Green Practices Guideline for Services Sector

1.3.2 CIRCULAR ECONOMY The services sector in Malaysia has a significant opportunity to embrace the principles of the circular economy. The circular economy concept focuses on resource reuse, waste prevention, and reducing material loss to promote long-term resilience and sustainable economic growth. Adopting a circular economy approach in the services sector offers several benefits, including enhanced resource efficiency, cost-effectiveness, waste reduction, and addressing climate change. This can be particularly relevant for industries such as hospitality, logistics, and consulting, which can play a crucial role in advancing the circular economy. Key aspects and initiatives related to the circular economy in Malaysia’s services sector include: 1 POLICY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORK: The Malaysian government has recognised the importance of transitioning to a circular economy and has implemented policies and regulations to support this shift. The Twelfth Malaysia Plan (2021-2025) aims to transform the country’s linear economy model into a sustainable circular economy model, mitigating environmental harm. 2 WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING: Efficient waste management and recycling systems are essential for a circular economy. Malaysia has made progress in waste management through initiatives such as the National Strategic Plan for Solid Waste Management. Programmes promoting waste reduction, recycling, and proper disposal, including waste separation at source, have been implemented. 3 PRODUCT DESIGN AND EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY (EPR): Encouraging sustainable product design and implementing extended producer responsibility schemes are crucial for achieving a circular economy. Guidelines integrating eco-design principles into service development are being established to minimise the environmental footprint throughout the service lifecycle. Exploring EPR policies for various services, such as IT equipment maintenance, transportation, and event planning, ensures that service providers take responsibility for the environmental impact of their operations. 18 GREEN PRACTICES GUIDELINE FOR SERVICES SECTOR