The Deck at Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences recognised as first eco-food court in Singapore

20 January 2011

The Singapore Environment Council (SEC) awarded its first Eco-Food Court certification on 19 January 2011 to The Deck (arts canteen) at NUS' Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS). NUS is the first organisation in Singapore to receive this certification.

NUS Deputy President (Administration) Mr Joseph Mullinix received the certificate on behalf of the University from Minister of State, Singapore's Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Amy Khor, the Guest-of-Honour at the launch of the certification.

Speaking at the event, Mr Mullinix explained why NUS is interested in having sustainable food courts and in achieving this certification for not just its arts canteen, but all its other canteens too. He said: "It's the right thing to do. We're a corporate entity and we should behave in a responsible manner... But there's a more important reason. That is, if NUS doesn't impact the lives of the students here, if NUS doesn't show our students the importance of sustainable initiatives, of sustainability in the long term, we have failed. It's incredibly important for educational institutions to move forward, to take these steps, to demonstrate to not only their students but their faculty and staff, the importance of environmental sustainability."

The Eco-Food Court certification assesses the environmental management system in a food court. It considers factors such as water, waste and energy management. Examples of environmentally sustainable practices implemented at The Deck include food waste recycling, recycling of waste cooking oil and the use of eco-friendly food packaging and cutlery.