‣ What is the DBS ESG Ready programme?

DBS ESG Ready Programme is a first-of-its kind programme that aims to help Singapore businesses – from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to mid-cap corporations – become future-ready by building capability and capacity in sustainability.

The programme takes companies end-to-end through the journey of sustainability - from foundational knowledge training to solutions, to financing and certification – to become ESG Ready.
 

‣ What is unique about this programme compared to others?

This programme by DBS is holistic as it covers a comprehensive range of support to guide enterprises through their journey in sustainability. The programme will offer DBS’s ecosystem of partners to nurture businesses in their sustainability journey. 

By laying out a comprehensive roadmap with clear steps and relevant solutions, it aims to help companies remove the guesswork on how to become sustainable, making it easier for them to take action.
 

‣ What are some of the benefits of enrolling in this programme?

Through the programme, participants can access a panel of sustainability specialists to guide them on their respective sustainability journeys. Enterprise Singapore will support 70% of the cost of eligible activities per company, and companies will also be able to leverage DBS’ suite of financing solutions at preferential rates. 

With discounted pricing negotiated by DBS from a panel of solution providers curated under the programme, as well as grants, clients will receive significant cost savings for a range of activities, including solution implementation, sustainability consultancy, and attaining industry-recognised certification. Eligible SMEs will also get existing government subsidies of up to 90% for training courses from DBS’s partnership with SkillsFuture Singapore.

Through the programme, participants can access:

1. Tailored roadmap - have programme milestones set according to your goals
2. Mentorship - have a dedicated Programme manager to guide & see through your progress
3. Events & resources - receive curated event invites and articles to keep you informed
4. Investor & stakeholder engagement - get equipped with the skillsets to engage your stakeholders
5. Business transformation - get support to implement the latest tools and solutions to enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of your business
    

‣ Who is eligible to sign up for this programme?

To be eligible for this program and its associated funding support, you must be a Singapore-incorporated SME and Mid-sized enterprises with the following characteristics:

• Registered and locally incorporated in Singapore.
• At least 30% local equity (ordinary shares) held by Singaporeans and/or PRs.
• Annual revenue (sales turnover) of under $1billion.
   

‣ What levels does the ESG Ready programme comprise of?

Level 1 (Basic) is for companies who are keen to kickstart their sustainability journey, are looking acquire knowledge on sustainability and measure and track their carbon emissions, and plan a sustainability roadmap. The Level 1 (Basic) programme will comprise of Training & Workshops, ESG Roadmap & Strategy development, Carbon Assessment, Carbon Reporting

Level 2 (Intermediate) is for companies who have undergone the activities in Level 1 (Basic) and more advanced in their sustainability journey and are keen to implement on decarbonization and business transformation. The level 2 programme will comprise of decarbonization projects, accessing DBS Sustainable Financing, publishing of sustainability report and embarking on certification and assurance. 
 

‣ When can I enroll for the programme and how long do I need to complete the programme?

The programme is open for registration from April 2024 onwards. Participants will have up to 6 months to complete each of the two levels - Level 1 (Basic) and Level 2 (Intermediate).
 

‣ What are the milestones to complete in Level 1 (Basic) and Level 2 (Intermediate)?

Milestones to be completed at Level 1:

• Completed Training /Education
• Completed Carbon Assessment & Accounting 
• Able to Produce Carbon Reporting
• Signed up for Reporting Verification/ Assurance (optional)

Milestones to be completed at Level 2

• Completed Training / Education
• Has Sustainability Strategy/ Decarbonisation Plan
• Signed up for Decarbonation Solutions
• Signed up for Certification (Optional)
• Apply for Sustainable financing Solution (Subject to Green financing principles and Credit Scoring)
   

‣ Is there a sign-up fee for the programme? 

There is currently no sign-up fee for this programme. However, businesses will need to pay 30% of the fees charged by the service providers for Enterprise Sustainability Programme (ESP) courses, carbon accounting solutions, consultancy and certification services. 70% of the costs will be subsidized by Enterprise Singapore through DBS.
 

‣ How can I register for the programme?

Interested representatives of SMEs and Mid-sized companies can register their interest on our website here.

‣ Will I be informed on the status of my registration?

