UN Global Compact Network Singapore Launches 4th Singapore Business Carbon Report

On September 4, 2025, the UN Global Compact Network Singapore (UNGCNS) launched the 4th Singapore Business Carbon Report at the Singapore Sustainability Academy. The launch brought together business leaders, policymakers, and sustainability experts to discuss the findings, which present the most comprehensive picture yet of how Singapore companies are tracking, managing, and reducing their carbon emissions.

Singapore Business Carbon Report 2024 Launch

In his opening remarks, Dr Bicky Bhangu, President of UNGCNS, emphasised the importance of credible disclosure in enabling businesses to thrive in a low-carbon economy. He said, “This report is more than a publication — it is a call to action. A call to measure what matters, to embed sustainability into business strategy, and to lead with courage, clarity, and transparency.”

The launch programme included a panel discussion moderated by Hu Ching, Head of the Net Zero Transition Programme, Singapore Business Federation. The panel addressed challenges and solutions in carbon disclosure, from regulatory readiness to sector-specific reporting hurdles. The panellists were:

• Yin-Yin Yeo, Director of Sustainability, FairPrice Group 
• Ian Gan, Vice President, Centre Management & Sustainability, Constellar
• Dr Ethan Chong Yih Tng, Associate Professor, Head of Sustainability (Education & Research), Singapore Institute of Technology

LowCarbonSG to Singapore Business Carbon Report

Since 2021, UNGCNS has been driving the LowCarbonSG programme, a capability-building initiative that helps companies measure, monitor, and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using the Carbon & Emissions Recording Tool (CERT). The programme is designed to help businesses — especially SMEs — take practical steps on their decarbonisation journey while building internal skills to stay competitive in a low-carbon future.

The findings of this year’s Singapore Business Carbon Report build on insights from the LowCarbonSG programme, demonstrating how structured support can empower companies to achieve tangible results. The Singapore Business Carbon Report, now in its fourth edition, provides annual insights into the state of carbon reporting in Singapore.

Key Findings from LowCarbonSG

The 2024 edition, with the theme “Emissions in Focus: Transparent Reporting, Tangible Results”, highlights measurable progress across businesses of all sizes:

• 318 submissions from 227 companies, with 40% repeat users 
• 74% achieved reductions in either absolute emissions or emissions intensity
• 41% achieved reductions in both metrics 
• Of those that reduced emissions, 82% recorded at least a 5% year-on-year improvement in either absolute emissions or one of 3 intensity measures (by revenue, employees, or gross floor area) 
• Over 80% of participants are SMEs, showing that small and medium enterprises can deliver meaningful results with the right support

Furthermore, case studies illustrate how companies are moving beyond compliance to create strategic value. Among them are:

• OCBC using carbon data to strengthen investor trust 
• SATS embedding sustainability across global operations 
• Constellar demonstrating how SMEs can lead in sustainability 
• FairPrice Group, Matex, New Toyo, and Primech treating carbon reporting as a driver of innovation and competitiveness

Role of Technology and Innovation

This year’s publication also features perspectives from leading experts shaping the future of sustainability:

• Prof Lawrence Loh, NUS Centre for Governance and Sustainability
• Daren Tan and Rachel Tham, A*STAR 
• Grace Lim and Renee Tan, ESGpedia 
• Nasala Maharjan, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

Their contributions explore how technology, and increasingly artificial intelligence, are driving the next wave of carbon pricing, disclosures, and sustainability solutions. The report underscores the role of digital platforms in advancing carbon management. Tools such as CERT, the Singapore Emission Factors Registry (SEFR), and A*STAR’s AdViSE platform are improving accuracy, comparability, and efficiency of reporting.

Editor: Nazalea Kusuma

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