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United Nations Sustainability Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption & Production April – June 2017 Post Event Synopsis Report 2017 By Ricoh Asia Pacific Pte Ltd In Partnership with:
United Nations Sustainability Development
Goal 12: Responsible Consumption &
Production
April – June 2017
Post Event Synopsis Report 2017
By Ricoh Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
In Partnership with:
About Eco Action Day & Ricoh
Eco Action Day
Eco Action Day is a national public awareness campaign organized by Ricoh since 2007, in
partnership with key NGO, government and private sector partners in Singapore. It is held on
5 June every year, to commemorate the United Nations Environment Programme’s World
Environment Day, which seeks to raise global awareness on the need to take positive action
for the environment. Every year, Ricoh, along with various supporting partners, engages its
employees, customers, corporate neighbours and government organisations and the wider
public to take steps to reduce their impact on the environment.
To date, more than 900 organisations, including multinational corporations, government
agencies, private companies and tertiary institutions have participated in Eco Action Day.
For further information, please visit www.ecoaction.sg
Ricoh Company
Ricoh is empowering digital workplaces using innovative technologies and services
enabling individuals to work smarter. For more than 80 years, Ricoh has been driving
innovation and is a leading provider of document management solutions, IT services,
commercial and industrial printing, digital cameras, and industrial systems.
Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in approximately 200 countries and
regions. In the financial year ended March 2017, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,028
billion yen (approx. 18.2 billion USD).
For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com
Sustainable Singapore (In Partnership)
The Sustainable Singapore Blueprint (SSB - www.sustainablesingapore.gov.sg) outlines our
national vision and plans for a more liveable and sustainable Singapore, to support the diverse
needs and growing aspirations of Singaporeans. This blueprint is a plan for action and
provides all of us a unique opportunity to work together to create a better home, a better
environment, and a better future that we can all be proud of. With the Government, our people
and our businesses working together as committed participants, we can realise our vision for
A Liveable and Endearing Home, A Vibrant and Sustainable City & An Active and Gracious
Community. In July 2016, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Masagos
Zulkifli, launched the Sustainable Singapore Movement. The movement aims to galvanise the
3P (People, Private and Public) sectors to adopt greener practices and make sustainability a
way of life.
In support of the movement, the inaugural Public Sector Sustainability Plan 2017-
2020 (PSSP) was launched by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister in Charge of the Public
Service, Mr. Teo Chee Hean, at the opening ceremony of the Singapore Sustainability
Academy on World Environment Day, 5 June 2017. The PSSP (http://www.mewr.gov.sg/grab-
our-research) outlines the public sector’s collective efforts to improve resource conservation
and environmental sustainability. These efforts seek to spur greater action from the private
and people sectors to build a more sustainable Singapore.
Content Page
Background of Eco Action Day
The Idea from United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
Eco Action Day Campaign
Eco Action Day Circular Economy Challenge
Eco Action Day Circular Economy Roundtable
Results & Achievement
Photo Gallery
Partners & Supporters
Contact Us
Background of Eco Action Day
Eco Action Day is an annual nationwide campaign in Singapore encouraging awareness and
action for the environment, culminating in the celebration of the United Nations Environment
Programmes World Environment Day, which seeks to raise global awareness on the need to
take positive action for the environment on 5 June.
The Ricoh group first mooted the idea of commemorating World Environment Day in 2006,
and decided to do so by engaging their employees, customers, corporate neighbours and
government partners to take action to reduce their impact on the environment on that day.
The first Eco Action Day in Singapore took place on 5 June 2007, and was carried out by
Ricoh Asia Pacific in collaboration with the Singapore Environment Council (SEC). Over the
years, the campaign has grown to be an established platform for organisations and individuals
to pledge environmental actions.
Every year, Ricoh, along with various supporting partners, engages its employees, customers,
corporate neighbours and government organisations to rethink their actions in the workplace,
and take steps to reduce their impact on the environment.
Given the long operating hours of offices, implementing these green practices could have a
significant impact on reducing resource consumption in Singapore. While the campaign calls
on participants to carry out these pledges all year round, Ricoh also tracks the energy savings
and carbon reductions achieved by specific pledges on World Environment Day each year.
