3 Sustainability Practices Local Companies Should Already Have

By 2024, Singapore witnessed over two decades of sustainability-focused initiatives across industries. Singapore’s Green Plan 2030, launched in 2021, has reshaped expectations around environmental responsibility, especially within corporate spaces.

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As sustainability becomes non-negotiable in business operations, companies are expected to integrate specific practices that promote greener habits among staff and in daily workflows. Any organisation that has yet to adopt these measures risks falling behind in an increasingly environmentally conscious landscape. Having interacted with more than 600 companies over the past six years, below are three default sustainability practices that Green Nudge believes every company should already be incorporating into their operations.

1.  ‘Bring Your Own’ Initiatives

Encouraging employees to bring their own reusable items, such as cups, containers, and cutlery, is a simple yet effective way to reduce office waste. This initiative cuts down on single-use disposables and fosters an environmentally conscious workplace culture. At the very least, offices should introduce policies that encourage staff to bring their own reusable items, especially if they hold regular functions that include catering.

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One organisation we interacted with made a one-time purchase of cutlery and containers for all its employees, then introduced a no-disposable cutlery policy for all subsequent catering functions.

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More forward-thinking companies go a step further by installing facilities to support this behaviour, such as providing dishwashing stations or setting aside cleaning tools like sponges and eco-friendly soap for employees to clean their own items. The ‘Bring Your Own’ movement is a crucial default practice in promoting zero-waste habits for organisations of any size.

2. Staff Engagements on Sustainability 

Companies in Singapore that conduct corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes should also consider regular sustainability-related engagements. These could include organising beach cleanups, recycling workshops, or hosting talks and seminars on environmental issues.

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Staff participation in sustainability events serves as a practical and team-building exercise that reinforces the company's values. By involving staff in these activities, organisations help build awareness and foster a sense of shared responsibility toward the environment.

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CSR activities don’t need to be solely focused on the environment; they can also include other causes. However, sustainability-related CSR initiatives are no longer optional extras—they should be a standard part of any company’s annual CSR calendar.

3. Resource-Saving Practices in Office Spaces

Another essential practice companies should already have in place is implementing resource-saving measures within their offices. Automated lighting systems that turn off when rooms are not in use and the use of energy-saving LED bulbs are basic initiatives that significantly reduce electricity consumption.

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Many companies have also introduced recycling systems, particularly for materials like paper, which often constitutes a significant portion of office waste. These resource-saving practices benefit the environment and reduce operational costs, making them a straightforward way for companies to achieve both sustainability and cost efficiency.

Why Default Practices Are Essential for Driving Change

Default practices play a crucial role in shaping behaviours because, when environmentally friendly options are set as the norm in office spaces, employees are more likely to adopt these practices without additional motivation. This is especially crucial in busy office environments where staff may not have the time or bandwidth to consider every small decision.

By embedding sustainability into everyday operations through defaults, companies can create a culture of environmental responsibility that feels natural and effortless. Over time, these small nudges accumulate, driving significant, long-term change within organisations.

Concluding Thoughts

In 2024, after more than 20 years of sustainability efforts in Singapore, these three practices should be considered the baseline for all companies, regardless of size or industry. 

Embracing these practices isn't just about meeting market expectations—it's an opportunity to lead the way in environmental responsibility. 

For job seekers, these default practices provide a clear benchmark to evaluate the sustainability commitments of potential employers.  With the growing demand for greener corporate practices, companies that embrace these steps will not only meet employee and consumer expectations but also play a vital role in shaping a more sustainable future for all.

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