Sustainability in Focus: Crowe Singapore Contributes to Discourse on ESG Investment and Innovation at the 22nd ESG Investment Frontier Forum

Shenzhen, China - Crowe Singapore's Head of Sustainability and Climate Change, Mr. Chia Shu Siang, served as an expert panelist at the 22nd ESG Investment Frontier Forum in Shenzhen, China. The event, organised by the China Alliance of Social Value Investment (CASVI), was focused on "ESG Investing and Business Innovation."

 As part of a high-level roundtable discussion with leading bankers and social entrepreneurs, Mr. Chia shared strategies and examples of how businesses can simultaneously reduce carbon emissions, optimize operations, lower costs, increase benefits, and seize new business opportunities in the global transition towards a low-carbon economy.

Key points from Mr. Chia's discussion included:

• Enhancing Energy Efficiency: Companies can save on energy costs and reduce carbon emissions by improving equipment, optimizing production processes, and enhancing building design.
• Adopting Clean Energy: By using renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and water, businesses can cut carbon emissions and possibly save on energy costs.
• Practicing Circular Economy: Through resource reuse, product redesign, and waste recovery, companies can conserve resources, lower carbon emissions, and save costs.
• Developing Green Products and Services: As consumers and investors become increasingly eco-conscious, businesses can cater to market demand by offering greener products and services, thus generating new revenue streams.
• Carbon Credit Trading: Companies that significantly reduce carbon emissions could sell their saved emission rights to other businesses, creating additional income.

Mr. Chia also shed light on the emerging trend of 'Orange Bonds', a new sustainable development bond promoting socially responsible investment. The bonds are designed to fund projects offering significant social benefits such as poverty alleviation, education enhancement, public health improvement, and community welfare upliftment.

Moreover, Mr. Chia emphasized the critical role of cross-disciplinary collaboration in tackling the challenges of sustainability and climate change, especially between auditors, engineers, and project management professionals. This synergy, he stressed, is vital to fulfilling the guidelines of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and aiding corporations in achieving their net-zero carbon emissions goals in a realistic and feasible manner.

“Transforming towards a low-carbon economy is not only a necessity in combatting climate change, but also an incredible opportunity for sustainable business growth,” said Mr. Chia. "At Crowe Singapore, we're committed to supporting clients on this journey, helping them discover new growth points and competitive advantages."