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Singapore EXPO Aims to Achieve Net Zero by 2024 with Solar Panels and Electric Vehicle Charging Hub

The step taken by Singapore EXPO to achieve net zero by 2024 is a significant move towards sustainable development, and it demonstrates their commitment to reducing their carbon footprint.

Singapore EXPO, the largest MICE facility in Singapore, is making remarkable strides towards achieving Net Zero by 2024. With the largest single-site solar rooftop installation in Singapore and the development of the largest electric vehicle charging hub in the eastern part of the country, Singapore EXPO is leading the way in sustainability infrastructure. The facility is set to become Asia’s first MICE venue running entirely on clean energy, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability. Managed by Constellar, Singapore EXPO’s efforts towards Net Zero align with Singapore’s vision to become the leading sustainable MICE destination in the Asia Pacific by 2030.

The installation of over 17,000 photovoltaic panels on the rooftops of 10 exhibition halls and convention wing makes Singapore EXPO the country’s largest single-site solar panel installation, covering an estimated area of 6.5 football fields. The energy generated from these panels can power 4,000 units of HDB 3-room flats for a year, replacing conventional energy consumption at Singapore EXPO with renewable energy. The installation is set to be completed in October 2023, just in time for the facility’s return to hosting events and welcoming communities.

In addition to its efforts towards clean energy, Singapore EXPO is also making travel more sustainable for its visitors. Shell will install 20 Shell Recharge electric vehicle charging points at the venue’s carparks, making this the largest charging hub in the eastern part of Singapore. Visitors attending events or enjoying the food and beverage offerings at Singapore EXPO can conveniently charge their electric vehicles while contributing to a lower carbon footprint.

Sustainability has been a top priority for Singapore EXPO since 2012 when its meetings and convention wing received the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award, making it the first MICE venue in Singapore to do so. The facility’s recent initiatives, including its commitment to the ‘Net Zero Carbon Events’ initiative by the Joint Meetings Industry Council (JMIC) and joining the Global MICE Sustainability Alliance, demonstrate its commitment to sustainable practices.

Apart from its green infrastructure, Singapore EXPO is also implementing urban farming on the rooftop of the convention wing by October 2023. The move complements the facility’s food waste management initiatives and its operation of a food digestor at Timbre+ food park. These measures help turn food waste into water that can be discharged into the public sewage system, reducing the carbon footprint from transporting the food waste for disposal.

Mr Chua Wee Phong, Chief Executive (Venues) at Constellar, emphasized the importance of investing in physical infrastructure and developing the necessary skill sets in the journey towards Net Zero. He also stated that education is a focus area this year, with efforts to learn and share industry standards and reporting with the eco-system of communities, including event organizers, to support them in their sustainability journey.

Doong Shiwen, General Manager of Shell Mobility Singapore, is excited about the partnership with Singapore EXPO in its sustainability journey. He believes that electric mobility is one of the solutions that can meet the growing demand for transport in a lower-carbon world. With the largest EV charging hub in the eastern part of Singapore, Shell Recharge can extend to more customers, encouraging even more drivers to embrace EVs.

The installation of a large solar rooftop and the development of a massive electric vehicle charging hub will reduce the venue’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources and promote the adoption of clean energy.

Singapore EXPO’s efforts towards sustainability have earned it the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award for the ten exhibition halls in February 2023, adding to its existing award for the meetings and conventions wing. The facility’s dedication to Net Zero and other sustainable practices makes it a top destination for meeting and event professionals seeking green venues.