The theme: Green the Red Dot, Join the Movement calls on participants to join the national
campaign to green Singapore - also known as the "Little Red Dot" - by committing to actions
that will reduce energy and resource consumption, thereby minimizing carbon emissions.
As a small island state, Singapore faces similar challenges in protecting itself in the wake of
growing risks and vulnerabilities as a result of climate change such as rising sea levels, food
and water scarcity and extreme weather patterns.
The 10th year anniversary video will bring you back to how the campaign started and
progressed over the years: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enNC6Lglwpc
The Idea from United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), officially known as “Transforming our World: the
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, is a set of 17 “Global Goals” with 169 targets
between them. Spearheaded by the United Nations, SDGs has becomes a significant agenda
around the world, among organisations, governments, NGOs etc. It has also becomes a
common topic shared during the corporate social responsibility and sustainability related
conference.
Given that Eco Action Day has marked its 10th anniversary last year, in 2017, Ricoh is
exploring for more – unique and creative elements, and is excited to embark on the SDGs
journey as part of the campaign for the next few years.
From 2017 to 2020, Ricoh integrates Goal 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Goal
12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, Goal 13 – Climate Action and Goal 17 –
Partnerships for the Goals into the campaign, by selecting one of these goals as the theme
for the Eco Action Day Youth Challenge and Eco Action Day Industry Roundtable, which will
kick start in late February/early March and on 5 June respectively.
The inaugural Eco Action Day Youth Challenge and Eco Action Day Industry Roundtable are
both newly launched initiatives as part of the campaign this year. While the youth challenge
seeks to encourage both youths and young professionals aged 30 and below to come up with
applicable solutions for Singapore, the industry roundtable allows the business and
government leaders to come together to brainstorm relevant business models for the industry
and discuss on the constraints faced towards achieving a sustainable future.
As the inaugural initiatives this year, Ricoh focuses on Goal 12, to explore ideas and discuss
on how responsible patterns of production and consumption can be implemented in Singapore
so as to achieve a circular economy. It also creates a good platform for business, government
and academic leaders to discuss ways on how Singapore can be more sustainable and
resource efficient by applying circular economy principles.
Eco Action Day Campaign
On 3 April, Ricoh launched its annual Eco Action Day campaign in Singapore and invited
organisations, schools and individuals to be part of the advocacy by pledging green actions
for an eco-friendlier Singapore @ www.ecoaction.sg
The theme “Green the Red Dot, Join the Movement” aims to continue its momentum by
mobilising residents and businesses, and have them adopt green behaviours to influence
positive environmental changes.
The annual nationwide campaign encourages awareness and action for the environment. It is
held in conjunction with the United Nations Environment Programme’s World Environment
Day (WED), which is celebrated on 5 June every year.
The campaign engaged the public through several platforms such as the Eco-Me @ I-Light
Marina Bay events, SMRT outdoor advertisements, office building roadshows at Bugis
Junction Tower, Keppel Bay Tower, Keppel Tower and Ocean Financial Centres, posters at
commercial buildings, campaign sharing at various external seminars, online advertising and
social media.
To reduce greenhouse emissions, the Singapore government recently announced it will
introduce a carbon tax in 2019 to reduce emissions intensity by 36 percent by 2030, following
its commitment to the Paris Agreement. In the Agreement, Singapore also pledged to stabilise
emissions by 2030.
With a commitment to a greener outlook, Ricoh and Eco-Business hosted the Eco Action Day
Circular Economy Industry Roundtable with government, business, and civil society leaders
on 1 June. The discussions focused on how companies in Singapore can apply circular
economy principles and business models in practice, and generate new revenue streams,
while simultaneously building climate resilience.
On the same day, winning teams from the Eco Action Day Circular Economy Challenge
presented their ideas to industry leaders at the Roundtable, followed by the prize-giving
ceremony. The overall champion received a sponsored trip to Japan, including a field trip to
Ricoh’s Eco Business Development Centre.
