DBS and Deloitte launch Sustainability Accelerator Tool to help Singapore SMEs identify and address sector-specific decarbonisation gaps

SINGAPORE, 24 July 2024 – DBS and Deloitte have unveiled the Sustainability Accelerator Tool, a user-friendly solution designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) assess their sustainability maturity levels. This in turn will enable them to better identify and address gaps in their sustainability journeys more effectively. A SkillsFuture Queen Bee, DBS recognises the need to upskill SMEs and facilitate their green transition. With this in mind, the bank and Deloitte to co-develop a tool to help companies in their green transition with clear roadmaps and practical recommendations. The tool aims to empower 1,000 local SMEs over the next 12 months. In addition, DBS and Deloitte will progressively roll it out to key markets where DBS has strong presence from next year onwards.

A study by DBS and Bloomberg on SMEs’ sustainability readiness found that only 37%¹  have a clear roadmap on how to achieve their goals. The Sustainability Accelerator Tool addresses these challenges by enabling SMEs to measure their sustainability maturity level across four pillars: ‘Governance Framework’, ‘Sustainability Strategy’, ‘Risks & Opportunities’, and ‘Metrics & Targets’. These pillars align with the TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) framework, a globally recognised reporting structure. This consistency provides SMEs’ stakeholders with transparent, clear, and comparable disclosures. In addition, the tool aligns with funding areas from Enterprise Singapore’s Enterprise Development Grant, enabling businesses to better access relevant funding and incentives.

The Sustainability Accelerator Tool offers several distinct advantages:

• Industry-specific analysis: The tool delivers detailed, industry-specific insights that address the unique sustainability challenges and opportunities within different sectors, offering more relevant and actionable data.
• Customised strategic recommendations: The tool categorises SMEs into three different stages of sustainability development – ‘Emerging’, ‘Maturing’, or ‘Leading’– and provides tailored recommendations to help SMEs address gaps in their respective journeys.
• Regional adaptability: The tool’s scalability ensures it can be further adapted to various languages and regional contexts across Asia, making it a versatile and practical solution for SMEs in different markets.

SMEs will receive a customised Sustainability Readiness Report which provides a structured analysis of their company’s sustainability maturity with insights to address the specific challenges they may be currently facing. Businesses that are keen to advance their sustainability journeys can choose to participate in DBS’ ESG Ready Programme, a holistic initiative that helps companies build capability and capacity in this space. Participating companies will also be able to access a panel of sustainability experts, including specialists from Deloitte, to effectively guide them on their sustainability journeys.

Koh Kar Siong, Group Head of Corporate and SME Banking, DBS, said “DBS is one of the first financial institutions to build up an ecosystem of sustainability partners, supporting SMEs in their decarbonisation journeys. This is rooted in our core belief to create impact for our customers and communities, and we are heartened to be working with Deloitte to help local businesses. The Sustainability Accelerator Tool is the latest in our ongoing efforts, where we strive to futureproof SMEs though practical and holistic solutions. Through this, we want to empower businesses to take charge of their sustainability journey, and partner them in their green transition.”

Brian Ho, Sustainability & Climate Leader, Deloitte Southeast Asia, said "The Sustainability Accelerator Tool is unique in its ability to provide SMEs with meaningful and practical guidance. Leveraging Deloitte’s expertise in sustainability transformation, it not only identifies strengths and gaps but also provides actionable recommendations to enhance sustainability performance. SMEs must embrace opportunities to become more sustainable, and Deloitte is proud to collaborate with DBS to bring this invaluable tool to SMEs."

Mr Shane Chiang, Co-Founder & CEO, Momentum Z, said: "The Sustainability Accelerator Tool’s questions were easy to understand and straightforward – especially for companies that are only just embarking on this journey. Through the identification of our green gaps, it has deepened our understanding and appreciation towards creating a sustainable business model. With this report, we are now looking to explore DBS’ ESG Ready Programme and kickstart our transition."

Mr Pradeepto Biswas, Founder, Indian Ocean Group Pte Ltd, said: “The tool's Sustainability Readiness Report gave a situational picture of where our company stands vis-à-vis the industry, and reaffirms that we are heading in the right direction. The industry-specific analysis is very helpful and gives a good guide on how enterprises should align their business practices from both the sector’s point of view as well as what consumers are seeking in the sustainability space. This tool, together with DBS’ suite of sustainability solutions, can help businesses reinvent and repurpose themselves.”

This latest collaboration builds on DBS’ ongoing efforts to help businesses develop and scale their sustainability practice. In April this year, DBS launched the ESG Ready Programme to help SMEs remove the guesswork on how to transition to lower carbon business models. For more information on the ESG Ready Programme, please visit https://www.dbs.com.sg/sme/sustainability/esg-ready-programme.

For more information on the Sustainability Accelerator Tool, please visit https://go.dbs.com/sustainability-accel-tool.

¹ DBS x Bloomberg, ‘Catalysts of Sustainability’, 2023: https://www.dbs.com.sg/sme/businessclass/Catalysts-of-Sustainability-ebook.pdf

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