Sustainable September – 5 Tips to reduce and dispose of your e-waste!

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Sustainable September – 5 Tips to reduce and dispose of your e-waste!

Regarded as the world’s fastest-growing trash stream, e-waste has now become a common sight at rubbish collection points and landfills, especially for smart cities like Hong Kong and Singapore. For most of us, we’ve probably not given much thought when we discard our old phone or computer for a newer, sleeker model, or change an old home appliance to a new one. However, with each upgrade, we are contributing to the ever-growing pile of e-waste every year. 

According to the National Environment Agency report in 2018, Singapore generates 60,000 tonnes of e-waste annually. That’s comparable to each of us disposing 73 phones every year! Since our everyday electronics are often laced with lead, mercury, or other toxic substances, these can cause serious damage to our environment and our public health if they are not disposed properly. 

As we explore various ways to #PowerTheChange for a #SustainableSeptember, there’s no better place to start than what’s in your household bin. We have compiled a few easy ideas on how you can effectively reduce your e-waste by giving your electronic items a new lease of life and challenging yourself to think twice about your next electronic purchase. 

1. Donate your pre-loved electronics

On average, electronic devices usually have a lifespan of between 4 to 5 years. However, being a tech-savvy nation, we often upgrade our phones and laptops in just a couple of years, which may still be working perfectly well! 

Instead of simply throwing them out, how about passing them on to someone else who may need it? Locally, there are many non-profit organisations such as Engineering Good that collect, refurbish and distribute secondhand electronic devices for individuals in need.  By donating your old electronics, not only will it help underprivileged families have equal access to such digital devices, it also prolongs their lifespan, thus conserving our natural resources. 

2. Exchange them for cash

With more than 100 Cash-for-Trash stations available island-wide, which collect recyclables including small electrical appliances that are considered as unregulated e-waste, you can easily find one that’s near you and exchange your items for cash! These incentive programmes not only help you do good for the environment; it even rewards you for doing so! 

Alternatively, you can also consider selling or trading your old gadgets with other like-minded individuals via online sites such as Carousell, or even join a Facebook group to organise an online garage sale within your local neighbourhood! 

You might be surprised at how many online groups with collectors are willing to pay good money for older electronics such as old film cameras or Gameboys, and who knows? You may even make some new buddies along the way!

3. Repair before Replace

Beyond personal devices such as mobile phones and computers, a huge percentage of electronic waste also comes from home appliances, such as washing machines, air-conditioning units and hair dryers.  

Given the abundance of affordable options we have today for our electronics, it is not unusual for us to want to replace them when they seem to be broken or spoilt.  

However, as we take a step towards incorporating more sustainability practices within our lifestyles, how about challenging yourself to pick up that toolbox? While there are no shortages of tutorial videos on YouTube, you can also consider signing up with our ChangeMakers Repair Kopitiam to learn how to diagnose and fix your broken electronics! 

Repair Kopitiam hosts monthly workshops at various venues across Singapore and aims to equip individuals with basic technical skills to repair their items. While not all items can be restored to their 100%, the skills and knowledge you obtain from these repair sessions will no doubt help tackle the “buy and throw away” practice that is ingrained in our modern society, and pave the way for a more sustainable world.  

4. Buy only what you need

Tackling the e-waste problem is not just about being more conscious of our post-purchase behaviour, it starts with the mindset we have towards our buying habits.  Instead of being swept off by the convenience of e-commerce and giving in to impulsive buys, how about making the conscious effort to purchase more mindfully?  

Before every purchase, it is important to be aware of what you already own, and then ask yourself this – is this item a ’want’, or a ‘need’ ? By going through this process, it helps you curb the urge to buy an electronic device just to keep up with the latest technology trend, and reduces your e-waste contribution over time! 

5. Recycle at designated bins and drop-off point

Despite best efforts to repair or donate our electronic devices, there comes a time when we need to eventually dispose of them. Given the toxic substances that are present within each electronic, which can be damaging to both humans and the environment, it is important for us to know how to dispose them correctly.  

Singapore has identified e-waste as one of the priority areas under Singapore’s Zero Waste Masterplan, which aims to reduce one-third of the waste sent to our landfill by 2030. Working towards a zero-waste nation, the National Environment Agency has appointed ALBA E-Waste Smart Recycling to lead this green cause and handle our e-waste challenges properly. 

With more than 300 collection bins scattered around the island, where you can deposit all your non-working and recyclable electronic devices – including items such as your computer monitors, electronic toys, LED lightbulbs, there’s really no excuse not to recycle them responsibly!  

Every action matters to #PowerTheChange for our environment. By doing our part to lower our e-waste, we can make a big difference in our carbon footprint and help preserve our Earth’s resources in the years to come. 


Go Green Your Way – Four reasons to support local eco-friendly organisations

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Go Green Your Way – Four reasons to support local eco-friendly organisations

When the COVID-19 pandemic took the world by surprise since last year, the nation’s economy was affected significantly and we witnessed the vulnerability of local businesses and small and medium enterprises within the year. Amidst the pandemic, another pressing issue was also brought to the forefront – Climate Change.

From what seemed like a trying time, a silver lining emerged and we saw global emissions fell a record of 7%. Witnessing this significant reduction, the world grew even more aware of the importance of being eco-friendly and its effects on global warming. More Singaporeans also took notice of local businesses with a green mission to meet these increasing demands for sustainability.

And here are 4 reasons why you should continue to show your support for our eco-friendly organisations, especially in these challenging times, and #PowerTheChange for a greener environment!

1. Reduce your carbon footprint

In a recent report by McKinsey & Company, the fashion industry contributed about 2.1 billion tonnes of greenhouse-gas (GHG) emissions in 2018, which is about the same quantity of GHGs per year as the entire economies of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom combined. Without any action taken, the emissions are predicted to grow to 2.7 billion tonnes a year by 2030.

While brands and retailers are the main driving forces to mitigate the greenhouse-gas contributions, consumers can also play their part to #PowerTheChange and make a difference for the environment.

Which is why fashion retailers like our ChangeMaker, REFASH, are trying to change consumers’ buying behaviours and pave the way for a more sustainable fashion future. By giving new life to pre-loved apparels and reselling them, they have saved over 1.5 million pieces of clothing and displaced 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent since 2015.

To help our customers reduce their carbon footprint even further, we have also partnered with REFASH, as part of their BYOB initiative, to give away complimentary Geneco tote bag (made from 100% recycled material) when you make a purchase of any pre-loved item at their stores. Simply show your Geneco e-bill to redeem the bag!

