The Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) has collaborated with Singapore Furniture Industries Council (SFIC) to certify “green” furniture products, marking the first green furniture certification in Asia and a significant milestone for both industries.
Valid for three years, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed by SFIC President James Go and SGBC President Tai Lee Siang (pictured). It will promote the use of green furniture and the certification among industry players, including suppliers, designers, contractors and manufacturers, through platforms such as conferences, exhibitions, seminars and networking events to be held each year.
“Furniture products are vital elements in buildings today. Therefore, having eco-friendly furniture products will greatly contribute towards the sustainability of our built environment. System and fixed furniture and furnishings make up about 80-90 percent of office interior buildings today,” said Tai.
A validation taskforce led by Professor Lee Siew Eang, Chairman of SGBC’s technical committee, will be established in order to formulate stringent criteria for the new certification scheme. It will be ready in two months and SGBC is planning to certify 100 furniture products in two years.
The new certification scheme for furniture products is an extension of SGBC’s Singapore Green Building Product (SGBP) certifications scheme.
SGBC said that while the criteria for green furniture certification will be jointly decided on by SGBC and SFIC, the “green” certification will be solely administered by SGBC.
“This collaboration will also bring new growth opportunities for both the building and furniture industries. Green certification will help sharpen the competitive edge of Singapore’s furniture companies while building industry professionals will have access to a wider choice of truly eco-friendly products,” noted Tai.
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