Singapore Green Landscape 2010
Singapore Green Landscape 2010 gives an overview of the various non-governmental organisations (NGOs), green groups, business associations and groups, green websites, government agencies, and institutes and centres in Singapore, which are related to the environment.
We hope that the publication is useful for everyone who wishes to find and connect with the environmental organisations in Singapore, and explore personal and business opportunities.
The publication is free for download here. Feel free to share this.
Some Banks Just Don’t Get It
October 19, 2009 by Editor
Filed under Features, Marketing & Communications
It is amazing how some banks waste resources in their marketing campaigns. One example is when banks send pre-approved credit cards to their customers, even though their customers never ask for those cards.
The photo above shows all the material inside a single envelope by DBS, including the letter, pre-approved credit card, brochures, card agreement, and discount vouchers. Customers who are not interested in the credit cards offered by the banks simply throw them away, hopefully into recycling bags or bins.
Imagine the envelopes, letters, brochures and credit cards that go to waste, just because the banks simply chose to throw them at their customers without asking them if they want the credit cards in the first place. These banks are not only wasting resources and money but also ending up irritating their customers.
Are you one of those banks? It’s time to rethink and do things differently (hint: read Seth Godin’s books for help).
New Book on CSR for Sustainability and Success
October 12, 2009 by Editor
Filed under Features, Operations & Management
The new book “CSR for Sustainability and Success” by Singapore Compact was launched during the International Singapore Compact CSR Summit held last week. The book features the CSR journey and experiences of 10 local and global companies with operations in Singapore.
The 10 companies (listed below) are in the following industries: food and beverage, retail, financial services, telecommunications, property development and management, construction, steel and energy.
- Cerebos Pacific Limited
- Citi
- City Developments Limited
- Holcim (Singapore) Pte Ltd
- NatSteel Holdings Pte Ltd
- NTUC Fairprice Co-operative Limited
- PowerSeraya Ltd
- SembCorp Industries Limited
- Shell Group of Companies
- Singapore Telcommunications Limited
In the book, each company shares its insight on adopting CSR – the company’s motivation, process, programmes, results, impacts, challenges and opportunities during the CSR journey. The business case for CSR was mentioned by the companies and they find that CSR provides business opportunities and is critical to business success.
The book also highlights 3 key challenges and suggests what can be done for each challenge:
1. Getting Started
Companies may face a lack of understanding and knowledge on CSR, lack of interest within the organisation and by stakeholders, and also resource constraints to get started.
Some solutions:
- Form a cross-functional CSR working group with commitment and leadership from top management
- Refer to relevant national programmes and policies, and what other companies are doing in the same industry
- Define what is important to the company and stakeholders, and form clear targets and milestones
- Discuss and develop the CSR policy and strategy at the department and group levels
2. Operationalising CSR
Companies may find it difficult to translate vision and mission into CSR policies and actions throughout the company and stakeholders.
Some solutions:
- Require top management to lead, drive change and be role models
- Ensure perseverance to embed policies and practices across the organisation
- Have clear roles and responsibility and a reporting structure
- Include tools, policies and processes for stakeholders to act
- Include measures and channels to communicate and engage with stakeholders
3. Sustaining the CSR Journey
Companies may find it difficult to maintain management commitment, employee awareness and buy-in, meet the needs and expectations of diverse stakeholders, ensuring focused efforts and measuring impacts.
Some solutions:
- Emphasize the importance of ongoing engagement and sharing of info among employees and stakeholders
- Educate, involve and empower stakeholders in the CSR and sustainability journey
If your company or organisation is starting on your CSR journey, this book gives useful examples and case studies on CSR strategies, policies and practices based on the Singapore context.
The Green Business Times Guide to 30 Singapore Government Funding and Incentives for the Environment
August 6, 2009 by Editor
Filed under Features, Operations & Management, Resources
Singapore is well-known as a clean and green city with the government striving for environmental sustainability while growing the economy. The government has also identified Environmental and Water Technologies (EWT) including Clean Energy as strategic areas where Singapore has a competitive edge and which could generate future economic growth.
To accelerate the growth of the environmental industry and to maintain Singapore’s image as a clean and green city, the government has initiated several funding and incentive schemes related to energy efficiency, clean energy, green buildings, water and environmental technologies, green transport, waste minimisation, environmental management system, environmental initiatives, clean development mechanism, and green IT.
