Happy Toilets @ AH
Singapore started rating public toilets in its "Happy Toilet" campaign last June- using a five-star system similar to that used to grade hotels. It is a recognition & reward programme that endorses well-designed, maintained and clean public toilets for both private & public sectors. It is envisaged that members of the public will associate this icon with toilets of exceptional standards. The icon reminds and motivates toilet owners to continually strive to improve the standard of their toilet. A "Happy Toilet" is one that's rated three-stars or more.
The percentage of public toilets rated 'excellent' and 'good' has increased and exceeded the 86% mark for the first time. This is a tremendous improvement compared to when public toilets were first surveyed in 1996. Then, users rated only 34% of toilets as ‘excellent’ and ‘good’. The problem had been the lack of hygienic toilets in shopping malls.
“…Happy Toilet programme is also a business tool designed to make people feel reassured that they are …towards a happy, healthy environment…I look forward to Singapore’s “Happy Toilet’ programme becoming another world renowned icon for hygiene, standards and culture…” remarked Mr. Lim Swee Say (at the launch of the programme on 1 July 2003). Hospitals with well-facilitated toilets will win the trust of customers. This could be used as a competitive tool to help raise the standards of toilets in the country.
A Happy Toilet award plaque was awarded to Alexandra Hospital on Environmental Day 7 June 2004 by Singapore Restroom Association President, Mr Jack Sim to Mrs Chew Kwee Tiang, COO of Alexandra Hospital and Ms Wong Sioe Fa, AOM of UMC ServiceMaster.
In fact, other hospitals were also facing the same problem but to date no solutions have been found. One of the judges was so impressed by this innovative solution that she even suggested selling the idea to the other hospitals!
Green Toilet