Singapore's laws and regulations in relation to the 4 focus areas
In recent years, there has been growing emphasis on sustainability and governments are enforcing stricter industry regulations, and hotels are no exception. Hotel operations can therefore be affected by these requirements as they will need to take specific measures to meet the performance standards set by the regulations. Failure to comply can result in fines, regulatory punishment, legal action, and damage to the hotel’s reputation.
As such, it is crucial for hotels to keep up to date with the relevant regulations and be better prepared to implement the necessary measures. By doing so, hotels can not only meet legal requirements but also enhance their sustainability performance, and gain competitive advantages. Some of the regulations relevant to the 4 focus areas in the Singapore Hotel Sustainability Roadmap are listed below.
Energy
The Building Control Act is a law aims to ensure that building works comply with standards for safety, accessibility, environmental sustainability, and buildability. For regulatory requirements on environment sustainability for buildings, more information can be found here Legislation on Environmental Sustainability for Buildings | Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
Reference: Legislation on Environmental Sustainability for Buildings | Building and Construction Authority (BCA)
Water
In 2015, large water users including hotels are subjected to the requirements of Water Efficiency Management Practices that came into effect under Public Utilities (Water Supply) Regulations. Some requirements include submitting annual Water Efficiency Management Plan to PUB and installing water meters at key water usage areas. In addition, there are other requirements under Public Utilities (Water Supply) Regulations such as requiring hotels to install water-efficient sanitation fixtures and commercial kitchen equipment. For more information, please refer to PUB Compliance.
Reference: https://www.pub.gov.sg/savewater/atwork/managementplan
Waste & Circular Economy
RSA is an integral part of Singapore’s strategy to build a sustainable, resource-efficient and climate-resilient nation. The Act will give legislative effect to the regulatory measures targeting the three priority waste streams of e-waste, food waste and packaging waste, including plastics.
Reference: The Resource Sustainability Act (mse.gov.sg)
From 2014, hotels and any owners/occupiers/lessees of a workplace are mandated to report, maintain records of waste data and submit waste reduction plans upon their receipt of a written Notice under EPHA. This was introduced with the aim to bring management focus to the quantity of waste generated at their premises and the potential for improving waste management systems.
Reference: NEA | Mandatory Waste Reporting
* Please note that the above list of courses is not exhaustive.