730 kg. 

That is the amount of carbon dioxide a person emits on average every month. To put numbers in perspective, the equivalent of 36 rain trees per person would be required to offset this – amounting to 216 million rain trees across the city-state.   730 kg/month for six million people amounts to a social cost of nearly $11 million in damages.  

As the climate agenda accelerates, government policies such as the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and the Net Zero by 2050 roadmap provide clear direction. Yet, it is consumer expectations, especially those of the younger generation, which are increasingly reshaping business decisions and investment strategies.

Across sectors – from real estate to manufacturing – organisations are navigating a new normal where sustainability is embedded in both strategy and operations. A growing awareness among youth is driving demand for more energy-efficient, responsible solutions – prompting organisations to evolve accordingly. 

Catalysts for Sustainable Behaviour 

Younger demographics are not only future leaders. They are current influencers of market trends. Their expectations are shaping a new normal in which sustainability is integrated into daily decisions and long-term planning.

1. Energy Efficiency at Scale 

Government incentives, such as the SGD 300 Climate Vouchers are prompting widespread upgrades to energy- and water-efficient appliances. With cooling accounting for a third of Singapore’s electricity demand , switching from a 2-tick to a 5-tick air conditioner can reduce monthly carbon emissions by nearly 60 kg , which translates to meaningful cost savings and energy reduction across households and businesses alike.

2. Sustainable Consumption and Supply Chains.

There is rising demand for responsibly sourced materials, reduced packaging, and ethical sourcing. This places pressure on companies to review their value chains, production methods, and procurement policies.

3. Upskilling and Workforce Readiness.

Sustainability forums, green career fairs, and corporate training programmes are building the next wave of ESG-ready professionals, capable of embedding sustainable practices within operations, finance, and facilities management.

Implications for the Built Environment

The real estate sector, which accounts for 40% of global carbon emissions , is under particular scrutiny. In response, there is a growing push for higher-performing, future-ready properties that align with both regulatory targets and market expectations.

At Savills, we are seeing an uptick in demand for:

• Green Mark Certification Advisory
  Reducing the use of virgin materials and optimising construction waste management practices contribute to circularity in the built environment.

• ENSURE™ Reporting    Delivering data-driven insights that enable asset managers to monitor performance and report against ESG goals with confidence 

• Strategic Engagement and Planning: Partnering with clients to embed ESG considerations across the property lifecycle – from acquisition and development to operations and disposal.

Looking Ahead: Aligning Business with Sustainability:

For businesses, aligning with sustainability is no longer a matter of reputational value. It is becoming central to risk management, investor appeal, and operational resilience.

By responding to evolving expectations – especially those driven by a younger, sustainability-minded population – organisations can position themselves competitively while contributing to broader national goals.

Savills is committed to supporting this industry-wide shift – translating sustainability ambitions into measurable outcomes across the built environment.

Find out more here

This blog article is written by Savills’ Energy and Sustainability Management (ESM) team, with contributions from Girvin Djapardi, National University of Singapore.

[1]https://mycarbonfootprint.spgroup.com.sg/

[2] https://www.wwf.sg/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/WWF_SG_CarbonReport.pdf

[3]https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/climate-change-energy-efficiency/energy-efficiency/household-sector/tips-on-buying-energy-efficient-appliances

[4]https://www.unepfi.org/themes/climate-change/40-of-emissions-come-from-real-estate-heres-how-the-sector-can-decarbonize/