28-05-2025
New decarbonisation playbook to help Singapore's manufacturers cut emissions
[SINGAPORE] Manufacturers can get guidance on how to cut their carbon emissions from a new 62-page playbook launched on Wednesday (May 28), which is freely available on DBS' website.
The playbook was jointly developed by DBS, the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), Ernst & Young (EY) and Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP). It is also supported by Enterprise Singapore and SkillsFuture Singapore.
In a joint statement, the creators said that the playbook aims to support Singapore's 5,000-odd manufacturers, as well as participants in NYP's programmes.
Titled Decarbonisation Playbook: A Practical Guide for Manufacturers to a Low-Carbon Future, the playbook will be integrated into the curriculum of NYP's courses.
Each year, it is expected to reach about 1,000 students across 10 diploma courses, as well as 220 adult learners pursuing part-time specialist and advanced diplomas or participating in work-study programmes.
The playbook will be also shared with the 438 member companies of NYP's Alliance for Sustainability Innovation, through workshops and as a resource.
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'The playbook enables industry partners to develop greater awareness about incorporating sustainability practices in their workplace,' said Graham Ng, director of NYP's School of Engineering.
At the launch, SMF chief executive officer Dennis Mark noted that sustainability is not a 'secondary agenda' for companies, but 'a defining pillar of industrial resilience, innovation, and future growth'.
Manufacturers face rising expectations from customers, regulators and supply chains, he said. 'And yet, many SMEs tell us: 'We want to act, but we need help on how to get started'.'
This is where the new playbook comes in. Developed with insights from more than 70 manufacturers across seven sub-sectors, it aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and larger companies.
The playbook gives manufacturers the tools to move from 'sustainability ambition to implementation', said SMF chief sustainability officer Clara Kwan.
Step by step
The playbook sets out a six-step framework for decarbonisation: discovering emissions sources; evaluating opportunities; creating business cases; implementing solutions; refining skills; and building a long-term roadmap.
It breaks down complex policies such as Singapore's carbon tax and sustainability reporting standards, noted Praveen Tekchandani, Singapore leader and partner for climate change and sustainability services at EY.
In NYP's curriculum, real-world applications of this framework will be shown in case studies. Students will also go on company visits and hear from industry players who have successfully cut emissions.
To help manufacturers apply the content, the four organisations will co-host a series of half-day industry workshops. These will provide practical walkthroughs of the playbook's content and tools, giving participants knowledge that they can immediately apply.
The playbook is part of a collaboration by DBS and SMF to help SMEs go green, under a Memorandum of Understanding signed in February.
Said DBS group head of corporate and SME banking Chen Ze Ling: '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.'