Eco Action Day has gained the support of several public and private sector organisations since
2007. This year’s partners include Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, National
Environment Agency, Singapore Environment Council, Energy Market Authority, Building
Construction Authority, Keppel Land, Keppel REIT, Global Compact Network Singapore,
SMRT, Eco-Business, among others.
In partnership and contribution to the national vision of the Singapore Sustainable Blueprint
(SSB) which seeks to create a more sustainable and liveable Singapore for all, Eco Action
Day also plays an active role in influencing positive environmental changes to complement
other green initiatives in the city-state.
Eco Action Day Circular Economy Challenge
As part of the Eco Action Day Campaign, Ricoh launched the inaugural Eco Action Day:
Circular Economy Challenge together with Eco Business on 22 March, in search for
sustainable solutions for Singapore.
In support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12: Responsible
consumption and production, the challenge engaged tertiary students and young
professionals aged 30 and below in team of 4, to develop circular economy solutions
applicable for Singapore.
The highlight of the challenge is a tour to Japan which includes a field trip to Ricoh’s Eco
Business Development Centre, which opened in 2016. The winning team will get to learn about
Ricoh’s sustainability efforts and have a glimpse into the three functions of Ricoh Eco Business
Development Centre - a reuse & recycling centre, a centre for verification of eco business
technology, and a source to distribute information regarding eco-business activities.
Mr J.D. Kasamoto, General Manager, Service and Environment Division of Ricoh Asia Pacific,
announced about the plans of Eco Action Day 2017 on 22 February during the Eco Business
Panel Discussion: Will the Business Drive SDGs?. With this Challenge, he hopes to engage
youths to push the boundaries of conventional thinking about the production of goods and
inculcate green values in them.
5 teams were shortlisted and presented their proposal to the panel of judges on 22 May. The
top 3 winning teams were invited for a prize presentation during the Eco Action Day Circular
Economy Roundtable on 1 June. The first winning team also presented their winning proposal
to the business, government and academia delegates on the same day.
* Information about the challenge: http://www.eco-business.com/ecoactionday/
Team Fashion Revolution
Team Republic Polytechnic
Team Hangry for Change
Team Project Coop-erative
Team MSW
Top 3 Winning Teams of Eco Action Day Circular Economy Challenge
Team MSW (First Prize)
Team MSW, a group of four young professionals aged between 27 and 29 years old, clinched
the overall win with its project on the upcycling of durian husks. Often considered as waste
and by- product by many Singaporeans, the team came up with a circular solution to reduce
the use of virgin material.
The team proposed collecting durian husks from the point of sale and having them returned
into the supply chain as raw materials to make takeaway containers for the durian fruit, hence
reducing the use of non-biodegradable materials such as styrofoam boxes.
Team Hangry for Change (Merit Prize)
Team Hangry for Change, a group of three youths aged between 18 and 19, clinched the merit
prize with its proposal for a fitness company to adopt a leasing model and using cradle-to-
cradle design to increase modularity of fitness equipment. The proposed idea is for the fitness
company to start a trial by leasing equipment to customers, aside from the conventional
purchase of fitness equipment. The idea of providing Singaporeans with better access to
fitness equipment on a tiered basis as a circular solution would reduce bulky waste items
tremendously.
Project Coop-erative (Special Prize)
Project Coop-erative, a team of four working adults aged between 25 and 27 years old,
finished as special prize winner with their project on the use of egg shells to enhance flexibility
of bioplastics. They suggested the use of egg shells, something that is discarded without much
thought, to enhance flexibility of bioplastic products due to its characteristics in its nano-
particle form. Waste matter such as egg shells can be repurposed to generate additional
income for businesses.
Eco Action Day Circular Economy Industry Roundtable
As part of the campaign, the inaugural Eco Action Day Circular Economy Industry Roundtable
which took place on 1 June at Ricoh’s Printing Innovation Centre, casted a spotlight on ideas
to shift Singapore towards more responsible patterns of production and consumption, and
achieve a circular economy. The event was co-hosted by Ricoh and Eco-Business.
