SINGAPORE - For their innovative efforts at tackling global warming, eight companies and organisations have been given the coveted Singapore Environmental Achievement Awards this year.
Some won the award for their adoption of new technology, while others were recognised for their efforts at spreading the green message within the ranks of the organisation.
Winners came from a variety of industries, including hospitality, pharmaceutical and education. They include Grand Hyatt Singapore, Glaxo Wellcome Manufacturing, part of pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline Group, and Holy Innocents' Primary School.
There were six categories for the awards, held at the InterContinental Hotel in Bugis on Thursday, including one for those who adopt green innovations.
Grand Hyatt Singapore, for instance, clinched the energy green innovation award for using a trigeneration plant in the hotel, which produces up to 30 per cent of its electricity use. Waste heat generated is then used to heat up water, produce steam and for the cooling of outdoor air dehumidification.
Fuchun Secondary School, which bagged an award in the public sector category, celebrates "Green Monday" when staff wear green and students listen to a message that encourages them to go green. The school has also embarked on a project involving the maths and science departments to showcase interactive activities held in conjunction with the Festival of Biodiversity.
Meanwhile, Glaxo Wellcome Manufacturing was recognised in two of the six categories, the only firm to do so. It won in the manufacturing category and also received the honour of being the overall winner among the contestants.
The annual awards, now in its 17th year, are given out by the Singapore Environment Council, a non-government organisation that promotes the green cause. Council chairman Isabella Loh announced two new projects at the event: a Training and Education programme that will promote environmental awareness through talks, learning trails and workshops for students, and a Green Stars programme, of which details will be unveiled later this year.
