AsiaElec: Singapore launches initiatives for clean energy adoption

On October 10, Singapore launched the Sustainability Alliance, aimed at helping companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) adopt clean energy technologies and reduce waste and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, The Straits Times reported. The initiative, spearheaded by the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCCI), seeks to guide industry-wide sustainability measures.

Co-chairman Frank Phuan highlighted plans to develop an online portal in the coming months, providing SMEs with sustainability toolkits. Additionally, a report will be published in 2025 by the alliance and the Greenprint platform to help businesses, trade associations, and government agencies engage more effectively on sustainability practices.

Formed in 2022, the alliance includes key industry partners such as the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore and SGTech. With its official launch, 15 trade associations have joined the effort, which will include sustainability training for businesses and capacity-building programmes.

Mark Lee, chairman of SCCCI’s youth business and sustainability committee, emphasised the pivotal role of trade associations, which, through close engagement with members, have unique insights into challenges faced on the path to sustainability.

Since its inception, the alliance has partnered with Global Compact Network Singapore and conducted carbon management workshops, helping over 70 participants from 50 SMEs better understand carbon regulations and emissions tracking tools.

A 2024 SCCCI business survey found that 63% of respondents acknowledged the importance of sustainability for their business competitiveness. However, just over half have integrated such practices into their strategies. Challenges cited included high costs, business survival concerns and limited resources.

At the launch, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, Koh Poh Koon, stressed the importance of continued support from trade associations in driving the decarbonisation of Singapore’s economy. He announced a partnership with Greenprint to help SMEs generate sustainability disclosures by calculating their emissions, simplifying the process for businesses looking to maintain green credentials and remain competitive.

A separate study by NTUC LearningHub found that three-quarters of business leaders allocate part of their revenue or profit to sustainability initiatives, with over 80% advocating for basic sustainability training for all employees.

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