Guest-of-Honour Dr Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of the Environment and
Water Resources & Ministry of Health, and more than 80 senior business, government and
academic leaders came together to discuss ways on how Singapore can be more sustainable
and resource efficient by applying circular economy principles.
The following points were raised during the roundtable discussion:
Business opportunities in a circular economy
Business leaders need to change mindset and relook their business models to design circularity into their production cycle right from the start.
Businesses cannot work alone, they need to work with all stakeholders to find new, regenerative ways of manufacturing goods.
Resources are recovered but many are not designed to be recyclable. There are business opportunities that can stimulate new innovations, especially in the area of redesign.
Legislating for a circular economy
Judicious legislation is needed. Otherwise, it will impede development and growth.
Legislation can help in setting and facilitating the right conditions and environment to motivate and nudge development for a circular economy and its practices among businesses and individuals.
Mandatory waste reporting will be introduced in the coming years in Singapore, along with guidelines for sustainable packaging – a move that will help to raise standards in the industry and encourage circular practices.
The government can also play a role in introducing circular economy concepts to education curriculum from an early age.
Obstacles to the circular economy
The circular economy concept needs to be simplified so people can understand and adopt it as a practice.
Awareness and knowledge are key for the transition to a circular economy model.
Consumer behaviour needs to change; and ‘nudges’ can be used such that consumers are motivated to return and/or recycle products.
Businesses need to be engaged to help them realise the competitive advantage of adopting circular economy principles.
New technologies for a circular economy
New technologies and innovation will result in more robust and durable products.
Technological innovations will enable the economic case for adapting all waste streams into useful resources.
All stakeholders need to embrace both innovation and systems-level thinking to design and implement circular economy practices.
Eco Action Day Circular Economy Industry Roundtable
Theme: Solutions for a Circular Economy in Singapore
Date: 1 June, 9:30am – 1pm
Guest of honour: Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment &
Water Resources and Ministry of Health
Panelists: Jessica Cheam from Eco Business (Moderator), Dr Amy Khor, Jeff Turner from
DSM, Veera Swaminathan from Sustainable Living Lab and JD Kasamoto from Ricoh Asia
Pacific
Event Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tTylXwKNzo
Ms. Jessica Cheam, Managing
Editor of Eco Business, gave the
opening remark
Mr. Kazuhisa Goto, Managing Director of
Ricoh Asia Pacific, gave the opening speech
Dr. Amy Khor, Senior Minister of State in Ministry of
Environment & Water Resources and Health,
presented her opening remark
Ms. Dawina K. Khaira shared on
Sustainable Singapore Initiative
Team MSW shared their winning proposal
for the Circular Economy Challenge
Token of Appreciation presented to the panellists
Delegates discussed the relevant points to the
industry roundtable theme during the breakout
session
Eco Action Day Results & Achievement
Organisation & School Pledges
No. of Participating Organisations since 2014
Total List of Corporate Pledges: 16
Category: (1) Energy Conservation, (2) Waste Management & Recycling, (3) Resource
Conservation and (4) Green & Campaign Awareness Outreach
TOP Three Pledged Action:
Encourage staff to read email via PC instead of printing
Include “Switching off lights during lunch hour” into your office protocol
Set all electronic equipment to energy saving mode (PCs, Laptops, Photocopiers)
185
192
207
210
170
175
180
185
190
195
200
205
210
215
2014 2015 2016 2017
17%
38%
2%
12%
24%
7%MNC
Corporation
Govt
School
SME
Building
Up by 1.5%
Eco Action Day 2017
Participating Organisations
by Industry
Total List of School Pledges: 24
Category: (1) Energy Conservation, (2) Waste
Management & Recycling, (3) Resource Conservation and
(4) Environment Education & Initiatives
TOP Three Pledged Action:
Cultivate green habits in school by displaying posters
and stickers with tips on saving energy and resources
Educate students of all levels about 3Rs (Reduce,
Reuse & Recycling)
Set up Environmental Committee and active involvement in managing the school’s
green environment
Individual Pledge
No. of Participating Individuals since 2014
Total List of Individual Pledges: 11
Category: (1) Home, (2) Office/ School and (3) Daily Habits
TOP Three Pledged Action:
Use less flow of water for washing
Use more natural light
Bring your own mug or water bottle
282
449420
1185
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1100
1200
2014 2015 2016 2017
Up by 282%
Media Publicity
5 Broadcast
(Channel 8, Channel News
Asia, FM Radios)
22 Online
(Eco Business, Green
in Future, Malaysian
Digest etc.)
