42 Local Smes Graduate Cdl Led Supplier Decarbonisation Programme

for 2021 – 01 Nov 2021

A first group of 42 SMEs successfully graduated from the SME Supplier Decarbonisation Queen Bee Programme on October 7, a remarkable achievement for the programme spearheaded by City Developments (CDL). The aim of this programme is to equip small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the necessary knowledge, tools and digital platforms to measure, manage and reduce their carbon emissions. As the first real estate company in Singapore to lead such a programme, CDL is at the forefront of promoting sustainability in the business world.

The graduation ceremony took place at the Singapore Sustainability Academy in City Square Mall, with Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Culture, Community and Youth, Low Yen Ling, officiating the event. Sherman Kwek, Group CEO of CDL, was also present at the ceremony.

The SME Supplier Decarbonisation Queen Bee Programme was launched in May with the support of Enterprise Singapore and other partners including sustainability consultant Global Green Connect, carbon accounting IT solution providers, and DBS as the programme’s financial partner.

CDL celebrated the graduation of 42 SMEs from the pioneering batch of its SME Supplier Decarbonisation Queen Bee programme. (Photo: CDL)

Some of the successful companies from the inaugural batch include: V-Plus Agritech, a Singapore-based agriculture-technology company; Gush, a firm producing sustainable paints; GasHubUnited Utility, a local energy provider business; Kai Xiang Huat, a B2B fruit wholesaler; Meta Fusion, a design agency; and SAS M&E, a turnkey contractor in air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation.

According to Low, the success of this programme showcases how businesses in Singapore, ranging from large real estate groups like CDL to SMEs and other industry stakeholders, can collaborate to advance the country’s decarbonisation journey.

The launch of the programme coincides with Singapore’s rollout of mandatory sustainability reporting standards. Starting from FY2026, the largest listed companies will be required to report on Scope 3 value chain emissions. Meanwhile, the timeline for large non-listed companies to implement Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has been extended to FY2030.

“This adjustment, especially for our SMEs and micro-enterprises, is necessary as they need more time to build up their capabilities to make accurate and credible disclosures. We want climate reporting to be meaningful to all stakeholders and not just a mere compliance exercise,” said Low.

The event also saw the launch of the CDL MicroFarm on the sixth floor of City Square Mall. (Photo: Albert Chua)

In Singapore, SMEs make up 99% of local enterprises, hire 70% of the local workforce and contribute 40% of the country’s GDP. Their involvement throughout the supply chain makes it crucial to strengthen their sustainability capabilities for Singapore to achieve its net-zero ambition under the national Green Plan 2030.

For example, SAS M&E identified a significant amount of downstream emissions in its after-sales support, accounting for over 30% of its total GHG emissions. The company has since invested in technologies to recover and recycle these fugitive gases.

However, SMEs face challenges in navigating decarbonisation due to their limited resources, manpower, and expertise. According to Donald Ng, director of Kai Xiang Huat, as a small business with limited resources and no owned property, implementing green solutions was a challenge.

Some of the SMEs from the programme showcased their companies during the event. (Photo: Albert Chua)

Thanks to financial subsidies, expert coaching, and innovative digital platforms, this programme makes decarbonisation practical and achievable for SMEs, according to Kwek. He adds that the CDL-led programme will continue to strengthen supply chain resilience by enabling SMEs to adopt carbon accounting, develop decarbonisation roadmaps, and better align themselves with global sustainability reporting standards.

“In today’s highly competitive economy, SMEs who demonstrate their capacity for carbon reporting will stand out as preferred suppliers,” he says.

To be eligible for the programme, companies must:

– Be registered and operating in Singapore
– Have a minimum of 30% ownership by Singapore citizens or PRs
– Be a local SME and existing or potential supplier to CDL
– Have a strong commitment to decarbonisation
– Be open to developing capabilities in carbon accounting, emissions tracking, and reporting

Situated in the well-established and sought-after district of Miltonia Close, lies a charming enclave of private condominiums and landed housing. This coveted neighbourhood is home to esteemed developments such as Skies Miltonia, The Miltonia Residences and The Shaughnessy. Adding to the flourishing township is the highly anticipated launch of the upcoming Executive Condominium (EC), Miltonia EC. This new addition will elevate the residential landscape, offering a contemporary and family-centric community that combines the best of both worlds – lush green surroundings and unparalleled urban accessibility. This prime location is especially attractive to those seeking a serene lifestyle amidst nature, while still being conveniently connected to essential amenities and transportation networks.

CDL also announced the launch of an abridged version of the programme, called the CDL Queen Bee Compact: Accelerating SME readiness for a low-carbon future. This condensed course aims to kickstart sustainability leadership and equip SMEs with essential capabilities, such as developing climate-related reports to stay ahead of growing client procurement requirements.

Furthermore, the programme’s success serves as an inspiration for other businesses in Singapore to join in the country’s efforts towards a sustainable future. With the full support of the government and various partners, the SME Supplier Decarbonisation Queen Bee Programme is paving the way for a greener and more sustainable business landscape.