How big is the sustainability sector in Singapore?
Since the launch of the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint, the sustainability sector in Singapore has grown significantly over the past decade, and the country has established itself as a hub for sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region.
The launch of the Singapore Green Plan 2030 in 2021 aims to galvanise a pan-national movement and advance Singapore’s national agenda on sustainable development. Spearheaded by five ministries – the Ministries of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE), Trade and Industry (MTI), Transport (MOT), National Development (MND), and Education (MOE) – and supported by the entire government, it charts ambitious and concrete targets for the remainder of this decade.
How important is the sustainability sector in Singapore?
The Singapore government has launched several initiatives to support sustainability. This includes the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint, which sets out the country’s vision for sustainable development, and the Green Plan 2030, which outlines the government’s goals for a sustainable future. These plans focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and green spaces.
The Singapore Green Plan 2030 is a nationwide movement to advance Singapore’s national agenda on sustainable development and features five key pillars:
- City in Nature: Create a green, liveable and sustainable home for Singaporeans.
- Sustainable Living: Reduce carbon emissions, keep the environment clean and save resources and energy as a way of life in Singapore.
- Energy Reset: Use cleaner energy and increase energy efficiency to reduce Singapore’s carbon footprint.
- Green Economy: Seek green growth opportunities to create new jobs, transform Singapore’s industries and harness sustainability as a competitive advantage.
- Resilient Future: Build up Singapore’s climate resilience and enhance its food security.
The Green Plan will strengthen ongoing national sustainability efforts and mitigation measures with several new initiatives and targets. These include:
- A new Enterprise Sustainability Programme to help Singapore enterprises to develop sustainability capabilities.
- All new car registrations are required to be cleaner-energy models from 2030 and more than double the targeted number of electric vehicles (EVs) charging points by 2030, from 28,000 to 60,000.
- Raising the sustainability standards of our buildings through the next edition of the Singapore Green Building Masterplan.
- Building on our 2030 aim to reduce the waste sent to our landfill by 30%, we will work on achieving a 20% reduction by 2026.
- Working towards a two-thirds reduction of net carbon emissions from the school sector by 2030 and aiming for at least 20% of our schools to be carbon neutral by 2030 for a start, with the rest to follow.
In addition, Singapore has established several institutions and organisations to support sustainability efforts, such as the Singapore Green Building Council, which promotes green building practices, and the Centre for Sustainable Asian Cities, which researches sustainable urban development.
What is the outlook for Singapore’s sustainability sector?
The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment estimated that the sustainability sector – including the agri-tech and waste management industries – is expected to add 55,000 new and upgraded jobs.
The sustainability sector in Singapore is projected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by the country’s commitment to sustainability and the growing demand for sustainable solutions in the region.
Singapore’s strategic location and reputation as a hub for sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region have attracted international companies such as Schneider Electric, Vestas, and ENGIE have set up operations in Singapore to tap into the growing demand for sustainable solutions in the region.
Another factor driving the growth of Singapore’s sustainability sector is the increasing awareness and demand for sustainable solutions among consumers and businesses. This trend has led to new companies and startups that offer sustainable alternatives to traditional products and services.
Singapore’s sustainability sector is actively hiring
The Singapore government is increasing its push for sustainable development by supporting workers and employers looking to participate in the green revolution. With this shift helping to safeguard the climate while capitalising on Asia’s regional growth, the low-carbon future presents fascinating career opportunities for jobseekers.
So, if you’re keen on joining the sustainability sector, there’s no better time than now to hop aboard! Here is some useful reading to help you learn more.
Salary Guide Singapore 2023: Agritech Industry
5 Reasons Why You Should Consider a Career in Sustainability
5 Sustainability Development Career Paths to Consider
The Future of Sustainable Work: Green Sector Jobs to Consider
What Do I Need Before Starting a Career in the Sustainability Sector
Sustainability: How ESG Development Goals Can Attract & Retain Talent
Go Green! 5 Local Startups With a Sustainable Soul
Breaking New Grounds: Singapore’s Very Own Captain Planets
Journeys of Resilient Companies: Sustenir Group, an Urban Farm Rooted in Singapore
