DBS, Deloitte launch digital tool for SMEs to assess green readiness
They intend to work with 1,000 Singapore SMEs over the next 12 months
DBS and professional services firm Deloitte have launched a free digital tool that allows small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to assess their sustainability readiness levels.
The Sustainability Accelerator Tool is an online questionnaire that assesses a company’s state of green readiness.
For a start, DBS and Deloitte intend to work with 1,000 Singapore SMEs over the next 12 months, both companies said on Wednesday (Jul 24).
From next year, the tool – which can be adapted to different languages and regional contexts across Asia – will be rolled out regionally to markets where the bank has an existing presence.
“The Sustainability Accelerator Tool is the latest in our ongoing efforts where we strive to future-proof SMEs through practical and holistic solutions,” said DBS group head of corporate and SME banking Koh Kar Siong.
“Through this, we want to empower businesses to take charge of their sustainability journey, and partner them in their green transition,” he added.
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SME owners will receive a structured, industry-specific analysis of their company’s sustainability maturity from the report generated by the tool. They will also receive tailored recommendations to address the gaps in their green journeys.
For instance, the report will lay out relevant government schemes that SMEs can apply for, such as Enterprise Singapore’s (EnterpriseSG) Enterprise Development Grant.
Participating companies will also be able to access a panel of sustainability experts – including specialists from Deloitte – to guide them on their green transition.
SMEs can also choose to enrol in the recently launched ESG Ready Programme, introduced by DBS and EnterpriseSG in April.
There, they can receive training from sustainability specialists, along with access to preferential financing rates from the bank.
Brian Ho, sustainability and climate leader at Deloitte South-east Asia, said: “The Sustainability Accelerator Tool is unique in its ability to provide SMEs with meaningful and practical guidance...
“It not only identifies strengths and gaps, but also provides actionable recommendations to enhance sustainability performance.”
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