2. Improves our nation’s food security and creates job opportunities

Singapore imports over 90% of the food we eat, with some of our fresh produce and meat coming from other countries as far as Brazil, which makes us dependent and vulnerable to their supplies and price disruptions. Adding on to the dependency, the onset of the pandemic last year also further highlighted the importance for our homeland’s food security.

Realising this importance, Singapore set a 30 by 30 goal as part of our Singapore Green Plan 2030 and local farmers have been working hard since then to produce 30% of our nutritional needs locally and sustainably by 2030.

To help meet this goal as well, another of our ChangeMakers, Comcrop, have also expanded their urban farming facilities and continues to partner with senior citizens and other members of the community to help grow their crops whenever possible.

With your support and purchases of their local produce at Fairprice Finest stores and Redmart online, not only are you helping to improve our economy and creating more job opportunities, you are also contributing to our nation’s green goal!

3. Promotes circular economy and zero-waste

In the current linear economy structure, which we are all familiar with, the ‘take-make-dispose’ method often result in large amount of waste and causes a huge strain on our natural resources. A circular economy on the other hand, aims to reduce waste to the minimum and reuse these precious resources for as long as possible.

Working towards our zero-waste vision by adopting the circular economy approach, our nation has identified 3 key resource loops – Food, E-Waste and Packaging to act on, in order to lessen our impact on the environment. Our ChangeMakers, The Food Bank Singapore and Repair Kopitiam, are striving exactly towards this vision.

If you find yourself disposing untouched or unopened food on a regular basis, why not consider donating them? Through Food Bank’s Donation Boxes, which are available island-wide, this excess food can be put to good use when distributed to their large network of beneficiaries.

And to help you cultivate a repair mindset, why not join Repair Kopitiam’s latest project eRevival Square, where you can learn how to reduce your e-waste and take a pledge to solidify your commitment? Alternatively, you can also sign up to be a repair coach and help others make a positive impact!

4. Provides customised service

Local businesses usually tend to have a smaller customer base compared to big national retailers, which means they are likely to go above and beyond to add more value to customer service.

Green Nudge, a leading green social enterprise in Singapore believes that lasting environmental impact can only be achieved collectively, which is why they have designed various sustainable services that can be customised to the needs of companies and communities.

In support of their mission, we have also collaborated with Green Nudge by sponsoring their Coastal Cleanup Toolkit for our customers! Check out our PowerUp Rewards page to find out how to redeem this reward and join in on their green efforts!

 

Here at Geneco, we believe in building a more sustainable home for our future generations. Not only do we support like-minded organisations and our ChangeMakers in their environmental cause, we also believe in empowering our customers to #PowerTheChange for the environment.

With our Power Eco Add-on, Singapore’s first-and-only customisable and green add-on for an electricity plan, we want to encourage and help you #gogreenyourway with a choice between Carbon Credits (CC) and Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) to offset/avoid up to 3,920 kg of CO2, which is equivalent to the absorption of carbon emission by 192 rain trees!

Taking the first step to a greener future has never been easier and more affordable. From just 40cents more per month, you can choose your level of green contributions – 25/50/75/100% when you sign up with any of our electricity plans. You are then off to a great start on your eco-lifestyle in less than 5 minutes!

What’s more, you will be assured with an official Green Certificate for your contribution to the environment, plus the first 1,000 sign-ups for our 24-month price plan will also receive exclusive Geneco Green Starter Kits!

Every action counts in our combat against climate change – you can start by supporting local eco-warriors and their green beliefs or by simply adopting small changes in our daily habits. With a cumulative effort, we can #PowerTheChange and make a big impact on our planet.


Go Green Your Way – Show your love for Singapore with these 5 ways of living sustainably

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Go Green Your Way – Show your love for Singapore with these 5 ways of living sustainably

Singapore has always pride itself as a clean and green city. Since our independence, our founding fathers have made it a priority to put Singapore on the path of sustainability and provide a high-quality living environment for all Singaporeans. From enduring efforts to green our city-state to transforming urban water catchment areas into vibrant spaces and plans to ramp up public transport infrastructure to encourage a “car-lite” lifestyle, present-day Singapore has consistently been recognised as one of the greenest cities in the world.

It is undeniable that Singapore has come a long way over the past 56 years. As we celebrate National Day this year, what better way to express our love and appreciation for our country than to #PowerTheChange and build a greener tomorrow for our future generations?

We’ve put together five easy ideas for you to make a difference as our nation furthers its green goals for a more sustainable future.

1. Keeping Singapore’s spaces clean by picking up litter

With the current work arrangement, many of us have been staying indoors most of the time and heading out for a quick jog in the evenings is a form of respite after a long day’s work. Besides working up a quick sweat, how about making more of your outdoor jog by keeping your running tracks clean?

Known as plogging (jogging while picking trash), it not only helps us do good for the environment but offers many extra health benefits! According to a Swedish fitness app Lifesum, plogging burns 53[1] more calories than just jogging. The extra movements of bending down and picking up trash adds up to make a great workout.[1]

To get started, all you need is a trash bag, some gloves, masks and tongs. Once you’ve filled up your bag, you can either recycle or throw it away depending on the contents you’ve picked up. While making a difference in the cleanliness of your neighbourhood, remember to keep to safe distancing measures and stay safe!

2. Plant-a-Tree to contribute to Singapore’s lush greenery

Singapore has made a pledge to plant a million trees across our island over the next decade and bring the total number of trees in Singapore to more than 8 million. Trees play an important role in creating a conducive living environment by providing natural shaded areas and serving as natural air filters. With the ramp up of this nationwide effort, it will not only further beautify our urban environment, but also increase our country’s resilience towards climate change.

Here at Geneco, we are proud to be doing our part for this movement. Earlier this year, we have committed to plant 250 trees over the next five years as part of NParks’ One Million Trees Movement as we launched our Power Eco Total Home Solution. We’ve planted our first 50 trees at Windsor Nature Park on Earth Day together with our ChangeMakers and corporate partner Standard Chartered Bank to #PowerTheChange.

Looking for a way to contribute and be a part of this movement as well? You can do so by donating the cost of a young tree towards NParks’ Garden City Fund or volunteering your time to help in forest restoration works or outreach programs. With each tree planted, it brings us closer to our City in Nature vision.

