Only 1 in 2 Singaporeans confident organisations will meet climate goals

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A new survey by Schneider Electric, the global leader in the  digital transformation of energy management and automation, has revealed that only half (52%)  of Singaporeans are confident that organisations in Singapore will achieve their publicly disclosed emissions targets in the coming decades. Less than two-thirds (63%) of  Singaporeans are also confident Singapore can achieve its net zero ambitions by mid-century.  

This comes as 69% of Singaporeans rank climate change and reducing greenhouse emissions among their top three most concerning environmental sustainability issues – followed by air  quality and pollution at 58%.

The findings are part of Schneider Electric’s “Singapore Green Pulse” survey, which tracks sentiments, attitudes, and perceptions around sustainability issues in Singapore that are part  of the Singapore Green Plan 2030. Over 500 Singaporeans took part in this latest edition of  the study conducted in June 2022, which focuses on sustainable living1.

Younger generations are more optimistic and most Singaporeans see a need for more investments in new technologies  

The survey finds that the younger citizens are generally more optimistic than older generations that organisations can achieve their climate goals, with 58% of Gen Zers saying that they are  confident, compared to 46% of Baby Boomers2.  

Singaporeans also see the need for more technological investments to drive greater progress  in achieving sustainability goals. Less than half (49%) think there is sufficient investment in  new technologies in the public and private sectors to improve energy efficiency and  management.

A rising number of Singaporeans prefer to live and work in green buildings and now prefer to live in green buildings. This is a  substantial increase from 2021, where only 47% of Singaporeans preferred to do so3. However, only 46% of Singaporeans are prepared to pay more to live in a green building.

At work, 81% prefer to work in a green building.

When looking at their employer’s overall sustainability, nearly two thirds (63%) of  Singaporeans believe the sustainability performance of the organisation they work for is  average at best.

Singaporeans are increasingly environmentally conscious and are shifting their  behaviours

An overwhelming 90% of Singaporeans now consider themselves to be environmentally  conscious. However, significant differences also exist between age groups with 45% of Gen  Zers saying they are extremely conscious, compared to just 18% of Baby Boomers.

With growing environmental consciousness, most Singaporeans are making conscious efforts to reduce their household electricity use (89%). This includes reducing the use of air  conditioning and fans when not needed (81%); and choosing more energy efficient home  appliances (52%).  

While only 42% of Singaporeans can currently monitor their household’s energy consumption  on a daily basis, 93% would be keen to install a simple and affordable solution to monitor their  household’s energy consumption daily if it was available.

Over three quarters (78%) are also supportive of increasing renewable energy sources in  Singapore’s energy mix, even if it means higher electricity bills, and for 80% of Singaporeans, the use of renewable energy sources is now a consideration in how they choose their  electricity provider and plan.

Outside of home, most Singaporeans have also increased their use of public transport for  sustainability reasons (85%), with 72% using public transport at least three times per week.

Cost is a barrier to living more sustainably

The survey indicates that despite the growing consciousness, cost is still a key consideration in driving Singaporeans to change their actions as consumers. Less than a third (30%) of  Singaporeans are willing to pay more for products and services that are environmentally  sustainable. While over half (59%) of consumers want to be customers of environmentally  responsible organisations, only a third (35%) would currently stop being customers of a  company should it be found harming the environment.

Cost is also one of the main barriers among those who do not plan to own an electric vehicle  (EV). However, the survey showed a positive shift in attitude towards EVs, with 51%  expressing the desire to own one in the future – up from 45% last year 4. Other barriers to  owning an EVs are concerns over charging infrastructure and locations, and a lack of  familiarity with EVs.

Yoon Young KIM, Cluster President, Schneider Electric Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei,  said “The findings show sustainability is high on the agenda for Singaporeans, with many making the effort to reduce their carbon footprint, and more preferring to live or work in green  buildings. These are positive developments that we hope will also motivate organisations to reduce emissions more aggressively, through greater adoption of innovative technologies for  sustainability and efficiency. Schneider Electric is committed to forging strong partnerships with organisations across the public and private sectors, as we work together to build a  greener Singapore.”

1 The first Singapore Green Pulse Survey involving business leaders with sustainability responsibilities was  conducted in March 2022. 2For the purposes of this survey, we have adopted the definitions set by Pew Research Centre: Gen Zers are  individuals born between the years of 1997 and 2012; Baby Boomers are individuals born between the years of  1946 and 1964.3Schneider Electric, “Building a Greener Singapore”, 2021.  

4Ibid.