Productivity Meets Purpose: The Rise of Green Productivity in Singapore

When Productivity Goes Green

We have all heard the term “do more with less”, but it is no longer enough as corporations are now expected to do better for people and the planet while still delivering results. This shift has given rise to a powerful new concept that aligns operational efficiency with environmental stewardship: Green Productivity (GP).

As Singapore advances on its national agenda on sustainability and climate care, GP is emerging as a strategic imperative for businesses that want to stay competitive and relevant in a future shaped by ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles.

💡 Definition by Asian Productivity Organization (APO):

Green Productivity (GP) is a strategy to enhance productivity while simultaneously reducing environmental impact to achieve overall socioeconomic development.

What is Green Productivity?

At its core, GP reconcile two needs often in conflict: the need for businesses to earn a profit and the need for everyone to protect the environment. It takes a systems approach and looks at how organisations can optimise their use of energy, water, materials and human capital while reducing emissions, waste and damage to environment — all without compromising profitability.

Key principles include:

• Resource efficiency — using less to produce more

• Waste minimisation

• Process innovation for long-term sustainability

• Aligning operations with climate and ESG goals

• Supporting growth that benefits both business and society

🔍 It’s not just about doing things right. It’s about doing the right things better.

Why It Matters More Than Ever

Singapore’s national productivity agenda is no longer simply about output. With increasing global and local focus on climate change, carbon management and ESG integration, businesses are asked to rethink how they operate.

GP is gaining momentum because of rising environmental expectations from consumers, investors and government. There are also a better schemes for businesses who invest in eco-friendly operations that help to reduce lower energy usage and waste costs. Businesses are also being assessed on their environmental and social impact, as those aligning productivity with purpose fare better with brand trust and global opportunities.

🧭 Green Productivity is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ — it’s a must-have business strategy.

SGPA & SGPC’s Roles in advancing Green Productivity

Singapore Productivity Association (SGPA) and Singapore Productivity Centre (SGPC) are learning the shift from conventional productivity to GP’s purpose-driven efficiency.

As an APO-accredited certifying body, SGPC empowers professionals to lead sustainable transformation within their organisations through training and certifying Green Productivity Specialists.

SGPA’s signature initiatives like the Team Excellence (TE) Assessments have also included sustainability benchmarks, encouraging teams to develop solutions with environmental on top of operational impact.

💼 We are equipping businesses to turn sustainability into a source of strength.

harder. It’s about working smarter—together.

A Measurement Guide to Green Productivity

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