Demand spurred by government push for eco-friendly buildings
Tessa Wong, Straits Times 10 Feb 10;
THE manufacture of green products is taking root in Singapore with more companies eager to add Green Label certification to their wares.
But eco-conscious altruism is not the key driving force behind the growth.
Government initiatives which result in cost savings for developers of green buildings have led to high demand for such products, and companies are jumping on the bandwagon.
The Singapore Environment Council (SEC) saw applications for its Green Label certification jump by 30 per cent last year, compared to the year before.
The increase is part of an accelerating trend of companies taking up the green cause. The number of applications has quadrupled in the past 10 years, from 20 in 1999 to 80 last year.
The products run the gamut from dishwashing liquid to paper.
The SEC said a significant part of the increase comes from companies which manufacture construction materials, such as wall coverings and carpeting.
In 2005, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) launched its Green Mark programme, which certifies environmentally friendly buildings. The following year, the Government announced a $20 million fund for developers to build Green Mark-certified buildings, and a $50 million fund for research and development in green technology.
Developers can draw cash incentives of up to $3 million per project.
One criterion for the Green Mark is the use of building materials bearing the SEC's Green Label.
With the number of green buildings rising from 17 in 2005 to 200 currently, business has been booming for companies making green building materials.
The local office of Bona, a Swedish company which makes adhesives and surface coatings, among other products, received the Green Label for two of its adhesive products last year.
Since then, it has seen sales increase by up to 80 per cent, said technical sales officer Justine Te.
More foreign companies are also using the Green Label as a mark of assurance in neighbouring countries.
Mr Howard Shaw, executive director of the SEC, said the number of applications from such companies has risen by 30 per cent in the past year.
Among the companies is Greenlam, which makes laminates and wall coverings. Ms Banita Mishra, Greenlam's deputy general manager, said: 'The mark is seen as quite prestigious in the region as Singapore follows strict regulations.'
She said the Indian company's products bearing the mark are especially popular in countries such as Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia.
Mr Shaw said home owners looking to build green homes benefit from this increase, with a wider range of certified building materials to choose from.