3. Donating old laptops to help individuals from low-income families

As the Covid-19 pandemic continues shifting our daily activities online, individuals from low-income families may not have equal access to digital devices such as laptops to remain connected. These individuals include students who have shifted to home-based learning as well as adults who may be looking for employment through online job databases.

Instead of throwing out our old laptops, how about donating them to Engineering Good’s Computers Against Covid initiative? This non-profit organisation collects, refurbishes, and distributes second-hand laptops to families in need. While Engineering Good has distributed more than 4000 laptops since May 2021, they are still regularly trying to fulfil an average of 150 to 200 laptop requests each month, so every laptop donation counts!

Should your laptops be of the older models which are no longer suitable for use or donation, recycle them appropriately at the e-waste bins available across our island. You may even earn points that can be redeemed for shopping vouchers when you recycle your e-waste at these bins!

4. Extending the lifespan of Semakau landfill by reducing waste

According to the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, the lifespan of Singapore’s only offshore landfill is getting shorter by the minute. At the country’s current rate of waste generation, Semakau Landfill is expected to be fully filled by 2035 which would spell trouble for our land-scarce island.

With the renewed goal of reducing waste sent to our landfill by 30% by 2030, do your part to be more socially conscious in the amount of waste you discard! Some easy ways include purchasing pre-loved goods, opting for reusable items, and composting your food waste. The idea is to design a circular economy and maximising the value of our resources by keeping them in use for as long as possible.

5. Contributing to Singapore’s goal to shift towards greener energy

As part of the Singapore Green Plan 2030, our Lion City is taking significant steps to transition towards greener energy. Some goals include quadrupling the nation’s solar energy deployment by 2025 and tapping on green energy sources from overseas through electricity imports.

Strengthening our commitment to the nation’s green plan, we recently launched Power Eco Add-on – Singapore’s first-andonly customisable green add-on for an electricity plan to help you #gogreenyourway.

To encourage and ease Singaporeans into embarking on an eco-friendly journey to build a greener home for all, this green add-on was conceived with five key benefits in mind:

  1. Flexibility – The freedom to choose between Carbon Credits (CC) or Renewable Energy Certificates (REC) as a way to lower your carbon footprint.
  2. Affordability – A choice of 25/50/75/100% level, so you can do your part for the environment from as low as 0.1cents/kWh. That’s just $0.40 more for each month!
  3. Impact to the environment – Offset up to 3,920kg of carbon emissions. That’s equivalent to 192 rain trees absorbing CO2 in a year!
  4. Simplicity – Signing up takes less than 5 minutes and you’ll be off to a great start to an eco-lifestyle. It’s that easy.
  5. Authenticity – Receive an official Green Certificate for your contribution to the environment. And yes, it’s a digital e-cert.

We are also giving away free Geneco Green Starter Kits to the first 1000 sign-ups of the 24-month plan with Power Eco Add-on! Each Starter Kit consists of items such as a reusable grocery net bag, collapsible silicone water bottle, 100% recyclable foldable umbrella and silicone straw to help you in replacing the use of single-use plastics! Click here to find out more!

As Singapore continues its march towards the next 50 years, the road ahead will no doubt be challenging as we deal with the imminent pressures brought about by climate change and strained resources. However, if we each play a part and continue building upon the hard work of our forefathers, we can make a difference and #PowerTheChange for a cleaner and greener city for Singaporeans today and generations to come!


References:

  1. [1] (2018, October 7) The Straits Times, Go 'plogging' to get fit and do good https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/environment/go-plogging-to-get-fit-and-do-good

#PlasticFreeJuly – These unexpected items are shockingly not plastic-free!

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#PlasticFreeJuly – These unexpected items are shockingly not plastic-free!

What would the first thing that comes to your mind when we mention the word “plastic”? No doubt that the usual items like food packaging, such as bags for our vegetables and groceries at the supermarket, single-use cutleries for our takeaway orders and as disposable items like shower gels and shampoo bottles would most definitely make the list.

While you may be aware that many items we commonly see and use contain plastic, you’ll probably be surprised that some of your everyday items which you have never thought of, contain plastic as well! It is undeniable that this material has a big part in our society and makes our lives convenient, but at what cost? We have rounded up a list of items and a few alternatives you might want to consider:

1. Receipts

Every time we buy our weekly groceries from the supermarket or when we shop at the mall, we are not just walking away with the plastic packaging or the bag your item comes in. Unbeknownst to many, receipts are like straws. They contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical used in the production of plastics and resins. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to these substances can in fact, cause negative health impacts to humans. BPA also makes receipts non-recyclable nor compostable thus, posing a threat to the environment.

Receipts are one of the unexpected sources of BPA exposure that is often easily overlooked. So, the next time you shop, you may want to consider refusing receipts or opting for digital copies as a more sustainable choice!

2. Clothing

Donning on your favourite dress or shirt for a special occasion, but have you ever considered that you might be dressed in your favourite pieces… of plastic? Many clothing items are made of textiles that have microplastics in them, such as polyester and acrylic. When we wash our clothes, some of these microplastics enter the water stream and can cause pollution. Instead, buying clothes that are made of natural fibres instead of synthetic materials can help reduce the impact significantly.

As replacing our entire wardrobe is unrealistic, here are some steps to lessen its harmful effects:

  • Set the washing machine on cold water as heat damages the fabric, which could result in microplastics being released
  • Wash when the laundry load is full to lessen the friction between the clothes; this way, fibres are less likely to break off
  • Where possible, wash less by re-wearing clothes, which could probably be worn a few more times like denims and khakis

3. Glitter

During birthdays and festive seasons, glitter is everywhere: on packaging, in products and even on greeting cards. What seems to be a harmless decoration, may not be the case though. Glitter is made from a combination of aluminium and plastic, and are in very tiny, individual pieces. When we wash glitter off our hands, chances are they end up in our water bodies. With their size, it becomes much harder to remove them from water than plastic bottles or single-used utensils.

Once in the water bodies, glitter could be accidentally consumed by marine life like whales, seabird, and fish. For birds, especially, the plastic could be collected in their stomachs, causing them to eventually die of starvation.

Glitters are not essential. The next time we decorate our gifts or show our appreciation, perhaps we can skip those shiny non-essentials, and opt for a simple piece of twine and some cleverly reused wrapping paper!

4. Tea Bags

In order to increase the durability of tea bags in hot water, manufacturers don’t just use paper but also a significant amount of plastic. The plastic gets broken down in the beverage and we end up either consuming it unknowingly or pouring it down the drain once we are done with our cup of tea! For a healthier alternative, we can always choose loose-leaf teas, which are also generally better for the environment. You may find that they taste better and more aromatic as well!