2 Print
(NNA Asia & Ascent)
Photo Gallery
Announce of Eco Action Day 2017 Plan on 22 February at Eco Business Panel Discussion:
Will the Business Drives SDGs?
Ricoh Singapore’s Roadshows on 16 & 17 March
SMRT Train Stations Outdoor Advertisements at 45 stations, including Raffles Place &
Dhoby Ghaut Station
Office Building Roadshows in the month of April
Keppel Tower
Bugis Junction Tower
Campaign Sharing at External Events
Keppel Bay Tower
Ocean Financial Centre
SMRT Green Forum President Awards Networking Session
SMU Pre Trip Session
Partners & Supporters
Keppel Land Limited (Strategic Partner)
One of Asia's premier property companies, Keppel Land is committed to hand over to the next
generation a more developed, yet cleaner and greener world. Adopting a proactive approach
towards environmental management and protection, the Company strives to create
sustainable and optimal live-work-play environments in all its properties, celebrated for their
quality, innovation and integrity.
Keppel Land is recognised for its sterling portfolio of award-winning residential developments
and investment-grade commercial properties as well as high standards of corporate
governance and transparency. As part of its sustainable journey, Keppel Land has also put in
place policies, strategies and practices to help the Company achieve positive outcomes for its
businesses, the environment and community at large.
Keppel Land has been conferred several sustainability accolades, including being ranked
fourth in the prestigious Corporate Knights' Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the
World 2015, placing it first in Asia and among real estate companies worldwide.
Keppel REIT Management Limited (Office Building Supporter)
Keppel REIT is one of the largest real estate investment trusts (REITs) listed on the Singapore
Exchange Securities Trading Limited (SGX-ST) with assets under management of over $8
billion.
Listed by way of an introduction on 28 April 2006, Keppel REIT's objective is to generate stable
income and long-term growth for Unitholders by owning and investing in a portfolio of quality
income-producing commercial real estate and real estate-related assets in Singapore and
pan-Asia.
Keppel REIT's quality portfolio comprises interests in eight premium office assets with 11 office
towers strategically located in the central business district of Singapore, as well as key
Australian cities of Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
Ministry of Environment and Water Resources (Supporting Partner)
MEWR is committed to providing Singaporeans with a quality living environment. Having
achieved a clean and green environment and a system in place to maintain and safeguard it,
the Ministry’s ultimate goal is long-term environmental sustainability.
Together with its two statutory boards, the National Environment Agency (NEA) and PUB,
the national water agency, MEWR continues to manage Singapore's limited resources
and address Singapore's environmental sustainability challenges through innovation,
vibrant partnerships and co-operation across the 3P (People, Private and Public) sectors.
National Environment Agency (Supporting Partner)
Formed on 1 July 2002, the National Environment Agency (NEA) is the leading public
organisation responsible for improving and sustaining a clean and green environment in
Singapore. The NEA develops and spearheads environmental initiatives and programmes
through its partnership with the People, Public and Private sectors. It is committed to
motivating every individual to take up environmental ownership and to care for the
environment as a way of life.
By protecting Singapore's environment from pollution, maintaining a high level of public health
and providing timely meteorological information, the NEA endeavours to ensure sustainable
development and a quality living environment for present and future generations.
Singapore Environment Council (Supporting Partner)
Established in 1995, the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) is an independently managed,
non-profit and non-government organisation. We influence thinking on sustainability issues
and coordinate environmental efforts in Singapore. We are also an approved charity and offer
tax exemption to donors.
