Friday, May 16, 2025
Singapore EXPO has emerged as a trailblazer in sustainable event hosting by becoming the first venue to attain the Platinum Certification under the newly launched M.I.C.E Sustainability Certification (MSC) framework. Spearheaded by the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers and Suppliers (SACEOS) and aligned with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) M.I.C.E Criteria, this recognition places Singapore EXPO at the forefront of global green venue operations. The accolade, supported by the Singapore Tourism Board, underscores the venue’s role in shaping a resilient and responsible future for the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (M.I.C.E) sector.
Defining a New Era of Green Standards in the MICE Landscape
Unveiled in November 2024, the Platinum tier under the MSC framework represents the highest level of certification and is awarded only after a meticulous assessment of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Singapore EXPO’s achievement reaffirms its leadership in driving change, having been part of the Early Adopter Program to implement GSTC’s global sustainability standards for M.I.C.E venues.
This milestone recognizes not just eco-friendly infrastructure but a deeply rooted sustainability philosophy that informs every operational layer of the venue.
A Twenty-Six-Year Journey of Environmental Commitment
Singapore EXPO has steadily transformed itself over more than two decades into a model of eco-innovation. Its sustainability roadmap is guided by three core principles: innovation, collaboration, and community integration. Each initiative has been purposefully designed to support a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive events ecosystem.
1. Asia’s Largest Rooftop Solar Installation for a MICE Venue
Setting an unprecedented benchmark, Singapore EXPO now houses Singapore’s largest solar panel rooftop array—spanning an area equivalent to eight football fields. This solar installation generates enough clean electricity to fully power all M.I.C.E-related activities on-site, eliminating dependency on non-renewable energy sources.
2. Integrated Waste Management Framework
The venue’s zero-waste goals are bolstered by a sophisticated waste diversion system. It features an on-site sorting facility, a food waste digester, and active collaborations with recycling vendors. These efforts ensure minimal waste ends up in landfills, supporting a circular economy approach within the events industry.
3. Energy-Efficient Building Systems
Upgrades such as full-scale LED lighting and high-performance heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems have enabled the venue to cut energy consumption by twenty-five percent. These improvements not only lower operational costs but significantly reduce its carbon footprint.
4. Water-Saving Innovations
Smart water management practices are also in place, with water-efficient fixtures already installed across the complex. Additionally, the implementation of a rainwater harvesting system—set for completion in 2025—is expected to enhance overall water efficiency by ten percent by the end of 2026.
Engaging Communities and Enriching Lives
Beyond infrastructure, Singapore EXPO’s sustainability efforts extend deep into social impact and community engagement. Its partnerships with local organisations and academic institutions create tangible benefits for the broader community.
5. Fostering Local Collaborations for Sustainable Growth
Working with partners such as BlueAcres, NTUC LearningHub, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and Nanyang Polytechnic, the venue actively supports initiatives in green skills training, employment readiness, and inclusive development. These programs help bridge sustainability with social equity.
6. Sustainable Solutions for Event Organisers
To support greener events, Singapore EXPO offers a wide range of eco-conscious options, including biodegradable materials, digital ticketing platforms, and carbon offset programs. Notably, its rooftop urban farm produces up to one ton of fresh produce monthly, providing sustainable, hyper-local ingredients for event catering.
A Global Model for Responsible Event Management
Singapore EXPO’s Platinum Certification is more than a badge of honor—it is a testament to its enduring vision of placing sustainability at the heart of business operations. This achievement not only reaffirms Singapore’s strategic push towards sustainable tourism and events but also sends a strong message across the international M.I.C.E industry: green transformation is not optional—it is imperative.
As a pioneering venue under a globally recognized certification framework, Singapore EXPO has firmly established itself as a blueprint for the future of sustainable M.I.C.E infrastructure, redefining what it means to host events responsibly in the twenty-first century.
“Exhibitions bring global communities together, fostering new connections, ideas, businesses, and partnerships that can shape the future. Constellar has a unique opportunity and responsibility to be a force for good, driving collaboration and galvanising collective action for sustainable growth and positive impact.” said Chua Wee Phong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Constellar. In the past 25 years, Singapore EXPO has hosted over 100 million visitors and approximately 12,000 events. It hosted about 400 events last year.
He added: “Being a sustainable venue is a key differentiator for events and can significantly scale impact across the industry. Singapore EXPO is proud to continue pioneering continuous innovation in sustainable venue operations and fostering active collaboration with partners across the M.I.C.E industry, as Asia’s Most Sustainable M.I.C.E Venue powered by renewable energy.”
Leading the Way Toward Sustainable Event Excellence
By attaining this prestigious certification, Singapore EXPO strengthens its role as a driving force in sustainable event management. As the global M.I.C.E landscape advances, the venue continues to champion eco-conscious innovation, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure rooted in environmental care and community impact.
“Congratulations to Constellar on achieving the Platinum tier under the Singapore M.I.C.E Sustainability Certification (MSC),” said Richard Ireland, President, SACEOS. “This is the highest accolade that sets a new benchmark for the industry—paving the way for deeper sustainability integration and elevating best practices across the M.I.C.E landscape. We commend Constellar’s continued commitment to raising the bar and shaping a more responsible, future-ready industry. I hope this milestone encourages more organisations to embark on their own sustainability journey and collectively uplift the standards of excellence in our industry.”
Advancing Toward a Greener Tomorrow
Singapore EXPO remains a key contributor to the nation’s Green Plan 2030, actively advancing its efforts through increased use of clean energy, development of eco-friendly infrastructure, and support for responsible tourism practices. A major milestone on the horizon is the upcoming expansion of its solar capacity, with new installations set to be completed by year’s end. This upgrade is projected to supply seventy-five percent of the venue’s total energy needs through renewable sources and deliver a matching seventy-five percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2025, compared to pre-pandemic levels.
