Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia 30 Nov 09;
SINGAPORE: Experts said on Monday the growing focus on sustainability and lower carbon emissions is set to benefit the infocomm and technology (ICT) sector.
Speaking at an industry forum, observers said this could open up a US$1 trillion market for ICT products and services that aim to cut carbon emissions and costs.
Singapore – with its highly qualified workforce, research and development programmes and financial incentives for green investments – is in a good position to ride the new wave of ICT innovation, said industry players.
They said SMART grid technology, which uses digital technology to deliver electricity from suppliers to consumers, can help Singapore further reduce its energy use.
Peter Lacy, head of sustainability practice, Accenture, said: "There is a potential to save S$280 million by 2020 by applying SMART grid in terms of transmission and distribution... the new connections required to enable SMART grid will potentially deliver another S$300 million in terms of revenue growth."
Industry players said companies and ICT players can collaborate further to lower their carbon footprint. Some US$500 billion, out of various economic stimulus packages, could be injected into sustainable technologies over the next two years.
Tan Yen Yen, chairman of Singapore Infocomm Technology Federation, said: "In China and India, there are a lot of infrastructure build-ups, so when we talk about infocomm, they certainly can play an enabling role.
"Together with IDA International, we are also working with them as they look at e-government services in many of these countries."
The International Energy Agency has forecast that up to US$45 trillion could be invested globally to achieve an energy-secured and low-carbon economy by 2050.
- CNA/so
Green IT Awards to recognise firms with outstanding sustainable IT practices
Jonathan Peeris, Channel NewsAsia 1 Dec 09;
SINGAPORE: The search is now on for companies to be nominated for Singapore's first ever Green IT Awards.
The awards are jointly organised by the Singapore Business Federation and IBM Singapore. They aim to acknowledge Singapore-based enterprises that initiate and implement outstanding sustainable IT practices.
Green IT covers everything from the environmentally responsible use of computers and related IT resources to the use of energy efficient CPUs, servers, data storage, as well as reduced resource consumption and proper disposal of e-waste such as printer cartridges.
The awards will be hosted as part of EcoWorld 2010 and will comprise two categories - the "Enterprise Green IT Award" for multi-national corporations located in Singapore, and the "Small & Medium Business Green IT Award" for local SMEs.
The deadline for the first round of submission for the awards is 31 January 2010, which will be followed by judging and shortlisting in February.
Another round of interviews and even a site visit will then take place in March, before the award presentation in April.
- CNA/sc