Simply fill a tea ball strainer with your tea leaves and use them as you would a regular tea bag. When you are done with the tea, you can discard the tea leaves and wash out your strainer. Most strainers are made of stainless steel, making it easy to clean and reusable for long periods of time. Once you are more familiar with tea preparation, you can also have fun exploring teapots and other tea ware.

5. Skincare

After a long day at work, some of us like to wind down with a good book and a relaxing candle, while some of us find joy in engaging in a skincare routine. But did you know that some of your skincare products could contain plastic?

They can come in the form of microbeads, which are commonly used to scrub off dead skin cells. Apart from causing harmful effects on your health, microbeads can also enter the water stream and pollute the environment.

There is a wide variety of cosmetic products out there that are now guaranteed free of microbeads, and we can take this into consideration the next time we grab a cleanser off the shelves.

It’s not too late to embark on your eco-friendly journey so to help you get started, we are hosting a giveaway from now till 31 July 2021 on our Facebook and Instagram! Share with us your plastic-free tips and stand a chance to walk away with an exclusive Geneco Green Starter Kit consisting of Sprout plantable pencil, foldable umbrella that is 100% recyclable, collapsible water bottle, reusable straw and grocery net bag, plus $50 shopping vouchers!

As we do our part this #PlasticFreeJuly, we can consider slowly reducing and eventually replacing these unexpected items that contain plastic from our lifestyle with greener options. Through living by conscious choices, we are not just improving our own health but our planet’s welfare as well. After all, every little act counts to #PowerTheChange.


Plastic Free July - How to organise your own beach clean-up for the family

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Plastic Free July – How to organise your own beach clean-up for the family

As you stroll along the beach with your family on the weekends after a long week at work, did a stray plastic bottle or single-use utensil lying on the sand catch your eye? These small pieces of trash may look insignificant, but they reflect a larger issue – Plastic Pollution. The vast blue may seem picturesque, but underneath the waves, our oceans are polluted with trash.

How does the trash end up on Singapore’s shores?

When we dispose our trash, it is easy to toss them out and think that they are no longer a problem. However, trash does not just vanish. They may no longer be in sight, but they can still make its way into our oceans and rivers, even when that is not the intention.

What’s more, due to certain monsoon seasons in Singapore that last for an extended periods of 3 to 6 months on various parts of our nation’s coastlines, trash from neighbouring countries and islands get washed up and accumulates on our shores. This resulted in an increased efforts by the National Environmental Agency for the frequency of their cleaning operations, from four times a week to twice daily.

Common marine trash that could be includes plastic water bottles, straws and food packaging, which highlights the broader problem of mankind’s reliance on plastic and the harmful impacts it has on the oceans.

The trash debris can cause harm to wildlife, habitats and even humans. Plastic particles are toxic to marine life and can destroy many ecosystems by preventing the flow of open water. The impact of the trash in our oceans go beyond that – fishes and other ocean life may ingest these plastics and eventually end up on our dining table.

Why it’s good to do beach clean-ups – and even better to do it as a family

With the current pandemic developments around the world, it may seem like we have been staying at home most of the time due to the Work-From-Home arrangements. Instead of facing the usual concrete walls over the weekends, why not take a respite and enjoy the outdoors by taking the family for a fun day out at the beach?

Our island may be small but there is still a rich marine life on our sandy beaches such as Changi Beach or East Coast Park. From bubbler crabs to sea stars and horseshoe crabs, you may even be able to spot a rare turtle sighting if you are lucky!

However, it is important to note that we should always keep a distance from these wild marine animals and leave them intact in their natural habitats as much as we can. In fact, you can even go a step further to help preserve their homes, by removing items that do not belong to their natural environment.

Use this great opportunity outdoors to educate the young ones on the beauty of nature and do something meaningful while at it! You can participate or organise a beach clean-up to prevent the harmful debris items from entering the ocean again, and also protect endangered marine species from being a lost sight for our future generations.

With an entire month dedicated to going plastic-free this #PlasticFreeJuly, everyone can do their part to make a difference for our environment, and what better way to do so as a family to cultivate eco-friendly habits that can #PowerTheChange for cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.

Often, we need to speak with our actions, and we believe a unique dining experience with the lights switched off and breaking out the candles will be the perfect starting point to show why doing their part for the earth is important.

How to organise a beach clean-up

A beach clean-up might sound like it would be complicated to organise, but in truth it’s quite the opposite! If you are interested in organising one on your own, here is how you can get started:

    1. Register to Clean-up the Beaches and Parks
      This is a free registration initiative as part of the Public Hygiene Council, that can be made at least 21 days in advance. Participants and families can hold their beach clean-up anytime between 9am to 6pm, at various locations such as East Coast Park, Changi Beach Park and Coney Island Park!
    2. Prepare for the Clean-up
      As you rally your family for your first beach clean-up, you definitely to make sure you are well equipped! We recommend having on hand some masks, gloves, tongs, trash bags and even a first-aid kit! You can either prepare these on your own, or you can rent a package kit from our ChangeMaker partners Green Nudge!Here at Geneco, we understand the importance of playing a part in combating the adverse effect of climate change brought about by human activities. Therefore, as part of our green efforts this #PlasticFreeJuly, we will also be sponsoring 50 sets of Green Nudge’s coastal cleanup toolkit rental for Geneco customers to kickstart their own beach clean-up. Click here to see how you can redeem if you are part of the Geneco family!
    3. The Beach Clean-up
      Don’t fret if this is your first beach clean-up and you are unsure on how to get around it! Remember the aim of the activity is to bond with your loved ones, enjoy yourselves, all while doing good for the environment! With every trash you pick up, you realise the growing amount of plastic that might be out there affecting our marine biodiversity. The problem of plastic pollution may not be stopped overnight, but we can do much with each clean-up.If you are as pumped up as we are on how to create your own beach clean-up the Public Hygiene Council even has a guide to help take us through it to ensure we do it right while preserving the environment! Do check the weather before proceeding, and to take note of the list of items that are appropriate to pick up. Also, remember to adhere to safety guidelines and observe safe distance measures during this time!

Beach clean-ups may not be the first to come to your mind when thinking about spending time and bonding with the family. However, it is a great way to wind down and take in what our Singapore coasts have to offer, while doing a meaningful activity that is beneficial to the environment.

