MORE companies are taking advantage of green incentives such as subsidised energy audits, which allow them to save energy and cut costs.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) is giving out $4 million to 143 companies under such a scheme.

These companies can expect to save $35 million by investing in measures such as more efficient chillers and lighting systems, said the NEA.

Dr Amy Khor, Senior Parliamentary Secretary (Environment and Water Resources), highlighted the example of Causeway Point shopping centre, which had achieved savings of $82,000 a year simply by making its air-handling and cooling units more energy-efficient.

She was speaking at a symposium this week organised by the Singaporean-German Chamber of Industry and Commerce. It attracted 250 researchers, government officials and industry representatives who came together to discuss collaboration between Germany and Singapore in developing energy-efficient technology.

The industry and building sectors are Singapore's top two energy-guzzling sectors, accounting for three-quarters of national energy consumption here, noted Dr Khor.

'The prudent use of energy is particularly pertinent during this period of economic uncertainty,' she said, adding that many companies were still not capitalising on opportunities due to a lack of incentives, capabilities and awareness.

Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.