SUDIPTA DEV – Mumbai
Marina Bay Sands’ integrated resort concept has strengthened Singapore’s position as a MICE destination. The largest hotel in Singapore has also been focusing on developing its green initiatives to meet the evolving needs of MICE guests. “Eco-friendly initiatives have been ramped up company-wide, in line with Sands Eco360, which is a global sustainability strategy spearheaded in corporate headquarters at Las Vegas Sands,” said a spokesperson of Marina Bay Sands.
Specifically relevant to MICE business is green meetings, one of the priorities of Sands Eco360. The spokesperson explained that in line with this, Marina Bay Sands has continued to explore ways to provide meeting planners and clients with options to customise their events sustainably. These include various instances of going electronic to conserve paper, e-billing, and minimising the use of disposables. In addition, Sands Expo and Convention Centre already makes use of recycling bins in public areas. Marina Bay Sands actively reduces air conditioning temperatures, dims public lighting during non-business hours and has installed low flow faucets in the public bathrooms. “Most recently, Marina Bay Sands acquired composting machines which are able to process up to one ton of organic waste per day. This waste is processed daily into clean water for reuse,” added the spokesperson.
The Green Meetings programme will continue to see Marina Bay Sands roll out more green options for MICE customers going forward. “At Marina Bay Sands, the unique experiences are plentiful, and we strive to make every moment memorable for our guests so that we are their destination of choice. However, our job is never complete. We constantly look to evolve all facets of the MICE business by being responsive to our customers’ changing needs,” stated the spokesperson.
In 2012, Marina Bay Sands was awarded the Green Mark Gold Award from Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA). This national award is given to buildings rated for their energy and water efficiency, environmental protection, indoor environmental quality and green innovations. Marina Bay Sands is the biggest building in Singapore to receive this Gold Award.