Take this great opportunity to teach the young about the harm of single-use items, and how a simple change in their daily habits can effect a change for our environment.

To find out how else you can play a part in preserving our environment and adopt a zero-waste living, visit our Instagram and let’s #PowerTheChange for a greener future, together.


A month dedicated to the environment – Be one with the earth this June

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A month dedicated to the environment – Be one with the earth this June

More than being known just as a month of respite to enjoy the school holidays, June has a special focus with key environment days – World Environment Day (5 June), World Oceans Day (8 June) and World Rainforest Day (22 June) – that celebrates the earth. There has never been a more urgent need to shed light on the state of our earth to encourage active involvement to restore and preserve its natural elements.

While it may seem daunting to take the first step, there are easy green activities we can incorporate into our daily lives that can make a difference and #PowerTheChange. We have put together simple actions you can take to do better for our planet.

Plant a tree to watch our Garden City flourish

Trees are extremely beneficial to the environment. They help to filter the air, reflect radiant heat and mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect. On top of that, they provide shade in open spaces, making it more conducive for activities like transportation and exercise.

Geneco is proud to join NParks in the One Million Trees Movement as part of the SG Green Plan 2030. As an organisation, Geneco has committed to 250 trees over the course of five years, and we had the honour of planting our first 50 trees at Windsor Nature Park on Earth Day this year. You can also be a part of this movement by NParks by contributing to planting more trees with a donation, or be a volunteer through the Friends of Trees SG programme as well!

Build a capsule wardrobe to challenge your inner fashionista

The term ‘capsule wardrobe’ may sound sci-fi and futuristic, but what it simply means is to curate a small set of clothes that you can wear for almost any occasion. The idea is often related to minimalism, but anyone can build a capsule wardrobe with a few key pieces. It is great way to take stock of your wardrobe to practise conscious consumption and to reduce unnecessary purchase of clothes you don’t really need – which is definitely a plus for the environment too with a reduction in textile waste.

In fact, according to Forbes, most of us only use 20% of our entire wardrobe and the remaining 80% is under-utilised[1]. Yet, many of us still go shopping for new clothes when the latest fashion trends hit the store. While we understand the appeal of retail therapy and “looking good, feeling good”, this can lead to unnecessary wastage and stress (especially when you spring clean and realise you have too much!).

Capsule wardrobes are a great way to break this cycle. You can start by choosing a few staple pieces, such as sandals, sneakers, shorts and t-shirts – these are pieces that we might already have in our closets and are weather appropriate for our sunny island. As we re-enter our office spaces again, we can also include a couple of simple office dresses for the ladies or a nice set of shirt and trousers for the gents.

If you fancy a challenge, you can check out Project 333 or the Capsule Wardrobe Challenge and put your wardrobe curation skills to the test. The key is to get creative with existing pieces and find new ways to utilise what you already have. At the end of the challenge, you might realise that one does not need that many clothing items in our closet. As you look to consider discarding them, consider trading them in with one of our ChangeMaker partners – REFASH. Not only do they buy and sell pre-loved clothing, but they aim to work towards a zero-waste fashion industry.

Change the game by choosing to actively recycle

Recycling rates in Singapore have dropped in the past year due to the impact of the pandemic[2]. However, that should not stop us from doing our part and changing the fate of our waste by making a conscious effort to recycle.

Below are 3 simple steps you can follow to kickstart your recycling journey:

Step 1: Check the blue bins on what can be recycled (National Environment Agency has even provided a list here)

Step 2: Ensure all items are rinsed and not contaminated with any food or liquids

Step 3: Drop clean recyclables into the communal blue bins

Recycling is not as tough as it seems. All you need is a little research on what can be recycled, proper guidelines and consistent practice. Bonus points if you can get your friends and family to join in!

Choose Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)

You might have heard of the term Renewable Energy, which is essentially energy produced from natural resources. This is an option that is better for the environment, as compared to traditional energy sources that tap on finite resources.

Renewable Energy Certificates are unique and credible instruments that signify each megawatt of electricity produced is generated from renewable sources. Not only are they unique and cannot be reused once issued but purchasing them is also a much more viable option for individuals, especially when one may not have the resources and infrastructures for solar panel installation.

Geneco provides the option of bundling the purchase of RECs with our suite of green electricity solutions for any homes at your convenience. We empower households and companies to go green when you choose Geneco’s renewable energy solutions for a more sustainable journey.

If you have the space for solar panel installation, why not consider Geneco’s Power Eco Total Home Solution, whereby we make it easier for you with financing solution, exclusive rebates and even more savings on your electricity bills!

By simply taking the steps above, anyone can play a part in protecting the environment at an individual level. Let this month signify your first small step to #PowerTheChange with Geneco and keep our earth green and healthy!


References:

  1. [1] (2021, May 14) Forbes. What Does Slow Fashion ‘Actually’ Mean https://www.forbes.com/sites/christophermarquis/2021/05/14/what-does-slow-fashion-actually-mean/?sh=2919916b73b4
  2. [2] (2021, April 23) National Environment Agency. Reduction In Overall Waste Generation In 2020, With Less Waste Sent To Semakau Landfill

Enjoy the June Holidays with sustainable activities for the children at home!

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Enjoy the June Holidays with sustainable activities for the children at home!

The June holidays are fast approaching and even though we are encouraged to stay in as much as possible, that should not stop the kids from having fun at home! However, we know that it is not easy finding indoor activities that will not only keep the little minds occupied but are also eco-friendly and fun for everyone.

There’s no need crack your brains as we have put together our very own list of green and sustainable activities for the children to get on board with this June holidays!

1. Make your own seed paper

Paper that will sprout into different kinds of plants and flowers? It may sound like magic, but it is absolutely doable with seed paper. The best part is that you can even make your own! Seed paper is biodegradable eco-paper with seeds embedded within. Plant it in a pot of soil, water it regularly, and be enthralled as you watch it grow day by day.

The steps are simple enough that any child can create it on their own. Simply choose your favourite seeds and then gather scrap paper materials from around the house to blend. NASA Climate Kids has even included a step-by-step instruction to get you started on this craft!

Use this handmade paper to write a lovely message for friends and family during the time apart. It is a great way to remind them that you are still thinking of them while at home and gifting them a green surprise as well!

2. Create your own obstacle course at home

Having an obstacle course will not only keep the kids preoccupied, but it will also get them to stay active while enjoying endless hours of fun. Utilise cushions, sofas, tables and more to create an obstacle course befitting of any indoor playground in town.

