Singapore Sustainability Council

The Singapore Sustainability Council aims to help council members to review and reset the way we design, build, and manage assets towards a Net Zero Carbon target through:

Providing clarity on net zero goals, decarbonisation, sustainability and help companies to understand and chart their pathway towards Net Zero; (experts: ULI Greenprint, SBTi, CDP, GRESB, BCA etc)
Promoting collaboration along the value chain to measure impact and support the Net Zero goals and SG Green Plan 2030
Working with council members, comprising asset owners, developers, architects, regulators, contractors and suppliers, to green the built environment
Mobilising funds to accelerate action

The Council firmly believes that the notion of sustainability transcends cities and buildings. Therefore at city level, it seeks to examine city transformation through actions on emergency management, food security, health and safety across formal and informal settlement, climate change and reduction of carbon footprint. At real estate level, it seeks to focus on the business case of sustainability integration, raising building performance efficiency, mitigating risks, adding long-term value and attracting investors, financiers and consumers.

The Council programme is designed to engage members based on their expertise and passion within the land use industry in an intimate setting. The goal is to create a topically focused, multidisciplinary group of senior professionals involved in a specific field, who commit to meet on a regular basis to share best practices and develop lasting relationships.

Meetings are closed-door discussions to share knowledge of sustainability best practices. Members share case studies for sustainable buildings, districts, and infrastructure. Co-chairs host conversations to promote the nexus between the built environment and resource efficiency, health and well-being of users and natural systems. Over all, the Council supports strategic alliances, partnerships and initiatives that benefit and incentivise sustainable development.

Council Member Meetings

Esther An, council co-chair, moderating a panel on Financing a Sustainable Economy with speakers Mikkel Larsen of DBS Sustainability Council, Shinbo Won of BlackRock Investment Stewardship, and Chitra Hepburn of MSCI at the inaugural launch meeting.
Dr Robert Yap, executive chairman of YCH Group sharing his vision about how smart city supply chain can help urbanising cities to thrive sustainably.
Surbana Jurong’s group chief financial officer Andy Atkin sharing how its sustainability linked bond was created and how it differs from a green bond.
Incoming Council Co-Chairs Chia Khong Shoong, Group Chief Corporate Officer, Frasers Property Ltd (right) and Elke Kornalijnslijper, Head of Sustainability Consulting, Asia, JLL (left) shared their suggestions for the Council’s purpose and discussion topics for the next 2 years.
Singapore Sustainability Council members convened on 10 July 2023 to take a closer look at the sustainability challenges and solutions for Newport Plaza, 80 Anson Road.
Ar. Tang Kok Thye, Associate Partner at ADDP Architects shares about the 80 Anson Road redevelopment into Newport Plaza, Singapore’s first BCA Green Mark Platinum SLEB
Co-Chair Esther An shares the latest on the Sustainability Reporting agenda as well as a look back on the council’s key initiatives in its first 3 years.

Council members must attend two of three consecutive meetings to retain their seat, or obtain an excused absence from Council co-chairs. To the extent a member misses two out of three sessions, they may not be asked to renew their application. Participation and attendance are key to the success of the entire council, so each member is expected to participate actively. This includes helping to brainstorm topics for council meetings, attending each meeting and actively engaging with panelists and moderators to ensure a rich environment of ideas.