SEC continuously engages all sectors of the community by formulating and executing a range
of holistic programmes, such as the Singapore Environmental Achievement Awards, Asian
Environmental Journalism Awards, SEC-StarHub School Green Awards, Singapore Green
Labelling Scheme, Project: Eco-Office, Project: Eco-Shop and Project: F&B. In addition, we
build a pool of committed volunteers under our Earth Helpers programme. Our Training and
Education arm provides the people, public and private sectors with the opportunity to develop
awareness, knowledge, skills and tools in order to protect and improve our environment for a
sustainable future.
Energy Market Authority (Supporting Partner)
The Energy Market Authority (EMA) is a statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and
Industry. Our main goals are to ensure a reliable and secure energy supply, promote effective
competition in the energy market and develop a dynamic energy sector in Singapore. Through
our work, EMA seeks to forge a progressive energy landscape for sustained growth.
EMA’s “Smart Energy, Sustainable Future” Vision describes how we seek to harness, deliver
and utilise energy in an innovative and efficient way. It highlights the need to develop robust
energy solutions that endure over time. Our Mission “To Forge a Progressive Energy
Landscape for Sustained Growth” seeks to develop, in partnership with all stakeholders, an
energy landscape that is forward-looking, innovative and vibrant. The aim is to create an
energy sector that contributes to sustained growth, for the benefit of all Singaporeans.
Building & Construction Authority (Supporting Partner)
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is an agency under the Ministry of National
Development, championing the development of an excellent built environment for Singapore.
“Built environment” refers to buildings, structures and infrastructure in our surroundings that
provide the setting for the community’s activities.
BCA’s Mission is “we shape a safe, high quality, sustainable and friendly built environment”
and its Vision is to have “a future-ready built environment for Singapore”.
In line with the mission and vision, BCA’s strategic thrusts are: A Caring and Innovative
Organisation, A Safe and High Quality Built Environment, A Friendly and Sustainable Built
Environment, An Advanced and Productive Built Environment Sector and Effective
Partnership with Our Stakeholders.
SMRT Corporation Limited (Partner)
SMRT Corporation Ltd is Singapore’s premier multi-model transport provider. Our core
businesses are in rail operations, maintenance and engineering as well as in bus, taxi and
automotive services.
Complementing these are our integrated businesses in retail, media and marketing, as well
as properties and retail management. We are committed to sustainable development and
corporate social responsibility as we strive towards our vision of “Moving People, Enhancing
Lives”.
Eco Business (Partner)
Established in 2009 in Singapore, Eco-Business is an independent media company serving
Asia Pacific’s responsible business and sustainable development community. Our platforms
include the award-winning Eco-Business.com site, custom publications, and high-impact
bespoke events catered to deepen discussions on sustainability.
We expanded to Sydney in late 2015 and now operate from both Singapore and Australia.
For further information, please visit www.eco-business.com
Global Compact Network Singapore (Partner)
Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS) is the national lead agency promoting Corporate
Sustainability, providing a one-stop concierge service for businesses to begin, deepen and
broaden their sustainability journey.
As the local chapter of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), GCNS encourages
companies committed to align their operations and strategies with UNGC’s 10 universally
accepted principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption.
Through various platforms for multi-stakeholder engagement and collective action, GCNS
advances the stewardship of sustainable business practices, supporting Singapore’s national
agenda of becoming a regional sustainable business hub.
Mitsubishi Electric Asia Pte Ltd (Partner)
Mitsubishi Electric Asia is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, a world leading
manufacturer of products ranging from home electronics to satellite systems.
Since incorporation as Melco Sales Singapore in 1977, Mitsubishi Electric Asia has been
providing reliable, high-quality products to homes, businesses and industries in Asia Pacific.
Located in Singapore, Mitsubishi Electric Asia seeks to be established as a marketing and
engineering hub with its well-networked and strategic presence in the region.
Contact Us
We wish to hear from you if you have further queries about this campaign. Eco Action Team
seeks for more partnership with external organisations. Be part of the green movement, join
us in making the difference for the environment.
If you are keen to join us for any partnership, you may contact Masayo, Yee Thing or Olivia at
Thank you & see you next year!
The Eco Action Team @
Ricoh Asia Pacific Pte Ltd
Regional Environmental Management Group