For example, you can build a tunnel simply by draping a blanket or a towel over two chairs (or more) or get them to hop from one spot on the floor to the another and pretend-play that the floor is consumed with lava! Even the simple hallway can be used to make your own laser maze with newspaper streamers in a zig-zag pattern between the walls and encourage the kids to work their way through without touching anything.

Get your child involved in building the obstacle course using materials from around the house. It’s a great way to show how items around the home can be upcycled to create a fun time instead of buying toys or electronics. Make it as challenging as possible with different items, but always remember that safety remains the number one priority!

3. Learn Science with fun challenges

Help children better understand the world around them by exploring the wonders of science at home with some simple experiments such as learning about buoyancy or how gravity works.

In fact, the James Dyson Foundation Challenge Cards are a great way to engage children in home-based learning and crafts to introduce the many mysterious concepts behind our Earth. Stimulate the young minds with the scientific fun behind these crafts and you may have got yourself a little Einstein.

Taking a leaf out from their books, attempt a quick craft by using cardboard materials to create a boat that floats. It is the perfect challenge the next time your children ask how boats sail on the seas!

4. DIY Bowling Alley

Remember the times we could just go to a bowling alley? Miss the adrenaline of scoring a strike? Create your DIY bowling alley from the comfort of your own home with your kids, using recyclable materials.

Not only is this activity a guaranteed fun, but it also allows children to expand on their creativity when creating their own bowling pins out of plastic bottles and paper rolls. Using vibrant colours of paint, give each bowling pin a unique design. We know children of all ages are bound to love this fun experience.

5. Zero Waste Recipe Challenge

The best part about being at home is that we can indulge in some home-made cooking and what better way to get the entire family involved in making this meal. Not only is it a healthier option, it also is a great way to reduce food waste and limit the use of packaging from doing takeaways or food deliveries.

As the name suggests, the challenge is to not leave any waste behind after cooking a scrumptious meal for your family. One way to do it is by planning your grocery trip to purchase just the right amount of food required. During the cooking process, don’t throw away all the trimmings, peels, or shells after usage. Where possible, use them for stock, or as compost if they are completely inedible. Easy recipes to conquer this challenge include a zero-waste pizza or these delightful chocolate chip cookies.

While it may be easy to turn to some screen time to keep the young ones occupied and spend the days, it’s always important to ensure quality family time is spent. What’s even better is to take this opportunity to share and educate your child on the 3Rs (reducing, reusing, recycling). and the power of sustainability. Not only will this help encourage appreciation and ownership for nature, but it can also establish a relationship that could translate to the future generations wanting to do more to #PowerTheChange for a more sustainable lifestyle and preserving the earth.


Renewable Energy Certificates Explained

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Renewable Energy Certificates Explained

What is Renewable Energy?

Renewable Energy might be a term you have come across if you have been on the lookout on getting your own green electricity plans for your home. What exactly is it, and how does it help the environment? Let us break it down on what it means, to help you better understand and assess it.

Currently, fossil fuels — coal, oil and natural gas, still account for over 80% of the world’s primary energy consumption. The burning of fossil fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, trapping heat in our atmosphere and making fossil fuels the biggest driver of climate change and global warming.

Renewable Energy, on the other hand, do not emit greenhouse gases during generation. It is produced from natural resources that are constantly replaced and never run out, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy.

What are Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and how do they work

Renewable Energy Certificates, known as RECs, are market-based instruments that endorse units of electricity generated by renewable energy sources. Each REC represents the clean energy attributes of one megawatt-hour (MWh) of renewable electricity. For instance, if a solar power facility generates 1 MWh of electricity which flows into a power grid, 1 REC would be credited to them which they can choose to keep or sell it.

Because electricity enters our main power grid from many different sources ranging from solar to natural gas, there is no way to know exactly what energy source your electricity comes from. As such, RECs are put in place to serve as an accounting, tracking and assigning ownership mechanism for green energies as they flow into the power grid.

RECs are also internationally recognised for meeting renewable energy commitments and within frameworks such as RE100Climate Disclosure Project (CDP)LEEDGreenhouse Gas Protocol. Renewable energy generation facilities are only eligible to receive RECs for each unit of electricity generated if they comply and are registered under internationally recognised standards, such as the I-REC standard.

After purchasing RECs, you can rightfully claim that 1 MWh of your electricity use came from a renewable source upon its ‘retirement’. An REC can no longer be sold again once it is retired, meaning no one else can claim that unit of renewable generation.

Difference between Renewable Energy Certificates and Carbon Credits

Individuals and organisations working towards their respective sustainability goals have various options when it comes to choosing how to lower their carbon footprints. These include activities that reduce emissions, energy efficiency measurements or switching to clean energy solutions. Recognising the difference between options such as RECs and Carbon Credits can help identify the best methods in achieving the respective goals while charting towards a greener future.

While both RECs and Carbon Credits help to lower the carbon footprints, they are different tools used for different purposes in achieving this greener goal. The key difference between the tools, is the purpose and mechanics behind it.

Carbon Credits helps to offset greenhouse gas emissions by supporting emissions reduction activities such as tree planting projects that remove these emissions from the atmosphere.

RECs offset electricity consumption from non-renewable sources. They support renewable electricity use claims and renewable energy development.

Renewable Energy Certificates landscape in Singapore

Renewable energy options are limited in a small, resource-constrained country like Singapore. There is a lack of water resources, our wind speeds and mean tidal range are low, and geothermal energy is not cost-effective. This leaves solar energy as the main source for renewable energy in Singapore. Even then, space constraints limit the number of solar installations that can be directly connected to consumers. As such, the adoption of RECs, particularly solar RECs for those who want to support local renewable energy, has become a more favorable option for businesses in Singapore in pursuit of sustainability goals and climate friendly policies.

To protect the interests of consumers, the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) has acted as the Qualified Reporting Entity (QRE) on the TIGRs (Tradable Instrument for Global Renewables) registry in Singapore since 2016. They validate the actual amount of clean energy generated by Singapore-based solar energy projects and then convert this into RECs before they are passed on to customers.

With Apple’s pioneering announcement in 2016 to adopt RECs in Singapore, DBS Bank and Microsoft have also declared their adoption of RECs in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Other businesses are forecasted to jump on the bandwagon as well.

