Singtel has announced an ambitious overhaul of its environmental sustainability strategy. This major shift includes the adoption of stringent Science Based Targets initiative-validated (SBTi) targets and an advanced net-zero target for 2045. The announcement was made at Singtel’s inaugural Singtel LEAD thought leadership forum at Marina Bay Sands, attended by over 400 stakeholders including customers, vendors, and investors.

Mr Yuen Kuan Moon, Singtel’s Group Chief Executive Officer, who delivered the forum’s keynote address, said, “There is no time to waste if we want to avoid the worst effects of the climate crisis. This is why we’re pushing ourselves to go further and faster, with more aggressive SBTi climate
commitments and bringing forward our net-zero target from 2050 to 2045. Our teams are fully engaged
in pursuing these ambitious objectives through a comprehensive environmental strategy, supported by
progressive programmes. We hope that our efforts inspire and rally our customers, people and partners, to join us in our collective pursuit to leave a better planet behind for generations to come.”

The strategy, dubbed the 4D strategy, is built on defending infrastructure against climate risks, decarbonizing operations, dematerializing waste, and delivering sustainable value. This comprehensive approach aims not only at reducing emissions but also at fostering a culture of sustainability across its operations and supply chain.

Singtel stands out in the telecommunications industry, being the only Asian telco to set a net-zero target before 2050 and to renew its SBTi-validated targets. It aims to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 55% and Scope 3 emissions by 40% by 2030, using 2023 as a base year.

Significant steps have already been taken towards these goals, including the deployment of solar panels and the securing of renewable-backed energy, which will cover approximately 20% of its operational energy needs. Singtel’s transition to an electric vehicle fleet and the introduction of e-SIMs for various customer segments further highlight its dedication to reducing its environmental footprint.

This proactive stance on environmental sustainability not only positions Singtel as a leader in the telecommunications industry but also serves as a benchmark for other companies in the region.

Mr Amandeep Bedi, Managing Director, ENGIE Impact, said, “Singtel’s resolute commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045 is admirable and serves as a guiding light for other organisations in the region to not only to set aggressive targets, but also put in place an action plan to achieve it. The transition to renewable electricity and initiatives to tackle scope 3 emissions are some of the crucial
steps towards achieving these targets. These initiatives have the added benefit of creating impetus within the value chain to drive large scale decarbonisation within the telecommunications sector.”

Singtel’s initiatives are supported by a substantial investment of S$150 million since 2015 towards environmental sustainability. As the company moves forward, its efforts to mitigate environmental impact through innovation and strategic planning highlight the critical role of corporate responsibility in addressing global climate challenges.