Eugene Tay’s Post

My first time seeing a TrashBot Zero at a shopping mall in Singapore. TrashBot Zero is an automated waste sorting bin capable of identifying up to four separate categories of recyclables. Through AI, robotics, computer vision, and machine learning, the technology sorts the waste item into its corresponding bin inside.

Knowing is not doing. Our job is not just to inform people. It is to change behavior. And behavior change does not happen with just facts and figures. It happens when habits shift. It happens when systems are redesigned. If you are focused solely on spreading awareness, you are missing the point. The real work is in designing systems and environments where sustainable choices are the easy and obvious ones. Stop focusing on the perfect plan. Start building the imperfect prototype. Stop lecturing. Start leading. The world needs more doers.

Conducted the SG Eco Fund ideation workshop last month, check out what happened during the workshop! If you have a project idea that benefits the environment and engages the community, tap on the #SGEcoFund at htts://www.mse.gov.sg/sgecofund

Interesting pilot of reusable cups as the default option in local restaurants in a city. The Petaluma Reusable Cup Project is a city-wide initiative, where more than 30 restaurants in the City of Petaluma will swap their single-use cups for to-go reusable cups as the default option to all customers at no cost. Widespread return points will also be available across the city. This program marks a significant milestone for reuse, as the first initiative of its kind that makes reusable to-go cups the default option across multiple restaurants in a US city. Participating brands and restaurants include Starbucks, The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, and Yum! Brands. Image source: screenshot of The Petaluma Reusable Cup Project website.

My energy level is 99.9%. This was my answer when my boss asked what was my current energy level at work. Although half-jokingly, I think being aware of and practicing Stoicism is a key reason for maintaining high energy levels at work. I believe that Stoicism, a philosophy founded in ancient Greece, offers valuable insights for sustainability professionals. By embracing Stoic principles, sustainability professionals can develop greater resilience and emotional control necessary to tackle environmental challenges. ☑️ Embracing Dichotomy of Control Stoicism emphasises the distinction between what we can control and what we cannot. This principle is particularly relevant for sustainability professionals, who often face complex and overwhelming challenges. By focusing our energy on what we can control, such as our own actions, choices, and perspectives, we can avoid feeling overwhelmed or discouraged. ☑️ Practicing Negative Visualisation Negative visualisation, a Stoic practice, involves imagining and mentally preparing for potential setbacks or negative outcomes. This practice can help sustainability professionals develop resilience and enable us to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity. ☑️ Cultivating Virtue Stoicism emphasises the cultivation of virtues, such as wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance. These virtues can guide sustainability professionals in making ethical and responsible decisions, and maintaining a long-term perspective. ☑️ Accepting Impermanence Stoicism teaches that everything in the universe is impermanent and subject to change. This understanding can help sustainability professionals accept that setbacks are inevitable and that progress is often gradual. By embracing change, we can remain adaptable and focused on long-term goals. ☑️ Living in the Present Moment Stoicism encourages living in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. This practice can help sustainability professionals avoid burnout and maintain a positive mindset, even in the face of challenges. ☑️ Embracing a Universal Perspective Stoicism promotes a universal perspective, recognising that all humans are interconnected and share common values. This perspective can help sustainability professionals empathise with others, appreciate diverse viewpoints, and work towards collective solutions. ☑️ Practicing Mindfulness Mindfulness, a core tenet of Stoicism, involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This practice can help sustainability professionals cultivate self-awareness, manage stress, and make mindful decisions. ☑️ Engaging in Self-Reflection Stoicism encourages regular self-reflection, examining one's thoughts, actions, and motivations. This practice can help sustainability professionals identify areas for improvement, strengthen our virtues, and learn from our experiences.

This new report on Scenarios for Assessing Climate-Related Risks, and its accompanying short-term climate scenarios tool, aims to bridge the gap in climate scenario analysis by identifying short-term scenario narratives for financial use. It serves as a guide to help financial institutions understand the implications and drivers of a range of short-term shocks.

Larger companies in Singapore are on track for mandatory climate reporting in FY 2025. A study by Singapore's Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) and the Sustainable and Green Finance Institute (SGFIN) found that larger listed companies are making good progress in climate reporting. The study examined climate-related disclosures of 51 larger companies listed on the SGX Mainboard, for FY 2022 based on the TCFD framework. Companies that exhibit strong alignment with TCFD framework will be well-positioned to fulfil ISSB-aligned reporting requirements in FY 2025. Key findings include: Governance - 94% of companies have assigned roles or formed committees to deal with climate risks and opportunities, demonstrating a strong commitment. Strategy - 88% of companies have disclosed the physical and transitional risks related to climate, but only 61% have disclosed the related opportunities. - Only 16% of companies have fully disclosed how they incorporated climate risks in their financial planning. Risk Management - 71% of companies have fully disclosed how they identified, assessed, and managed climate-related risks. - However, only 24% made full disclosures on the significance of climate-related risks compared to other risks and only 10% explained their potential magnitude. Metrics and Targets - Companies studied did well, with disclosures for Scope 1, 2 and 3 GHG emissions, at 96%, 100% and 59%, respectively. - 80% of companies have set targets and the timeframes to reduce emissions. Download the study report, Unveiling Climate-related Disclosures in Singapore: Getting ready for the ISSB Standards, at https://lnkd.in/gdrt8Yny Image credit: ACRA - Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority and Sustainable and Green Finance Institute (SGFIN)

Creating a sustainability guide for new employees. All companies can easily create a sustainability guide for new employees to educate them on the environmental practices and programmes in the company. This allows all employees to have a basic knowledge of what the company is doing on #sustainability. You can refer to this sample guide created by Gamma.

