Singapore Sustainability Academy launched on World Environment Day
Public and private sector work together to focus on greater sustainability
Singapore
THE Singapore Sustainability Academy (SSA), a joint collaboration between City Developments Limited (CDL) and the Sustainability Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS), was officially opened on World Environment Day on Monday.
The nation's first major People, Public and Private (3P) ground-up initiative in support of global and national goals to tackle climate change, the SSA was officially opened by Teo Chee Hean, Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Coordinating Minister for National Security, together with Masagos Zulkifli, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources.
The inaugural Public Sector Sustainability Plan 2017-2020 (PSSP) was also launched by DPM Teo at the opening ceremony of the SSA.
Published collectively by 16 Ministries and 64 Statutory Boards, one of the key elements of the environmental sustainability plan is the initiatives that the public sector will take to reduce electricity and water consumption.
Compared to the FY 2013 levels, the public sector will reduce electricity consumption by more than 15 per cent and reduce water consumption by more than 5 per cent by 2020. All new public sector buildings will also attain the Green Mark Platinum standard, and at least the Green Mark Gold standard for existing buildings.
Complementing the public sector's commitment to sustainability is the enhancement of private sector sustainability efforts, noted Mr Teo.
"The Singapore Sustainability Academy (SSA) led by City Developments Limited (CDL) and SEAS is a good example of how the private sector and associations can partner our government agencies to promote sustainable development and a low-carbon economy.
"By providing opportunities for networking and the exchange of ideas, the academy can spur innovation and accelerate action on sustainable practices among our business community," said Mr Teo.
The major training and networking facility on sustainability aims to promote a low-carbon economy, resource efficiency and sustainable practices among businesses and the community.
Supported by six government agencies and 15 founding industry partners, the SSA will be governed by an advisory board chaired by Professor Tommy Koh, and a programme committee that will provide strategic direction and implement programmes to its mission. "Our partnership with CDL for the SSA will provide a platform for not just the industry but also the youth and community to learn and collaborate on sustainable development, mitigation of carbon dioxide emissions and to fight and adapt to climate change and its effects," said Edwin Khew, chairman of SEAS.
Aligning with its mission to promote sustainability among the industry and community, the SSA is the first building in Singapore to have its construction materials of cross laminated timber and glued laminated timber verified by the Nature's Barcode system as coming from responsible sources. The zero-energy building features solar technology with about 3,200 square feet of photovoltaic panels extensively covering the 4,300 square-foot academy, which comprises classrooms, an office, an exhibition gallery and a veranda.
The solar panels are expected to generate an annual energy yield of over 60,000kWh, an amount more than sufficient for the SSA's estimated annual energy consumption of about 50,000kWh.
Also at the official opening, it was announced that the SSA will be a platform for the Women4Green initiative by CDL, the first Singapore network for women in sustainability.
In addition, the SSA will also partner Eco-Business, a leading media company on sustainable development, to set up a sustainability studio.
"Sustainability is strategically integrated into CDL's business and operations from developing green buildings and managing them in an energy-efficient and resource-efficient manner, to engaging and influencing stakeholders on sustainable development.
The SSA and Women4Green initiatives will further advance CDL's stakeholder engagement to achieve a greater impact in building a sustainable future," said Sherman Kwek, deputy chief executive officer of CDL.
