SINGAPORE - Two new programmes have been launched to train some 300 people over the next two years to get them to be more efficient in their companies' energy usage.
The programmes, to be run by NTUC's Employment and Employability Institute (e2i) at a cost of more than $1 million, will equip professionals, managers and executives with the practical skills to implement energy savings.
One scheme will equip participants with the technical skills to manage and track the energy usage within their organisations. The other will equip participants with the know-how to review their companies' activities and adopt energy efficient methods.
The programmes were announced at an award ceremony on Thursday to recognise energy saving efforts by firms and individuals. The awards, first launched four years ago, are jointly organised by the National Environment Agency, the Economic Development Board and the Energy Market Authority.
Winners property developer City Developments (CDL) and multinational companies Abbott and Shell found new ways to cut electricity usage, including having an energy monitoring system.
CDL was able to achieve a 28 per cent reduction in total energy consumption annually since it implemented a 10-year green programme in 2006.
Abbott Manufacturing Singapore also cut its energy intensity by 40 per cent bringing down its energy costs by 25 per cent, while Shell's Pulau Bukom refinery has seen an improvement of 14 per cent in its energy performance in the last five years.
The three firms were given the "Excellence in Energy Management" award.
For the first time also, an SME won under this category. Engineering firm HSL Constructor was lauded for cutting its energy consumption by 37 per cent since 2011.
Six other firms - German Centre for Industry and Trade, NatSteel Holdings, Tien Wah Press, United Microelectronics, Micro Semiconductor Asia and Singapore Oxygen Air Liquide - won in the category for adopting best practices.
Three individuals, three schools and a public agency were also honoured by Minister for Environment and Water Resources, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, at the ceremony.
