City Developments Limited (CDL), a prominent property developer, has been acclaimed for its groundbreaking efforts in spearheading net-zero development in Singapore. The company's innovative approach to sustainability is exemplified by the Singapore Sustainability Academy, a unique facility that serves as a hub for climate action and sustainable development. The Academy, which boasts a fully solar-powered rooftop training and networking space, has successfully created a vibrant ecosystem of stakeholders committed to driving positive change and impact.
The Singapore Sustainability Academy, situated at City Square Mall in Farrer Park, has become a focal point for the sustainability-minded community since its official inauguration in June 2017. Covering 4,300 square feet, the facility has hosted an impressive 780 sustainability-related events, drawing over 27,000 attendees. The Academy's impact is substantial, aligning with CDL's mission to amplify positive change and foster a culture of sustainability.
At the recent Sustainability Impact Awards organized by The Business Times and UOB, CDL received the Impact Enterprise Excellence Award for large enterprises, honoring the company's exceptional contributions to building net-zero-energy facilities and spearheading various net-zero initiatives. The award recognizes businesses and individuals making a positive impact on the environment and community.
CDL's Chief Sustainability Officer, Esther An, expressed the Academy's pivotal role in driving climate action and sustainable development. She emphasized that the Academy is Singapore's first ground-up initiative and net-zero-energy facility dedicated to raising awareness, building capacity, promoting advocacy, and facilitating networking in the pursuit of sustainability goals.
The Academy serves as a beacon of environmental consciousness and collaboration, providing a rent-free space for events, activities, and training that promote green buildings, climate action, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The overwhelming demand for the space underscores its crucial role in fostering a community dedicated to sustainability advocacy. Events held at the Academy cover a broad spectrum of topics, including workshops on sustainability integration in public policy and discussions on land use and conservation issues in Singapore.
The Academy's net-zero-energy status is achieved through the installation of solar panels that generate approximately 60,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar energy annually, exceeding the facility's energy consumption of about 50,000 kWh per year. Excess energy generated is redirected to meet the energy needs of City Square Mall, making the facility truly net-zero.
CDL's emphasis on advocating for net-zero green buildings is integral to its long-standing sustainability journey. Since 1995, CDL has been committed to environmental conservation, paving the way for South-east Asia's first real estate conglomerate to sign the World Green Building Council's Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, with a target to achieve net-zero operational carbon by 2030.
To accomplish this ambitious goal, CDL is focused on retrofitting its managed buildings to enhance energy efficiency, adopting 100% renewable energy sources, phasing out diesel across all operations, and actively educating building users to adopt sustainable practices. An explains that CDL's sustainability strategy is driven by a sense of urgency, with record-high temperatures and extreme climate events underlining the need for immediate action.
While progress has been made in the sustainability landscape, An acknowledges that challenges persist. A lack of awareness and limited availability of sustainable building materials are among the hurdles the industry faces. To address these issues and accelerate change, CDL advocates for clear guidance, empowerment of the supply chain with knowledge and skill sets, and adoption of best practices together.
The Singapore Sustainability Academy stands as a testament to CDL's commitment to creating a sustainable and resilient future. Its impact has extended far beyond its walls, fostering a community of sustainability champions and creating a paradigm for net-zero development. As Singapore continues to embrace sustainable practices, CDL's leadership in net-zero initiatives sets a powerful example for the entire building industry to follow.
About City Developments Limited (CDL)
City Developments Limited (CDL) is a leading global real estate company with a diversified portfolio of residential, commercial, hospitality, and industrial assets. Established in 1963, CDL has been a pioneering force in driving sustainability in the real estate industry, dedicated to creating quality and sustainable spaces that enhance the well-being of communities and the environment.
About the Singapore Sustainability Academy
The Singapore Sustainability Academy is a net-zero-energy facility developed by City Developments Limited (CDL) to serve as a hub for climate action, sustainable development, and capacity-building in Singapore. As Singapore's first ground-up initiative and net-zero-energy facility, the Academy plays a pivotal role in promoting sustainable practices and driving positive change in the community.