Upon registration of your interest, a representative from DBS will contact you within 5 working days for the status of your enrolment.
 

‣ Can I opt-out of the programme after I have registered? 

Upon enrollment and confirmation into the program, participants are required to complete the stipulated milestones for their respective level, to enjoy the subsidies offered by the programme. Participants are encouraged to stay on the programme to reap the full benefits on sustainability.
 

‣ What kind of training courses will be offered under this programme?

The ESG Ready Programme will make available a range of courses from training providers. These courses include:

• foundational courses –introduction to sustainability and overview of key sustainability topics
• deep-dive courses on specific topics – carbon accounting and GHG management, sustainable finance, environmental risk, renewable energy deployment, sustainable facilities management, etc.

Participating companies will attend at least 2 training courses- a foundational and a deep-dive course.

Participants will select from a list of curated courses, which are SkillsFuture Singapore or Enterprise Singapore supported training providers, to address their training needs. Selected complimentary DBS masterclasses may also be offered. 

Companies who require specific training topics not on the list may discuss with their programme manager for arrangements.

In addition to training courses, participants may receive invitations to exclusive events to engage with other industry experts and likeminded companies on their sustainability journey.
 

‣ What are the subsidies available for training and upskilling?

Prevailing subsidies are:

• up to 90% subsidies for eligible SMEs by SkillsFuture Singapore for supported courses. SkillsFuture Enterprise Credits may be used for eligible courses. 
• up to 70% subsidies for eligible enterprises by Enterprise Singapore for supported courses.
   

‣ Who are the training partners?

The training partners are training providers supported by SkillsFuture SG or Enterprise Singapore.
 

‣ What is the duration of the courses?

The duration of courses will vary based on the training providers and topics. The list includes courses that last between one to five days, to minimise disruption to your business operations. 
 

‣ What kind of carbon assessment will be available through the programme?

The programme will make available a selection of digital tools that you can subscribe to, to assess your company’s carbon emissions. The carbon accounting solutions will allow you to generate reports and visualize your company’s carbon performance. You will be guided on the usage.
 

‣ What kind of strategy will be developed through the programme?

Following fulfilment of the earlier stages of roadmapping, training and carbon assessment, companies may engage specialists from the programme to develop a more detailed sustainability report or strategy for their company. It will be based upon international sustainability frameworks.
 

‣ What areas of decarbonization would the programme cover?

The programme will make available panels of solution providers for decarbonization across a range of areas, such as, built environment and real estate and renewable energy and electrification. Participants will be guided on the relevant activity areas that should best suit them, based on the company’s needs and the training, roadmap, carbon report and strategy that was developed in the earlier stages.
 

‣ What does it mean to implement decarbonization solutions in this programme?

Participants would only need to embark on the projects during the duration of the programme, and where needed, funding can be applied through DBS’s sustainable financing schemes and/or government funding schemes.
 

‣ What are the sustainable financing options available through this programme?

DBS has a full range of financing solutions available to support companies’ activities in sustainability, that will be available through this programme.

This includes:

• Enterprise Financing Scheme (EFS) - Green
• Sustainable trade finance
• Sustainability-linked loans
• Green equipment and vehicle loans
• Renewable energy financing
• Eco Renovate loan

Participants will be guided on the application where suitable.
 

‣ What would I need to get access to DBS’s sustainable financing?

• Participants would need to complete the prior portions of the programme, and produce documentation for a viable project (for example proof of purchase of green-certified product, achievement or application of green mark) and meet the relevant credit terms.
• Green Loan can be granted if the proceeds are directly allocated to projects that bring positive environmental benefits or any specific green activities. 
• Sustainability Linked facilities can be granted to incentivize better ESG performances based on a metric that is relevant, core and material to the business. 
• Participants will be guided on the application where suitable.
   

‣ What types of certifications can I obtain through this programme?

Participants can obtain certifications according to international standards such as ISO 14004 environmental management system, as well as Eco-certifications and product labels under the Singapore Green Labelling scheme.
 

‣ What kind of assurance services can I obtain through this programme?

• Where required, participants can obtain assurance services to verify their sustainability report.
• This will only be applicable for a report developed through this programme.