The Singapore Environment Council’s Green Labelling Scheme, which turns 20 in 2012, hits the 2,000 mark
Singapore, 16 December 2011 – The Singapore Environment Council’s (SEC) Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS), which turns 20 in May 2012, has crossed an important milestone today with the certification of its 2000th product.
Helping the SGLS cross the mark is Aficio MP 2852 / MP 3352 by Ricoh (Singapore) Pte Ltd, a black and white multifunctional photocopier. Elaborating on the company’s commitment to providing value for money and protection to the environment, Mr. Vincent Lim, Managing Director, Ricoh Singapore Pte Ltd, said: “Ricoh is committed to providing quality products that serve business operational needs. Our products incorporate a host of sustainable, eco-friendly features that enable fast-paced offices to save money while conserving energy.”
The milestone comes shortly after the Green Label passed the audit for the Global Ecolabelling Network International Coordinated Ecolabelling System (GENICES) accreditation. SEC has been a member of the Global Ecolabelling Network or GEN since October 2003. The GEN is an international non-profit association of third-party, environmental performance recognition, certification and labelling organisations.
“We’re so proud that the Green Label Scheme is ending the year on such a high note,” said Mr Jose Raymond, Executive Director, SEC.
“Certifying our 2000th product is an achievement we have worked hard for this year, in addition to the GEN Certification, and the upcoming addition of several new product categories. We are constantly trying to increase the value-add that the Green Label certification yields for our clients, whether it is enhanced credibility through rigorous, audited criteria, or increasing international outreach through attaining a global certification.”
The SGLS upward trajectory is set to continue in 2012, when it turns 20.
“We will kick off 2012 with the launch of 19 new categories. As we turn 20, we begin a new chapter in our journey towards becoming the symbol of environmentally responsible manufacturing and purchasing in Singapore and would not have done it without the support of our clients and all our partners,” added Mr Raymond.
The SGLS was launched in May 1992 by then Minister for the Environment, Dr Ahmad Mattar. The SEC has been administering the SGLS since June 1999. A complete list of all products certified under the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme is available at http://www.sec.org.sg/sgls/sgls_directory.
Additional information about the scheme, product criteria and application procedures is available at www.sec.org.sg/sgls.
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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 at www.sec.org.sg.
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About the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme
Launched in May 1992 and administered by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) since June 1999, the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme (SGLS) is Singapore's leading environmental standard and certification mark. The SGLS is applicable to most products except food, drinks and pharmaceuticals. Green Label products include items produced locally or internationally that have been evaluated through stringent standards.
Green Label certified products have become a competitive advantage for companies, marketable and readily accepted by consumers or business associates in making their purchasing decisions. As of 16 December 2011,2,000 products are certified under the SGLS.
SEC is recognised as a member of the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN), an association of third-party, environmental performance recognition, certification and labelling organisations to improve, promote, and develop the "ecolabelling" of products and services. The SGLS has been successfully audited by the GEN as meeting ISO 14024 and ISO Guide 65 standards for the GENICES accreditation in October 2011.
Application for the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme is open to both local and foreign companies.
For more information about the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme, please visit www.sec.org.sg/sgls.
