Republic Polytechnic (RP) and the Singapore Logistics Association (SLA) have unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Singapore to effectively manage their carbon emissions. The innovative program, known as the GO Carbon Management Programme (goCMP), will enable business owners and employees to gain insights into their operational carbon footprints and guide them towards achieving net-zero emissions.
This strategic partnership aligns seamlessly with Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and reinforces the nation’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Against the backdrop of global businesses prioritizing sustainability and adapting their operations to meet evolving regulations, RP and SLA’s collaboration is timely.
Recent findings from a survey conducted by QBE highlighted a concerning trend among Singaporean SMEs, with only 52 percent engaging in social and environmental initiatives annually, marking a 7 percent decrease from 2021.
Commencing in October 2023, SMEs in the logistics sector will be the first beneficiaries of the five-day, project-based goCMP. Leveraging RP’s extensive expertise in supply chain management and logistics, the program will encompass two days of on-site facilitation, including site visits, scoping, verification, and carbon emissions calculations. An additional three-day workshop will focus on essential carbon measurement techniques and concepts, equipping companies with the skills to understand, measure, and calculate greenhouse gases. The workshop will delve into topics such as carbon accounting methodologies, measurement metrics, and carbon reduction strategies.
Importantly, the goCMP will become a pre-approved program under Workforce Singapore (WSG)’s Career Conversion Programme for Sustainability Professionals (CCP-S). The CCP-S aims to support enterprises in their sustainability transformation efforts by reskilling new hires or existing workers to take on sustainability-related roles such as sustainability reporting, carbon management, sustainability project implementation, and green procurement. SMEs participating in the goCMP can also take advantage of the CCP-S, which offers up to six months of salary support funding from WSG to assist employers in covering the cost of reskilling their workforce.
Dennis Quek, director of the centre of innovation for supply chain management at Republic Polytechnic, highlighted the program’s significance: “In 2020, the transportation sector was responsible for nearly one-fifth of Singapore’s carbon emissions. Our partnership with the Singapore Logistics Association will enable us to collaborate with local logistics SMEs to develop practical and cost-effective sustainability initiatives. We also have plans to tailor this course for SMEs in the agritech, banking, and hotel industries, as we all play a vital role in helping Singapore achieve its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”
Participants in the goCMP will benefit from the expertise of experienced RP trainers and engage in hands-on activities to apply their newfound knowledge to real-world scenarios. RP will provide ongoing support and resources to assist SMEs in implementing sustainable practices within their organizations, enhancing their competitiveness in Singapore’s burgeoning green economy.
Dave Ng, chairman of the Singapore Logistics Association, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: “We are excited to partner with Republic Polytechnic to empower logistics SMEs to address carbon emissions and promote sustainability. SLA recognizes the growing importance of sustainability in the global business landscape, particularly in areas like decarbonization and circularity. This initiative is one of many green initiatives we will be launching in the coming months to empower our members and the logistics community to drive meaningful sustainability efforts and create a more environmentally responsible and resilient industry.”
Mr. Michael Lim, chairman of Evfy Singapore, echoed the sentiment: “As a sustainable logistics provider, Evfy is committed to reducing carbon emissions and operating in an environmentally responsible manner. The goCMP offers practical techniques and tools that will enable SMEs like us to enhance our efforts in achieving sustainability goals and better navigate the transition toward net-zero emissions.”
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