The Singapore Green Plan 2030: Build A Career in Sustainability

As Singapore gears up for growth post-COVID-19, new economies have emerged as the ones to look out for in leading Singapore to new heights — the green economy being one of them.

Green, digital, and care economies make up the three growth areas that coincide with Singapore's economic priorities in the coming years and are anticipated to usher in progress in the city-state shortly. These are part of plans that have been set in motion by government groups such as the Future Economy Council and the National Research Foundation.

The green economy, in particular, is seen as the way to achieve sustainability, especially in this heavily urban city. And now, Singapore is on a quest to boost sustainable tourism, too — Resorts World Sentosa committed S$10 million to a partnership with the National University of Singapore, conducting a new five-year applied research to focus on biodiversity and energy conservation promises.

The study aims to support Sentosa Development Corporation's plans to transform the island into a carbon-neutral destination by 2030 and help contribute towards the Singapore Green Plan 2030.

What is the Singapore Green Plan 2030?

Known as a concrete jungle, Singapore plans to adapt to a more sustainable future in 2030, with new and greener initiatives that change the way of life in the country — including how you live, work, and play over the next decade. Under the Green Plan, 20% of schools will be carbon neutral and employees will work in green buildings. Cycling paths will triple their current length while an expanded 360-km railway will be available for public use to encourage sustainable modes of transport.

Five ministries — Education, National Development, Sustainability and the Environment, Trade and Industry, and Transport — support this plan. They believe that it "will strengthen Singapore's economic, climate and resource resilience, improve the living environment of Singaporeans, and bring new business and job opportunities." The Green Plan also aims to contribute to the worldwide efforts under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.

The ministries believe that the Singapore Green Plan 2030 can help the country transition to a more sustainable future while uniting Singapore for further growth — in time as countries worldwide call on to "build back better" to reverse the economic ramifications by COVID-19.

The comprehensive green plan will also impact various sectors of society, from infrastructural development, research and innovation, to training programmes.

Job Opportunities Under the Emerging Green Economy in Singapore

You are bound to witness changes in the workplace, thanks to the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the need to adopt more sustainable initiatives such as ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) metrics in organisations to measure its real-life impact on a larger scale. That said, the economic disruptions in the new normal have hastened these shifts. 

According to Education Minister Chan Chun Sing, “The nature of jobs will also evolve more quickly. It is therefore not a matter of 'if', but 'when' the skills we possess today will no longer be relevant.”

National skills board SkillsFuture Singapore said that job opportunities continue to rise in the digital, green and care economies, based on their inaugural yearly report from national skills agency SkillsFuture Singapore.

SkillsFuture launched the first Skills Demand for the Future Economy report. It taps into Singapore's database of job types, listings, business, labour, and market intelligence, focusing on jobs that the agency anticipates demand over the next three years, along with the necessary skills or training needed to take on these roles.

Top 5 Skills in Demand for Careers in Sustainability

The green economy intends to create products and services that can help accomplish positive environmental outcomes. If you are thinking about pursuing a career involving sustainability, take note and upskill with these in-demand capabilities.

1. Green process design

Green design, also known as sustainable design, is a comprehensive process that looks at a company's various operational aspects, including sourcing and manufacturing. Today, individuals who can design green processes to run more sustainable operations are in demand. Green process design involves sourcing from sustainable resources and finding or creating environmentally friendly methods to manufacture products without abusing limited resources — so that future generations may continue to benefit from these.

2. Carbon footprint management

As carbon footprints increasingly become a concern for the world's largest organisations, carbon footprint management skills are essential in today's industries in helping their companies or clients measure their greenhouse gas emissions. Project management skills and a keen understanding of data science related to greenhouse gases are crucial.

3. Environmental management system framework or policy

This is for companies required to comply with environmental laws, regulations, or who simply want to improve their environment metrics. Having someone who knows how to develop their organisation's environmental management system (EMS) framework or policy helps them eliminate or reduce environmental problems in their production or operations, helping them save time and costs in the long run.

4. Sustainability management

As ESG metrics increasingly become an essential part of organisations' framework and determine their bottom line, sustainability management skills help companies plan, determine, and execute sustainability processes and initiatives across the board.

5. Design for manufacturing and assembly

Knowing how to design for greener manufacturing and assembly methods is an asset for industries or companies in the production business. Whether in compliance with environmental regulations or to save costs, there is space for more sustainable manufacturing practices. It also ensures that businesses do not create excess waste.

In-Demand Jobs for a Career in Sustainability

1. Agri-technologist or Urban Farmer

An agricultural technologist or even urban farmer is tasked to juggle and manage various crops in a dense space. With Singapore lacking in vast farmlands, as an agri-technologist, you will need to think of and find ways to improve the efficiency, quality and yield of these crops despite being grown in a more confined urban environment.

Check out urban farm jobs here.

2. Architectural specialist

An architectural specialist with a focus on sustainability means that you will integrate technical and sustainability solutions into design and engineering projects. You will be tasked to oversee the design and construction of structures concerning their environmental impact. Aside from technical knowledge on how to incorporate greener processes, you also need to be familiar with energy efficiency ratings and other eco compliance measures.

Check out architectural specialist jobs here.

3. Energy trader

Energy trading is not a new profession — an energy trader is given the responsibility to broker and negotiate sales of energy resources such as natural gas, liquid gas, petroleum, and energy grid shares. However, with a heightened focus on renewable energy, today's energy traders will need to familiarise themselves with more sustainable sources such as wind and solar power.

Check out energy trader jobs here.

The green economy is poised for growth in the coming years, especially as Singapore’s Green Plan gets kicked into motion. #LetsGetToWork and prepare for a career in sustainability. For more expert advice on getting hired, visit the Career Resources page.

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