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Who Should be listed?

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1. What is a sustainable product or service?

Sustainable products or services are those that provide economic benefits while protecting the environment and supporting local communities.

Specifically, sustainable products are made from raw materials that do not impact the environment negatively, such as recycled or biomass materials. The production process is designed to use energy and water efficiently while producing less waste and fewer pollutants. Compared to conventional versions, the use of sustainable products can lead to energy and water savings, minimal emissions, and less waste. The ability to recycle and recover materials and components is also built into the design of sustainable products.

Sustainable products/services are offered by businesses that try to reduce their environmental impact. E.g. Venues that practise energy efficiency and have recycling programme on site.

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2. How do you know if you have a sustainable product or service?

Option 1- Green Certification (Third-Party Certified)

A product or service is deemed sustainable when it carries a Green Label. The label has to be issued by a
certification body that is reputable, credible and transparent. In Singapore, Hotels and Event Venues have the option to be certified under Building Construction Authority’s (BCA) Green Mark scheme.

This means that they have met BCA’s standards for being energy and water efficient, amongst other sustainability measures. BCA’s criteria for assessment are available online, making it transparent. There are a wide variety of certifications, both locally and internationally, that certify the sustainability of products and services. At xhebit, we use these certifications to assess if products and services have met sustainable standards.

NOTE: Not all products certified by third-parties are sustainable. For example, despite having third-party certifications, there are paper and pulp industry companies that carry out unsustainable practices such as burning and logging of protected forests for paper production. Such practices would not qualify the products for listing
on xhebit.

Option 2 - Supply Chain Approach

Products or services that do not have third-party certification BUT have a clear, well documented, transparent supply chain which operates on sustainable principles will be considered. However, because of the absence of third-party verification, it is essential that these businesses are able to substantiate their claims through clear
evidence of sustainable practices.

Clear Evidence Of Sustainable Practices:

What raw materials are used and where are they sourced from?
Were toxic chemicals used in manufacture?
Was the manufacturing process energy/water efficient? Can you provide evidence?
Was there any effort to minimise packaging? If there is packaging, is it made from recycled materials?

Were fair wages and employment practices maintained?
Were children employed in any part of the supply chain?
Was animal testing conducted?

3. Specific Considerations for each Business Category

xhebit is a curated platform. For businesses interested in listing on xhebit, please refer to the following guidelines. Those with an (*) are important considerations. For any sustainable claim made, it needs to be supported with credible information, that will be shared with consumers. We encourage transparency, as this is part of promoting responsible businesses and consumers.

If your business does not meet the guidelines but would still like to be listed, please write to us with information on what makes your product or service sustainable – CONTACT US.

Venues

1- Select venues that have a clear commitment to environment sustainability e.g. A well-defined environmental policy*

2- Green certifications e.g. ISO20121, ISO14001, BCA Greenmark*, APEX/ASTM

3- Reporting of impacts and targets for carbon reduction e.g. Annual Report

4- Green venue packages e.g. Marina Bay Sands Eco360, Fairmount Hotel Eco-Meet

5- Staff training in environmental management*

6- Sustainable building features* – Solar passive design, rainwater harvesting, renewable energy, native and/or edible landscaping

8- Energy Efficient lighting and appliances*

9- Water Efficient fittings and processes*

10- Easily accessible via public transportation*

11- Sustainable procurement* e.g. Use of biodegradable cleaning products, FSC certified paper products (notepads, toilet paper)

12- Sustainable practices* e.g. Reuse of stationery and pens

13- Community involvement e.g. Support a community organisation, local charity or NGO, purchase products from social enterprise, CSR Pogram

7- Waste Reduction and Management program*

Responsibility

A business listing on xhebit demonstrates a commitment to good environmental practice. The business will ensure it is minimising the harmful effects and maximising the beneficial influences on the environment.

xhebit reserves the right to remove any listed business (without delay or negotiation) if it is found to have failed the overall aims of xhebit, any element of the terms and conditions, caused significant environmental damage, brought xhebit into disrepute or should we receive significant complaints from consumers or the public.