Singapore, 25 July 2024 - The Singapore Sustainability Academy Annex (SSA Annex) was officially opened this morning by Guest-of-Honour Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Mr Heng Swee Keat. Developed by City Developments Limited (CDL), the SSA Annex is an extension of the existing 4,300 square feet (sq ft) SSA, a first-of-its-kind sustainable and net-zero building with construction materials certified as coming from responsible sources. Opened in 2017, the SSA is Singapore's first major People, Public and Private (3P) ground-up initiative supporting global and national goals to tackle climate change. The SSA Annex expands on this commitment towards climate action.
Located on the roof terrace of City Square Mall, Singapore's first eco-mall, the 2,690 sq ft SSA Annex aims to promote sustainable practices, advocate for a low-carbon economy, and engage businesses and the community. Focus areas include capacity building, education and training, resource sharing, user engagement and fostering sustainability thinking. It serves as a collaborative and community space for local and global Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) partners, with conference facilities for in-person and virtual meetings. The SSA Annex will also help to forge partnerships, build capacity, and bring partners together to develop innovative solutions to drive collaborative climate action. The SSA itself provides classrooms and a gallery for sustainability-related training programmes and advocacy events, through engaging and educating partners and attendees, including members of the public.
Strategic Partnerships to Advance Climate Action and Sustainable Development
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Platinum1 zero-energy SSA Annex houses the United Nations (UN) Global Compact Network Singapore (GCNS) as its anchor Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) partner. This reflects CDL's commitment to supporting local and international NGOs championing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Race to Zero, as well as the Singapore Green Plan 2030. CDL has also partnered with various NGOs, community stakeholders, government agencies and international organisations to facilitate 3P sector collaboration and knowledge sharing, including World Green Building Council, World Business Council for Sustainable Development, CDP, Global Reporting Initiative, Ocean Geographic, One Young World, Climate Force, Stewardship Asia Centre, Food Bank and others. The official launch of the SSA Annex showcased innovators like TA.LE, ChopValue, City Sprouts and Vidacity, Aerosprings, resavour and Fogo Fungi.
Mr Sherman Kwek, CDL's Group Chief Executive Officer, said, "Addressing climate change requires collaborative efforts across industries, governments and organisations. Through strategic partnerships, we can harness diverse expertise and resources to accelerate innovative solutions for a sustainable future. Since opening the SSA seven years ago, the facility has hosted over 1,000 events and training sessions, welcomed over 35,000 visitors and engaged more than 100 partners. The timely expansion of the SSA with the SSA Annex reflects CDL's dedication to leveraging partnerships for knowledge and capacity building, driving towards a net-zero future in Singapore and beyond."
Dr Bicky Bhangu, GCNS President, said, "I extend our warmest congratulations to CDL on the official opening of the SSA Annex, a testament to the long-standing partnership between CDL and GCNS. This remarkable facility embodies our commitment to a multilateral and inclusive approach to building a robust sustainability ecosystem. We deeply appreciate CDL's dedication to creating a space that reflects the values we uphold, fostering collaboration, innovation, and capacity building. The SSA Annex not only provides GCNS with a new home but also strengthens our collective efforts towards achieving our national and global sustainable agenda. Together, we chart a path to a sustainable and equitable future for all."
