19.11.24
City Developments Limited leads the charge in global sustainability
Step inside the world of CDL Australia’s parent company, City Developments Limited (CDL) – where sustainability is key.
Reinforcing its position in 2024 as a global leader in sustainable development through a series of impactful initiatives and accolades, CDL has positioned itself as a front runner in climate action and as a model for responsible business practices.
Let’s take a look at the highlights:
Green Building, Decarbonisation & Safety (GBDS) Seminar
In October, more than 300 colleagues from City Developments Limited and our subsidiaries came together for an impactful Green Building, Decarbonisation & Safety (GBDS) Seminar, centred on our shared goals of safety and carbon reduction.
Now in its second year, the GBDS seminar continues to drive meaningful exchange and action within the CDL Group toward a safer and greener future.
The event, which included Interactive roadshows from partners National Environment Agency, Singapore Civil Defence Force, and Singapore Green Building Council, enabled CDL to reaffirm its ambitious carbon reduction target of net-zero by 2030 – without compromising workplace health and safety.
Singapore Sustainability Academy
July saw the official opening of CDL’s Singapore Sustainability Academy (SSA) Annex, designed to boost capacity building and collaboration in climate action and sustainable development.
An extension of the SSA, which was designed and built by CDL in 2017, the new building was constructed with materials certified as coming from responsible sources and incorporates state-of-the-art and innovative sustainable features to achieve net-zero operational energy.
A hub for networking, the SSA provides a platform for industries, youths, and the community to share knowledge and build partnerships for a more sustainable future.
This includes supporting national environmental and climate plans, such as the Singapore Green Plan 2030, Singapore’s Long-Term Low-Emissions Development Strategy, and involves an extensive partnership with six government agencies and 15 industry and NGO partners.
The new annexe enhances CDL’s commitment to collaborative action for a greener future.
Zero-energy CDL EcoTrain
The CDL EcoTrain was launched in September and is Singapore’s first repurposed SMRT train cabin for sustainability education and awareness.
The operationally zero-energy model aims to engage the community on pressing climate and sustainability issues, particularly younger children aged four and above. In collaboration with JKT, Singapore’s largest Science, Nature and Sustainability social media platform, the train features interactive displays, exhibits and workshops focused on environmental themes.
The debut theme spotlighted the rich and vibrant world of rainforests, showcasing how these ecosystems play vital roles in combating climate change and preserving biodiversity.
Celebrating two awards
CDL celebrated its 17th year of sustainability reporting excellence with not one – but two – prestigious awards.
In August, the company picked up the inaugural Distinction in Sustainability Reporting Award at the 19th Singapore Corporate Awards (SCA), then backed up in September with the Sustainability Reporting of the Year – APAC award at the Environmental Finance Sustainable Company Awards 2024.
These awards were an honour to receive and cement CDL’s commitment to continually improving and setting benchmarks in sustainable finance and reporting.
Annual sustainability reporting
Looking back at these achievements over 2024, it’s not hard to see why CDL was named the world’s most sustainable real estate management and development company following a global list from Corporate Knights.
Appearing as the first and only Singaporean company to be included in the list, CDL was praised for its dedication to the current climate crisis and sustainable practices – outperforming corporate conglomerates such as Tesla Inc, Apple Inc and Unilever PLC.
Stay up to date with CDL’s annual Integrated Sustainability Reports (ISR), which can be found here.