SOUTHEAST ASIA CONSTRUCTION12 Nov 2020
CapitaLand launches global open call for sustainability innovation

Singapore-based developer CapitaLand has launched a global open call for sustainability innovation in its inaugural CapitaLand Sustainability X Challenge (CSXC), as part of its effort accelerate sustainability innovation and collaboration within the built environment. Companies across the world with suitable sustainability innovations can participate in the CSXC from now till February 2021.

Two winning solutions, the ‘High Impact Award’ and the ‘Most Innovative Award’, will be announced during the grand finale in May 2021. They will each receive S$50,000 to fund their projects, mentoring by a CapitaLand business leader and the exclusive opportunity to pilot, test and implement innovations at select CapitaLand properties in over 220 cities and 30 countries. 

The projects will be assessed based on the impact, potential outcomes and depth of innovation. They should also be scalable and effectively deployed across the geographies that CapitaLand operates in and its different asset types. Other shortlisted participants will stand a chance to trial their innovations at CapitaLand’s global network of properties. 

Lynette Leong, chief sustainability officer at CapitaLand Group said, “To accelerate CapitaLand’s sustainability efforts and meet our ambitious targets outlined in CapitaLand’s 2030 Sustainability Master Plan, innovation and collaboration with like-minded partners are essential. Through the CSXC, we are inviting individuals and companies worldwide to contribute their impactful and scalable innovations.  

“We are also discussing with local and international organisations on opportunities to partner us for the challenge. We look forward to working with our partners and the participants to bring great ideas to life and to co-create a more sustainable built environment across the global communities we operate in.”

Ms Leong added, “The seven challenge statements in the CSXC reflect the key themes and goals in CapitaLand’s 2030 Sustainability Master Plan. In addition to tackling the challenges of lowering carbon emissions and water conservation as well as promoting circularity in our waste management practices, threats such as Covid-19 and the haze have sharpened our focus on further improving the health and safety of our building occupants and customers, beginning with elevating the indoor air quality at our properties. This will reinforce our leading position as a sustainable global real estate company.”

Themes and challenge statements

Participants can join the CSXC by submitting their proposed innovation to address any of the seven challenge statements developed by CapitaLand to meet its global business needs. These seven statements are categorised under the following four themes:

Theme 1: Low carbon transition
CapitaLand is searching for onsite clean energy solutions and aims to achieve significant reduction in energy consumption for its existing buildings.

Theme 2: Water conservation and resilience
With increasing water scarcity, CapitaLand is looking for new ways of managing water in its existing properties in order to detect abnormalities in the water usage pattern and/or leakages. It is also seeking solutions to reduce potable water usage in its existing buildings with water harvesting and/or recycling methods.

Theme 3: Waste management and the circular economy 
To promote a circular economy approach to keep products and materials in continual use and reduce waste, CapitaLand is seeking solutions that can better segregate waste at source for recycling or treatment. The solutions should enable CapitaLand to manage resources and waste across its properties and construction sites.

Theme 4: Healthy and Safe Buildings
CapitaLand is looking for solutions to improve the indoor air quality to enhance wellness of users in its existing buildings.

To submit their innovations, participants can indicate their interest online via a registration form on the CSXC website. Once the registered project is assessed to have met the challenge criteria, participants will receive the full submission form for participation. Submissions will close on 1 February 2021, 23.59 Singapore Time (GMT +8).  

Six finalists will be shortlisted by 31 March 2021. At the finale to be held in May 2021, finalists will need to present a seven-minute pitch to the judging panel and answer the judges’ questions in a seven-minute Question & Answer session. To prepare for the finale, the finalists will receive expert coaching from mentors and will be required to attend a workshop to familiarise themselves with CapitaLand’s operations. Winners will be eventually determined by the judging panel comprising CapitaLand’s senior management team as well as external partners and experts.

Click here for more information on the CSXC and to participate in the challenge.

Images: CapitaLand