New guide launched to help S'pore manufacturers decarbonise

Straits Times

7 days ago

Step-by-step guidance and real-world use cases are included in the guide. PHOTO: SINGAPORE MANUFACTURING FEDERATION
SINGAPORE - Local manufacturers, which accounted for nearly half of Singapore's primary greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 , will get extra new help in their decarbonising efforts with the launch of a new guide.
Step-by-step guidance and real-world use cases are included to help over 5,000 Singapore manufacturers on their path to net-zero emissions.
Decarbonisation Playbook: A Practical Guide For Manufacturers To A Low-Carbon Future was launched on May 28 by DBS Bank, the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), consultancy EY Singapore, and Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP).
Many companies in the manufacturing sector, a major economic driver for the country, face challenges in adopting sustainability solutions, the four organisations said in a release.
In a survey of over 70 manufacturers across seven sub-sectors, 80 per cent of them said they were still in the early stages of their sustainability journey.
The survey, conducted in 2025 by DBS, EY and SMF, also found that the top reason local manufacturers want to decarbonise is to comply with regulations.
But SMF chief executive Dennis Mark said in his speech at the launch event that sustainability is also about growth.
'It is now a defining pillar of industrial resilience, innovation, and future growth. Today, the expectations on manufacturers are rising – from customers, from regulators, and increasingly, from global supply chains,' Mr Mark said.
To reduce the complexity of decarbonisation for manufacturers, the playbook provides a framework that offers a step-by-step model for companies.
Under the framework, companies are given help in identifying their emissions sources, then evaluating opportunities, creating business cases, putting in place solutions, and developing long-term decarbonisation roadmaps.
It also provides case studies from different manufacturers in Singapore to show how firms can decarbonise, such as the example of Quantum Leap.
The small to medium-sized smart home device manufacturer in Singapore has identified its emission sources as energy-heavy production processes, packaging materials and overseas shipping.
It then plans to transition to renewable energy, reduce packaging waste and explore product refurbishment and recycling to further reduce its emissions.
DBS head of corporate and SME banking Chen Ze Ling said: 'We recognise that sustainability is essential, and in today's uncertain business climate, building financial resilience is equally critical.
'Striking the right balance between the two empowers businesses to reduce their carbon footprint while effectively navigating ongoing challenges.'
He added: 'Meaningful decarbonisation starts with practical, real-world support – shaped by close industry engagement and delivered in partnership across the manufacturing value chain. That is the spirit behind this playbook.'
SMF chief sustainability officer Clara Kwan said the book can be a practical and inclusive guide for its members.
'It addresses the very real challenges our manufacturers face – from limited resources to regulatory pressure – and equips them with tools to move from sustainability ambition to implementation,' she said.
SMF also has other initiatives to help its members go green, such as a programme where it offers the services of a chief sustainability officer to manufacturers. This programme provides companies with tailored guidance and hands-on expertise in their push to decarbonise.
Mr Praveen Tekchandani, EY Singapore leader and partner for climate change and sustainability services, noted that the book also combines perspectives of manufacturers with the insights of other ecosystem players who are already familiar with decarbonisation.
'It breaks down complex requirements and policies like Singapore's carbon tax and sustainability reporting standards,' he said, adding that it also provides science-based strategies and solutions that are readily applicable.
NYP will also be integrating the playbook into its pre-employment training and the curriculum for its continuing education and training.
This is estimated to benefit 1,000 pre-employment training for students across 10 diploma courses and 220 continuing education and training adult learners in a year.
It will also help 438 companies that are part of NYP's alliance for sustainability innovation.
Dr Graham Ng, NYP director of the school of engineering, said that integrating the book in the school's programmes creates a ripple effect that gives learners the ability to identify and tackle sustainability challenges in their business operations.
Sue-Ann Tan is a business correspondent at The Straits Times covering capital markets and sustainable finance.
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