Transparency and Innovation Key to Singapore Polytechnic's Second Win at ACCA Singapore Environmental & Social Reporting Awards
Singapore Polytechnic once again clinched the top award at the ACCA Singapore Environmental and Social Reporting Awards (SESRA) presentation ceremony held today at The Marina Mandarin. The polytechnic's first win was in 2005.
Dr Amy Khor, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources who also delivered an address and presented the awards to the winners, graced the ceremony.
The ACCA SESRA judging panel awarded Singapore Polytechnic with the "Best Environmental Report" for:
- Devising an online report which was more accessible to the public
- Improving its delivery and information that was included in the latest report based on recommendations the judges made during the previous awards cycle
- Going one step further to be verified by an independent third party. Verification lends further credibility to the report
- Identifying key social and environmental impacts, including comprehensive quantitative targets
- Communicating the strong commitment the institution has towards environmental responsibility and disclosure.
Singapore Polytechnic's Environmental and Sustainability Report 2007 is available online at Singapore Polytechnic website 
The report also features Singapore Polytechnic's new innovation - a carbon calculator called the SP Neutral. The calculator was conceptualised and designed by the SP Green Committee and assisted by students from SP's Environment Club. The SP Neutral is a tool that raises the awareness of an individual's carbon footprint. Users of the calculator may estimate up to 95% of their carbon footprint which is based on parameters such as electricity, gas and transport usages and waste generated.
Mr Tan Hang Cheong, Principal of Singapore Polytechnic said: "This recognition spurs us on. We not only want to be a responsible corporate citizen in educating our young, but we also hope to influence other organisations and educational institutions to do likewise."
Ms Penelope Phoon, Country Head of ACCA Singapore added: "Climate change is a major global concern for the 21 st century. It is up to governments, businesses, educators and ordinary citizens to work together for a sustainable future. We are encouraged that Singapore Polytechnic's dedication is not limited to just educating the younger generation on scholastic achievements. Its steadfast efforts on nurturing, inspiring innovation and instilling in its students the importance and commitment to environmental and social consciousness is highly commendable."
The Merit Award for Best Environment Report went to Singapore Epson Industrial Pte Ltd for demonstrating its efforts to disclose its environmental impacts on society.
There was no award given for social reporting category. Reports submitted did not grasp the fundamentals of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting. CSR/Social Reporting should not be limited to an organisation's philanthropic activities alone. It should be more encompassing and have a holistic coverage which includes the organisation's practices and policies which have an impact on its employees, the society in which it operates in, its customers and the environment.
The other finalists that participated in the ACCA SESRA 2007 scheme included:
Banyan Tree Holdings
City Developments Limited
Comfort Delgro
Keppel Land International
Singapore Airlines Ltd
Sembcorp Industries Ltd
SMRT Corporation Ltd
The ACCA Singapore Environmental & Social Reporting Awards (SESRA) scheme is currently in its sixth year and is endorsed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) and supported by Singapore Environment Council (SEC) and TüV SüD PSB.
For further information please contact:
Michelle Seth-Langbein - Senior Manager, Marketing & Communications Tel: 6734 8110 / 9479 7860
Kenny Chua - Corporate Communications, Singapore Polytechnic Tel: 6772 1622 / 9797 9718