Singapore EXPO adopts ESG tech to boost carbon tracking at events
Singapore EXPO has implemented ESG technology for carbon tracking within its event venues, highlighting efforts towards the nation's green agenda and 2030 sustainability targets.
The rollout is the result of a partnership between Constellar, the managing operator of Singapore EXPO, and ESGpedia, an Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) data and technology company. The partnership enables the calculation and reporting of carbon emissions for Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) events hosted at Singapore EXPO, as well as supporting sustainability practices among Constellar's suppliers.
Carbon accounting approach
Through this partnership, Constellar will use ESGpedia's digital solutions to manage sustainability reporting and carbon accounting processes. This will allow the company to report carbon emissions generated by MICE events and streamline its sustainable supply chain management. The intention is to help facilitate decarbonisation across the value chain.
Singapore EXPO is recognised as the city-state's largest purpose-built MICE venue and operates on onsite renewable energy sources. This latest technological adoption comes at a time when the MICE sector in Singapore is subject to new requirements for tracking waste and carbon emissions. The requirements are part of the MICE Sustainability Roadmap, launched by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Singapore Association of Convention & Exhibition Organisers & Suppliers (SACEOS), which supports the objectives of the Singapore Green Plan by 2030 and aims for net-zero emissions nationally by 2050.
As part of these shifts, ESGpedia's solutions will also be made available to Constellar's suppliers, many of whom are small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that may not have previously had the resources to pursue sustainability initiatives.
Industry alignment
Chua Wee Phong, Group Chief Executive Officer at Constellar, said: "As managing operators of Asia's most sustainable MICE venue powered by renewable energy, Singapore EXPO, Constellar is proud to lead the industry's sustainability transformation - and we're not stopping here. We continue to push boundaries by setting world-class benchmarks in sustainable operations and embracing cutting-edge technologies that empower event organisers to deliver exceptional tradeshows and exhibitions."
"Our collaboration with ESGpedia enables organisers to calculate carbon footprints and engage suppliers digitally, fostering a united approach toward shared sustainability goals. This initiative also supports the Singapore Tourism Board's vision of positioning Singapore as the World's Best MICE City."
The adoption of digital reporting and carbon accounting solutions is expected to support Constellar's sustainability commitments and its compliance with Singapore's evolving regulatory framework for the events industry. It is also intended to enhance the transparency of environmental impacts associated with large-scale exhibitions and trade shows, which regularly attract international attendees.
The reporting framework
With the digitalised greenhouse gas (GHG) calculation and reporting module provided via ESGpedia, Constellar will be able to account for GHG emissions from all aspects of MICE events. This coverage extends to attendee travel and accommodation, event operations, supply chains for food and beverages, and waste management and disposal. Access to detailed emissions data is intended to help Constellar develop strategies to decarbonise its operations further and, according to the partnership, improve the efficiency of future events.
The system enables the swift generation of carbon emissions reports, which will be aligned with international reporting frameworks and standards. This is expected to provide a transparent presentation of the company's ongoing sustainability efforts to stakeholders.
Benjamin Soh, Founder and Managing Director at ESGpedia, commented on the collaboration.
"We are delighted to be supporting Constellar in its sustainability efforts through ESGpedia's carbon accounting and sustainability reporting solutions. With Constellar being a definitive leader in the MICE industry and region, we are positive that through accelerating Constellar's sustainability initiatives, we are able to jointly move the needle in strengthening Singapore's position as a leading sustainable urban destination in the region."
Supplier enablement
Recognising that many vendors in the supply chain are SMEs, the partnership sets out to build sustainability capabilities within these companies. Such suppliers can utilise ESGpedia's digital platform to take guided steps toward carbon accounting and reporting, thereby supporting a broader transition within the industry.
The collaboration between ESGpedia and Constellar will continue with the goal of developing a low-carbon MICE industry in keeping with the Singapore Green Plan 2030. The ongoing efforts are designed to bolster Singapore's reputation as a sustainable meetings and exhibitions hub within the Asia-Pacific region.