The funding and incentive schemes are provided by government agencies such as:
Building and Construction Authority (BCA)- Economic Development Board (EDB)
- Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore (IDA)
- Land Transport Authority (LTA)
- National Environment Agency (NEA)
- National Parks Board (NParks)
- PUB, the national water agency (PUB)
- SPRING Singapore (SPRING)
- Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)
To help businesses understand what’s available, we have compiled a list of 30 government funding and incentives for the environment:
- Energy Efficiency Improvement Assistance Scheme (EASe)
- Grant for Energy Efficient Technologies (GREET)
- Accelerated Depreciation Tax Allowance
- Design for Efficiency Scheme (DfE)
- SCEM Training Grant
- Clean Energy Research and Testbedding Programme (CERT)
- Clean Energy Research Programme (CERP)
- Solar Capability Scheme (SCS)
- Market Development Fund
- Green Mark Incentive Scheme for Existing Buildings (GMIS-EB)
- Green Mark Incentive Scheme for New Buildings (GMIS-NB)
- Green Mark Gross Floor Area Incentive Scheme (GM-GFA)
- MND Research Fund for the Built Environment
- Pilot Incentive Scheme for Green Roofs
- Gross Floor Area Incentives for Outdoor Refreshment Area on Rooftops
- Water Efficiency Fund (WEF)
- Fast-Track Environmental and Water Technologies Incubator Scheme (Fast-Tech)
- Technology Pioneer (TechPioneer) Scheme
- Incentive for Research and Innovation Scheme (IRIS)
- Environmental Technology Capability Development Programme (EnviroTech CDP)
- Innovation Voucher Scheme
- Innovation for Environmental Sustainability (IES) Fund
- Land Transport Innovation Fund (LTIF)
- Green Vehicle Rebate (GVR)
- 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) Fund
- Environment Technology Research Programme (ETRP)
- Local Enterprise Technical Assistance Scheme (LETAS)
- 3P Partnership Fund
- Clean Development Mechanism Documentation Grant
- Infocomm Leadership and Development Programme (iLEAD)
If we missed out any funding or incentive scheme, do let us know. Thanks! Read more
Welcome to Green Business Times
Welcome to the new revamped Green Business Times. We are an online publication that helps businesses in Singapore go green. Our aim is to provide environmental news and resources for business leaders and professionals to take action in reducing their environmental impacts and to implement green business strategies and practices. Green Business Times is published by Green Future Solutions.
Advertise with Green Business Times
Green Business Times targets companies, business leaders, green professionals and interested parties in business and the environment. We offer advertisement space for you to reach out to this audience and market your green products and services to them.
The following ad space and specs are available on our website (see screenshot example here):
- Leaderboard Ad (728 x 90)
- Header Ad (468 x 60)
- Sidebar Ad (300 x 250)
- Skyscraper Ad (120 x 600)
- Post Ad (468 x 60)
We can also tailor other ad space and specs according to your needs. For enquiries and rates, email us or use this contact form.
Green Business Times Interview – Phoenix Solar Pte Ltd
November 21, 2008 by Editor
Filed under Energy & Climate, Features
There has been great interest in solar energy in Singapore over the past few years. To understand more about solar energy technologies, issues and trends, we have the privilege of interviewing Mr Christophe Inglin, Managing Director of Phoenix Solar Pte Ltd.
About Phoenix Solar Pte Ltd
Phoenix Solar Pte Ltd (Phoenix Solar) is the Singapore subsidiary of Germany-based Phoenix Solar AG. The company designs, engineers and installs solar photovoltaic power systems for grid-connected and off-grid applications. Since it started operations here in early 2007, Phoenix Solar has secured contracts for over 400kWp of PV systems in Singapore, Malaysia and China. Read more
Green Business Times Interview – Brother International Singapore Pte Ltd
October 27, 2008 by Editor
Filed under Features, Operations & Management
Green Business Times is conducting interviews with business leaders, companies and organisations, who would share their views on going green and achieving environmental sustainability. This week, we have the privilege of interviewing Mr Takeo Shimazu, Managing Director of Brother International Singapore Pte Ltd.
About Brother International Singapore Pte Ltd
Brother is a leader in the development and manufacturing of technologies in the printing, communication and digital imaging industries for homes, SOHOs and enterprises who demand solutions that empower businesses and individuals to communicate ideas in every possible way. A trusted brand worldwide that believes in the “Customer First” approach in all aspects of their business, Brother has continuously met the varied needs of their customers through their comprehensive range of quality printing solutions. Brother’s regional South East Asia headquarters, with fully integrated sales, marketing and services capabilities is located in Singapore. Across the region, Brother has subsidiaries in Thailand, Philippines and Malaysia, as well as liaison offices in Indonesia and Vietnam. Read more
Green Business Times Interview – Hewlett-Packard Asia Pacific
October 13, 2008 by Editor
Filed under Energy & Climate, Features, Strategy & Leadership
There has been growing interest in Green IT and the greening of the IT industry over the past few years. To understand more about Green IT, we have the privilege of interviewing Mr Simon Hum, Program Director, Adaptive Infrastructure, Technology Solutions Group for HP Asia Pacific and Japan.
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About Hewlett-Packard Asia Pacific
HP, the world’s largest technology company that operates in more than 170 countries around the world provides printing and personal computing products and IT services, software and solutions that simplify the technology experience for consumers and businesses. We explore how technology and services can help people and companies address their problems and challenges, and realize their possibilities, aspirations and dreams. We apply new thinking and ideas to create more simple, valuable and trusted experiences with technology, continuously improving the way our customers live and work. Read more
Green Business Times Interview – Lenovo
September 29, 2008 by Editor
Filed under Design & Innovation, Energy & Climate, Features
Green Business Times is conducting interviews with business leaders, companies and organisations, who would share their views on going green and achieving environmental sustainability. This week, we have the privilege of interviewing Mr Ronnie Lee, Country General Manager, Lenovo Singapore.
About Lenovo
Lenovo is dedicated to building exceptionally engineered personal computers. Lenovo’s business model is built on innovation, operational efficiency and customer satisfaction as well as a focus on investment in emerging markets. Formed by Lenovo Group’s acquisition of the former IBM Personal Computing Division, the company develops, manufactures and markets reliable, high-quality, secure and easy-to-use technology products and services worldwide. Lenovo has major research centers in Yamato, Japan; Beijing, Shanghai and Shenzhen, China; and Raleigh, North Carolina. For more information see www.lenovo.com. Read more
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