Council.
With the MOU, products and services certified by the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) and China Environmental Labelling Program will promote each other’s eco-certification in their respective bases in Singapore and China
Bringing international environmental relations between Singapore and China towards closer collaboration, SEC and CEC are also expanding cooperation to environmental protection.
Ms Zhang Xiaodan, General Manager of China Environmental United Certification Center, said: “Many environmental problems facing Singapore and China are transboundary in nature. Signing an MOU with the Singapore Environment Council gives us more leeway to solve environmental problems through partnerships, particularly those caused by business activities.”
Besides promoting eco-labelling, the MOU will also see both sides conducting joint research activities in sustainable consumption, as well as share scientific and technical data, new technologies and experience.
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About the Singapore Environment Council
Established in 1995, the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) is an independently managed, non-profit and non-government organisation (NGO). We influence thinking on sustainability issues and coordinate environmental efforts in Singapore. We are also an approved charity and offer tax exemption to donors.
SEC continuously engages all sectors of the community by formulating and executing a range of holistic programmes, such as the Singapore Environmental Achievement Awards, Asian Environmental Journalism Awards, School Green Awards, Green Champions, Singapore Green Labelling Scheme, Project: Eco-Office, Project: Eco-Shop and Project: F&B. In addition, we build a pool of committed volunteers under our Earth Helpers programme.
The SEC has also incorporated a new Training & Education arm to provide the people, public and private sectors with the opportunity to develop awareness, knowledge, skills and tools in order to protect and improve our environment for a sustainable future.
Strong partnerships with corporations, government agencies and other NGOs are valued by us. These partnerships are vital for sustaining our programmes, leading to positive action and change. Over the years, SEC has given strength and direction to the environmental movement in Singapore.
The Singapore Environment Council today signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan to cooperate in the sharing of best practices aimed at addressing issues pertaining to conservation, effective use of natural resources and the provision of ecological safety at the national, regional and international levels. The ceremony was witnessed by Singapore’s Minister of State for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Singapore’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan Mr Zulkifli Baharudin and Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Usmanov Arifbekovich.
Photo Caption:
SEC Executive Director Jose Raymond and Deputy Chairman of the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan Sayedrasul Sanginov complete the signing of the MOU in Tashkent. The ceremony was witnessed by Minister of State for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs Masagos Zulkifli, Singapore’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan Mr Zulkifli Baharudin and Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Usmanov Arifbekovich. (photo credit: Singapore Environment Council)
For Immediate Release
Singapore Environment Council and Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan sign landmark MOU to cooperate in spearheading environment and public health protection
Tashkent, 3 April 2012 – The Singapore Environment Council (SEC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan. This collaboration – which marks SEC’s first ever with an overseas government-linked environmental organisation – will witness the sharing of best practices aimed at addressing issues pertaining to conservation, effective use of natural resources and the provision of ecological safety at the national, regional and international levels. The ceremony was witnessed by Singapore’s Minister of State for Home Affairs and Foreign Affairs Mr Masagos Zulkifli, Singapore’s Ambassador to Uzbekistan Mr Zulkifli Baharudin and Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr Usmanov Arifbekovich.
Speaking on the occasion of the signing ceremony held at the reception house of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, DeputyChairman of the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan Mr Sayedrasul Sanginov said: “We view this partnership as a vital building block towards developing a solution to Uzbekistan’s pressing environmental challenges; a solution we hope will eventually result in positive action and change. Over the years, SEC has given strength and bearing to the environmental movement in Singapore by reaching out to the public through its educational, community and industrial arms. We look forward to embarking on this momentous journey together.”
The MOU will set the framework for collaboration in the development of a unified vision of ecological safety in the international arena, sharing of information and research on issues such as improving air and water quality as well as the implementation of joint projects in a bid to mitigate the negative impact of human activities on the environment.