Benefits of purchasing Renewable Energy Certificates

The purchase of RECs brings about many benefits for individuals and companies. They include

  • Reducing your carbon footprint
  • Leverage on clean energy without incurring the cost of solar panel installation
  • Supporting the revenue and profitability of current renewable energy projects, which in turn encourages even more future investments in such projects, supporting market growth and evolution
  • Demonstrating a company’s commitment to the environment with the adoption of renewable energy as part of one’s energy portfolio

How does Geneco support the RECs?

Geneco offers RECs from a variety of sources that advocate effective climate action and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We can help individuals and companies assert green energy use by procuring, retiring and certifying RECs.

Borderless

Whether it is local or foreign RECs, it’s your call and we source.

Hassle-free

With Geneco’s large pool of RECs suppliers, your purchase requirement would be easily matched. Enjoy cost savings by leaving the time-consuming procurement & administrative process to us.

Purchasing RECs, however, is not equivalent to buying electricity.

Which is why, here at Geneco, we have also bundled the purchase of RECs with our green electricity solutions for your convenience. Start your sustainability journey with us today by choosing Geneco’s Renewable Energy solutions.


Going green just got easier with Geneco’s newly launched sustainable energy solutions – Which one should you choose?

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Going green just got easier with Geneco’s newly launched sustainable energy solutions – Which one should you choose?

Advocating for a more sustainable lifestyle for our customers has always been at the core of Geneco. Beyond our position as a leading electricity retailer in Singapore, we believe that we have the responsibility to do good for our future generations and to protect the environment.

In celebration of Geneco’s 3rd anniversary and Earth Day 2021, we recently held our inaugural Plant-A-Tree event at Windsor Nature Park as part of our commitment to National Parks Board’s #OneMillionTreesSG movement. Presiding over the event was our newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Geneco – Mr Lim Han Kwang, alongside our ChangeMakers partners – The Food Bank SingaporeComcropCultivate CentralRefashRepair Kopitiam and Green Nudge, and Standard Chartered Bank partner. Sharing the same vision of creating a better and cleaner tomorrow for the future generations, these like-minded organisations took time out for this event to do their part for an environmental cause.

Planting the first 50 of the 250 trees we have pledged for the next 5 years, this commitment also aligns our support for the nation’s SG Green Plan, as well as the continuous efforts to #PowerTheChange for a more sustainable and greener nation.

In his opening speech at the event to mark this special occasion on Earth Day 2021, Mr Lim also announced Geneco’s new comprehensive suite of sustainable energy solutions to ease and encourage customers to adopt an eco-friendlier lifestyle.

If you are kickstarting your eco journey and are overwhelmed by the multiple green energy options out there, here is a guide on our newly launched sustainable energy solutions for your home to consider.

Power Eco Total Home Solution

Customised renewable energy solution (solar panel installation with optional green electricity plan)

The Geneco Power Eco Total Home Solution provides solar panels installation for landed residential homes with optional add-on of any of our green electricity plans.

Available to both existing and non-existing Geneco customers, the solar panel installation service provides customers the opportunity to do good for the earth by adopting a 100% carbon neutral lifestyle, and also reduces up to 9,300 kg of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to the annual CO2 absorption by 462 rain trees. Excess energy produced can also be sold back to the grid.

The benefits from this installation go a long way where households get to enjoy lower electricity cost, saving up to $4,600 on your electricity bills each year. What’s more, households even get to enjoy additional savings with up to $1,000 Geneco of bill rebates!

To ease the set-up cost of the solar panels’ installation, Geneco has partnered with Standard Chartered Bank to bring customers an exclusive promotion of up to $1,250 cashback with the approval for CashOne personal loan.

Power Eco Total Home Solution

  • Offset up to 9,300kg of greenhouse gases
  • Save up to $4,600 a year on electricity bills
  • Enjoy up to $1,000 Geneco Bill Rebates
  • Get up to $1,250 Cashback for Standard Chartered Bank CashOne personal loan

Complete your Power Eco Total Home Solution with any of the following green electricity plans below to go 100% eco-friendly.

If you are unable to install solar panels for your household, you can still do your part to offset your carbon footprint by signing up for a standalone eco plan for your residence. Furthermore, for a limited time only, Standard Chartered Bank credit card holders get to enjoy additional $35 bill rebate on top of prevailing promotions for new sign-ups with Geneco’s green plans when they set up recurring bill payment.

Get Sunny

100% solar energy plan

Solar energy has been touted as a key pillar in Singapore’s energy future with it gaining traction progressively. The ability of solar energy to reduce harm on the environment and the long-term benefits to our climate has garnered the attention of many consumers and organisations.

With Geneco’s Get Sunny electricity plan, it is a 100% renewable energy option that will be powered from Geneco’s parent company YTL PowerSeraya’s own solar photovoltaic (PV) system. This makes choosing a renewable energy plan a reality for residential households who would like to make the full commitment by choosing renewable energy but may not have the necessary infrastructure or resource to make it a reality.

If you are thinking of switching to a renewable solar energy plan, consider Geneco’s Get Sunny – where you will also receive a Renewable Energy Certificate, to pave positive impacts for the environment and #PowerTheChange.

Get It Green

100% carbon-neutral electricity plan

The definition of carbon-neutral electricity is to offset the amount of electricity generated from a person’s carbon footprint. This is executed through carbon credits which allows you to pay to reduce the carbon emissions that you have generated. Funds generated from the purchased credits are channelled to certified climate action projects. These projects reduce, remove or avoid greenhouse gas emissions and are a great way for any businesses, households or individuals to make a choice and help organisation to take immediate action.

Geneco’s Get It Green is a 100% carbon-neutral electricity plan that lets you do good for the earth even while consuming electricity at home for your daily needs. You will also receive Verified Carbon Units Certificate for making a simple yet conscious choice to offset your carbon footprints.

 

Here at Geneco, we understand that starting your eco journey might seem daunting, which is why we have launched this comprehensive suite of sustainable energy solutions to ease and encourage you to adopt a greener lifestyle.

The SG Green Plan 2030 has outlined the transformation we can expect for Singapore within the next decade as the nation furthers its green ambitions for a more sustainable future. With every kilowatt of energy consumed, make your usage count and #PowerTheChange with us today to secure a better environment for the future generations.


Carbon Neutral Electricity Explained

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Carbon Neutral Electricity Explained

A brief introduction to carbon emissions

Since the Industrial Revolution, sources of carbon emissions have increased. Human activities have led to a sharp and dangerous increase in these emissions, mainly through fossil fuel combustion in the electricity and heat, transportation and industrial (consisting of manufacturing, construction, mining and agriculture) sectors.

