Budget 2021: Companies can tap Enterprise Sustainability Programme to go green

A FRESH scheme will help Singapore's businesses, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), use resources more efficiently and develop new green products and solutions.

The government will launch the Enterprise Sustainability Programme to support firms in seizing new opportunities for growth in the green economy, Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat announced on Tuesday.

Mr Heng, who is also Finance Minister, pointed to the growing global demand for green products and technologies.

He cited the example of Durapower, a battery technology and energy storage solutions provider, which is working with the Nanyang Technological University to develop high-energy density lithium-ion battery cells that are lightweight and have higher power density for fast-charging capabilities in electric vehicles.

Durapower's batteries are used in more than 45 cities in over 20 countries. The firm is continuing its push overseas and diversifying into marine and stationary energy-storage, Mr Heng said in Parliament.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry will provide more details on the Enterprise Sustainability Programme later.

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Meanwhile, as part of the Singapore Green Plan 2030, the government will commit to some ambitious goals under the GreenGov.SG initiative for the public sector.

This gives a renewed focus to the public sector's contribution towards national sustainability goals, and reminds public officers that sustainability must be at the core of their work, Mr Heng said.

The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment will provide details of GreenGov.SG at the Committee of Supply.

Mr Heng noted that government ministries have charted plans to meet resource targets, such as reducing their electricity and water consumption as well as achieving Green Mark standards for buildings in Singapore.

He urged businesses and households to also play their part in protecting the environment.