SEC’s Executive Director Mr Jose Raymond, who represented the Council at the signing ceremony, said: “This partnership is a key development in facilitating the Council’s expanding role in driving sustainable business practices. By bringing together expertise on best environmental and business practices, this strategic partnership between SEC and the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan will aid us in our pursuit of environmental excellence as the largest environmental non-government organisation in Singapore, thereby enhancing Singapore’s position as a ‘green dot’ in the business world.”
This partnership is the brainchild of an international roundtable meeting held in Tashkent in December 2011, which focused on the current problems in the area of environmental safety and health protection, as well as the role of civil society institutions in solving them. Among the problems discussed was the Aral Sea crisis, which poses critical social and economic implications.
The Aral – previously one of the world’s largest bodies of inland water – experienced a rapid reduction in water volume due to the massive water demand created by Uzbekistan’s irrigated cotton fields. This resulted in a corresponding increase in water salinity, deterioration of water quality and consequently, deterioration in population health due to effects on the gene pool. Land productivity has also been reduced as the water used for irrigation comprises a much higher salinity. “This is a problem with serious social and economic implications, to which all Central Asian states are connected directly or indirectly. A key priority in helping us tackle this problem is to enhance our relationship with international organisations like the SEC,” added Mr Sanginov.
The MOU also seeks to develop bilateral relations and strengthen collaboration between the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan and Singapore Environment Council. The SEC will work with the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan to share best practices and programmes which have been successfully implemented in Singapore to recognise environmental excellence. These include the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary and announced regional expansion plans. The School’s Green Audit Awards, launched 12 years ago, promotes environmental values among young school children through a simple environmental audit programme. The SEC also aims to cultivate green heartware among Singaporean office employees through Project: Eco-Office, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Under the agreement, cooperation between the SEC and Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan will also include the following:
· Promoting collaboration to study and address regional as well as global ecological issues related to conservation and the effective use of natural resources with the aim to ensure ecological safety;
– Improving mechanisms of implementation of public ecological control in the area of environment protection and sustainable use of nature;
· Promoting further collaboration on improvement of environment and public health in ecological distress zones;
· Protecting diversity and managing biological resources;
· Protecting natural habitat and developing protected areas;
· Promoting the use of environmentally sound renewable energy sources;
“For past 17 years, the SEC has been striving to bring the message of environmental protection to a larger audience. This year was a breakthrough as a few of our projects – namely the Asian Environmental Journalism Awards, Singapore Green Labelling Scheme and the Singapore Environmental Achievement Awards – have managed to secure an international footprint. This partnership with the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan represents yet another accomplishment under our belt,” added Mr Raymond.
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NOTES TO THE EDITOR
About the Singapore Environment Council
Established in 1995, the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) is an independently managed, non-government organisation that nurtures, facilitates and co-ordinates environmental causes in Singapore. SEC’s work is founded on three pillars of action – Firstly, partnership with the people, private and public sectors of Singaporean society, to nurture a culture aligned with sustainable development concepts. Secondly, SEC rewards environmental excellence through awards schemes and product endorsement programmes, such as the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme. Thirdly, the SEC collaborates with partners to develop and implement training and learning programmes to build competencies in environmental sustainability within companies, thus keeping our business leaders ahead of the curve. Visit our website atwww.sec.org.sg.
The Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan was created on August 2, 2008 and registered by the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Uzbekistan on September 20, 2008. The main slogan of the Movement is “The healthy environment – the healthy person”. It aims to raise the responsibility of central and local authorities, various public and other structures for unconditional performance of laws and other governmental decisions concerning environmental protection, rational use of natural resources and funds directed to these purposes.
The Movement aims to:
· Increase public participation in protection of environment and improvement of ecological conditions;
· Assistance to the further perfection and development of the legislation concerning protection of the environment;
· Increase of ecological culture of the population, development of system of ecological upbringing and education;
· Development of international cooperation regarding the protection of the environment;
· Coordination of activity of non-governmental and non-commercial organizations
About the Singapore Environment Council