Carbon emissions make up 97% of Singapore’s greenhouse gas emissions. These emissions cause more heat to be trapped in the atmosphere, leading to climate change. This interesting video created by researcher Antti Lipponen, from the Finnish Meteorological Institute, used publicly available data from NASA to demonstrate the rising temperatures, or global warming, across the world.

These are some of the few repercussions of global warming:

  • Widespread melting of snow and ice around the world
  • Rise in global sea levels
  • Ocean acidification
  • Coral bleaching
  • Increased flooding
  • Longer droughts
  • More frequent cold waves and heat waves
  • Stronger storms, cyclones and hurricanes

These effects, in turn, lead to a decrease in crop yield, famine, loss and extinction of flora and fauna on land and under the sea, threatened water supplies, rise in water, food and insect borne diseases, and many other issues.

What is Singapore doing to help?

Singapore experiences the effects of climate change along with the rest of the world. The buildup of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere makes our weather hotter and raises the sea level around us too.

Reducing our carbon emissions is one important way of limiting the effects of climate change in the coming decades. As a responsible member of the global community, Singapore has pledged to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 16% below Business-As-Usual levels in 2020. The pledge, announced in 2010 ahead of the UNFCCC Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, was conditional on a legally binding global agreement. Singapore has also ratified the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 1997, acceded to the Kyoto Protocol in 2006 and to the Paris Agreement in 2015.

Within Singapore, energy consumption is one of the main sources of carbon emissions. Our household appliances, transport systems, industrial and commercial activities all run on electricity and fuel.

Over the years, Singapore has switched to being less reliant on carbon-intensive fuel oil, using more natural gas instead. This means that Singapore can continue to be powered, while emitting less carbon. However, there are limits to how much further we can reduce emissions, since natural gas already constitutes more than 95% of our fuel mix for electricity generation today. Therefore, improving energy efficiency is key in our efforts to reduce emissions.

How are carbon emissions linked to my use of electricity?

Conventional electricity is generated through the burning of fossil fuels and this process results in the release of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) gases into the atmosphere. By using electricity, consumers indirectly contribute to these emissions.

How much carbon does a typical household indirectly emit from the use of purchased electricity?

Based on an average Singapore household consumption of 450 kWh of electricity per month, around 2.2 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent gases are estimated, per household, to be emitted to the atmosphere in a year.

How can I reduce my carbon footprint?

In order to reduce your carbon footprint, you first need to understand the extent of your carbon footprint. You can learn more about your estimated carbon footprint using a simple online calculator.

You can reduce your carbon footprint by making conscious and mindful decisions about your lifestyle. This would result in lower energy use, lower emissions and a better world for future generations.

Here are four ways to get you started:

1. At Home

Minimise your household carbon emissions by using energy, water and other resources carefully. Adopt some green ways to reduce your household energy usage.


2. Transportation

Take public transport instead of driving. If your destination is nearby, walk or cycle.

If you have to drive, choose a car that emits less carbon. Look out for the mandatory Fuel Economy Labelling Scheme (FELS) labels. These will tell you more about the amount of carbon emitted and fuel efficiency performance of the car model. With the enhanced Vehicle Emissions Scheme (VES) effective from 1 January 2021​, you will also get to enjoy a rebate when you buy a vehicle that emits less carbon.


3. Reduce, reuse and recycle

By choosing to use less, less will go to waste. When we do throw things away, we can make sure our waste gets reused by recycling materials such as paper, metal, plastic and glass.

Using recycled products can also help reduce carbon emissions, because it takes less energy to produce them.

Avoid using disposable utensils, cups and plastic bags whenever possible. Reduce waste by bringing your own utensils for meals and using your own reusable bag for grocery shopping. Also, consider whether you really need the packaging or wrapping when you buy things.

Watch this 71-year-old grandmother take on the 7-day zero-waste and plastic-free challenge.


4. Utilise carbon credits

Carbon credits are completely voluntary. Individuals and businesses can purchase carbon credits to balance out their carbon footprint.

In a nutshell, carbon credits let you pay to avoid/reduce the carbon emissions, instead of making radical or impossible reductions of your own.

When you buy credits, you fund projects that reduce carbon or greenhouse gas emissions. Some examples of these projects include renewable energy projects, updating power plants and factories, or increasing the energy efficiency of buildings and transportation.

What are carbon credits?

Carbon credits (or carbon offset) are credits given for greenhouse emissions reduced or removed from the atmosphere by an emission reduction project, and which can be used by governments, industry or private individuals to compensate for the emissions they are directly and/or indirectly generating.

How do carbon credits work?

While there are different types of carbon credits available in the market, they all work in similar manner. One of the most widely issued carbon credits are the Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) issues to projects developed under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) Program.

Through the VCS Program, more than 1,300 certified VCS projects have collectively reduced or removed over 200 million tonnes of carbon and other GHG emissions from the atmosphere.

Projects developed under the VCS Program must follow a rigorous assessment process in order to be certified and include a wide variety of technologies and measures which result in GHG emission reductions and removals. These projects are categorized by their sectoral scope, which range from renewable energy projects to land use projects.

All VCS projects are subject to desk and field audits to ensure that standards are met and methodologies are properly applied. Projects are assessed using a technically sound GHG emission reduction quantification methodology specific to that project type.

Once projects have been certified, project developers are issued VCUs, with one VCU representing one metric tonne of carbon-equivalent emissions reduced or removed from the atmosphere.

Purchasing and retiring these VCUs allow individuals and companies to offset their own emissions. Carbon neutrality is achieved when emissions are fully offset.

Parties interested in purchasing and retiring these VCUs, use the trusted and secure platform, the Verra Registry, which was launched in April 2020 and is the cornerstone for the implementation of VCS standards and programs. Geneco is one such party, and strive to provide our customers with carbon credits of similar or even higher standard of assessment and quality assurance. 

How does Geneco support the reduction of carbon emissions?

In the UK, Geneco is acclaimed for its work in recycling and renewable energy. Landfills of junk and waste are used to power homes, buses, cars and more. We have won 13 awards for our green efforts, including National Recycling Awards for both 2015 and 2016, British Renewable Energy Awards for both 2015 and 2017, and many more.

Geneco brings this same expertise to the Singapore Open Electricity Market, giving consumers a choice to build a sustainable energy future through the purchase of a carbon neutral electricity price plan.


Start your sustainable journey today by customising your green add-on for your electricity plan with Geneco’s Power Eco Add-on (Carbon Credits).