Through implementation of the project, the following tasks have been completed:
(1) Using questionnaire-based survey and on-line information gathering method to gather the information from major eco-labelling programs around the globe, on their current status and implementation experiences in promoting service sector eco-labelling. The programs surveyed include: EU Flower, Canada/North American EcoLogo, US Green Seal, Nordic Swan and German Blue Angel. It is concluded through this exercise that the more successful (with more certified service providers) service sector ecolabelling categories include: hotels/accommodation service, supermarkets/retail stores, printers/printing service, car wash service, cleaning service, and restaurants/catering service, etc.
(2) The major factors affecting the success of the service sector eco-labelling include: participation of franchised/chain stores, global environmental trend, guidance and promotion from government policy/trade associations, expanding practical experiences with green products, maintaining competitive advantage, and expanding market support/share. If the intention is to promote energy conservation and carbon emission reduction through implementing service sector Green Mark ecolabelling, attention should be paid to ensure that energy consumption is an important environmental aspect for the service concerned and that it is practical to practice rigorous energy conservation measure for that service.
(3) The ecolabelling scheme is an effective tool in determining the environmental friendliness of a product. Many multinational hotels, supermarkets and transportation service providers are already aggressively promoting carbon emission reduction measures, as lower emissions are considered beneficial in reducing their operating costs and environmental impacts, and can also be positive in improving corporate competitiveness. The Green Mark Program in Taiwan is already a well-established and credible eco-labelling program, if service sector categories can be introduced to the program, the positive effect resulted from this program can be further expanded.
(4) Ater summarizing the successful experiences other programs have in implementing service sector ecolabelling and taking into consideration the feasibility study of such incorporation and status of domestic service industries, two expert meetings were held to select the priority service categories for introduction. During the meetings, 8 selection indicators were applied to the list of 57 initial service categories and 10 services were chosen as the priority categories to be introduced. Of the 10 categories, five priority categories (printing service, property management service, department stores, logistics companies, and car rental services) already have the draft criteria drafted, public hearings held and industry stakeholders interviewed during the project implementation.