Sharing some tips for engaging employees on #sustainability. 1. Identify the green champions Why It Matters: - Identifying sustainability champions within your organisation who consistently practice green behaviours. By recognising them, you amplify their impact and inspire others to follow suit. Action Steps: - Observation: Pay attention to employees who consistently demonstrate sustainable habits. Look for those who actively engage in environmental discussions. - Surveys or Nominations: Conduct surveys or encourage nominations. Ask colleagues to recommend sustainability champions. - Public Recognition: Shine a spotlight on these everyday heroes. Feature them in newsletters, internal communications, or team meetings. 2. Use storytelling to amplify Why It Matters: - When you weave narratives around sustainability champions, you create emotional resonance. Stories inspire action and foster a sense of purpose. Action Steps: - Individual Profiles: Craft mini-profiles of your champions. Highlight their motivations, challenges, and victories. Share these profiles on your company intranet or social media. - Before-and-After Narratives: Show the transformation. Describe how an employee's commitment to sustainability led to tangible changes. - Visual Content: Use images and videos. A photo of a champion planting a tree or composting can speak volumes. 3. Lead by example Why It Matters: - When sustainability leaders embody green practices, they set the tone for the entire organisation. Employees notice authenticity and consistency. Action Steps: - Visible Actions: Use a reusable water bottle or participate in clean-up events. Be the change you want to see. - Narrate Your Choices: Explain why you choose certain sustainable practices. Share your journey. - Involve Others: Invite employees to join you. Host a "Cycle to Work" day or organise a lunchtime discussion on sustainable living. 4. Celebrate small wins Why It Matters: - Acknowledging progress reinforces positive behavior. Small wins create a sense of accomplishment and motivate further action. Action Steps: - Monthly Spotlights: Regularly highlight an employee's sustainable efforts. Share their story and celebrate milestones. - Team Challenges: Set achievable goals to challenge teams. Celebrate when they achieve it. - Gratitude Notes: Send thank-you notes to champions. Express appreciation for their contributions. 5. Co-create with employees Why It Matters: - Involving employees in decision-making fosters ownership. When they co-create solutions, they feel invested in the outcomes. Action Steps: - Brainstorming Sessions: Gather employees from different departments. Discuss sustainability initiatives. Encourage diverse perspectives. - Taskforces: Form cross-functional teams to tackle specific environmental challenges. - Feedback Loops: Regularly ask employees for ideas on improving existing practices or implementing new ones. Like, repost and share your tips below!

22 lessons that I learned from spending 22 years to engage communities on sustainability. As I reflect on my journey of two decades in sustainability, here are 22 lessons that have shaped my approach to community engagement. 1. Start Small, Think Big: Sustainable change often begins with humble steps. Plant the seed, nurture it, and watch it grow. 2. Listen Intently: Communities hold wisdom. Listen actively to their needs, aspirations, and concerns. 3. Empower Local Champions: Grassroots leaders are catalysts for change. Support and amplify their voices. 4. Collaborate Widely: Sustainability is a team sport. Forge partnerships across sectors and disciplines. 5. Storytelling Matters: Weave narratives that inspire action. Stories connect hearts and minds. 6. Celebrate Progress: Even small victories matter. Acknowledge milestones and keep momentum alive. 7. Adaptability Is Key: The world evolves, so must our strategies. Be agile and open to change. 8. Embrace Complexity: Sustainability is not linear. It is messy and interconnected. 9. Learn from Failures: Each setback is a lesson. Fail forward, adapt, and iterate. 10. Inclusion Is Non-Negotiable: Diverse perspectives fuel innovation. Create spaces where everyone belongs. 11. Systems Thinking: Understand the web of interdependencies. Solutions lie at the intersection. 12. Courageous Conversations: Address uncomfortable truths. Authentic dialogue drives progress. 13. Lead with Purpose: Purpose-driven leaders inspire others. Be a lighthouse in the storm. 14. Balance Urgency and Patience: Urgency fuels action, and patience sustains it. 15. Nature as Mentor: Observe biodiversity, and understand and appreciate its diversity and resilience. 16. Design for Impact: Try to design programmes and campaigns that measure both environmental and community impacts. 17. Networks Amplify Impact: Connect dots, share knowledge, and create ripples of change. 18. Stay Curious: Curiosity fuels innovation. Ask questions, explore, and learn. 19. Advocate Boldly: Advocate for policies and programmes that make a difference. 20. Practice Gratitude: Be grateful for the help and support from all stakeholders and sponsors. 21. Legacy Over Ego: It is not about us. It is about the legacy we leave behind. 22. Think Win-Win: Try to achieve win-win situations for stakeholders, or at least go into discussions with that in mind. What's your own lessons on #communityengagement for #sustainability? Share your thoughts below, like and repost!