Smita Krishnaswamy, Straits Times 22 Aug 09;
BUSINESSES are being encouraged to embrace sustainable development in a new campaign launched by the Singapore Business Federation (SBF).
Sustainable development, which aims to produce while preserving the environment, encompasses everything from the use of clean energy and efficient manufacturing practices to eco-city development.
The SBF has created a specific body called the Sustainable Development Business Group to help businesses find opportunities in this area.
The group will coordinate training workshops, business missions and networking sessions with the help of the Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore.
The SBF is also collaborating with Temasek Polytechnic's Fuel Cell Community to establish a clean energy test-bedding facility.
SBF chief executive Teng Theng Dar said it is the perfect time to invest in green technology as many countries, including those in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation region, are committed to infrastructure investments.
He said it is in the interest of businesses to respond to the environmental movement because its benefits are obvious in reducing critical costs like utility expenses. 'We are not just talking about sustainable development for fashion's sake - there is really business value in it.'
The federation also launched a sustainability award which will be presented, in collaboration with Local Global Exhibition and Trade, at ECO World 2010, a trade conference here next April.
The award recognises innovative products and technologies that enable sustainable development.
Next month, the SBF will lead a delegation of 20 companies to the Tianjin eco city and China's New Energy Expo in Wuxi to explore opportunities in sustainable development in the country.
Also in the pipeline are business and study missions to Canada, Israel and Japan.
