On 15 August 2024, AAIS joined hands with JTC to organise the inaugural Aerospace Sustainability Community of Practice (COP) held at the JTC Business Centre in Seletar Aerospace Park (SAP). The forum serves as an active platform for the aerospace industry to discuss and advance sustainability initiatives and practices.

At this first COP session, JTC introduced a sustainability framework tailored for industry parks, which could be piloted at SAP. This initiative stems from a sustainability performance review of SAP conducted by AAIS, following an appointment by JTC. The review aimed to enhance SAP’s appeal to both existing and prospective investors while aligning with national sustainability goals. Key findings from the review were presented, including insights into SAP’s energy and water consumption and a dipstick survey on sustainability activities by SAP lessees. The report proposed adopting an international framework for Eco-Industrial Parks (EIPs) developed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. The COP itself was also a key recommendation from this review, intended to facilitate collective knowledge sharing and spark ideas for collaboration and community action.

Following this presentation, representatives from PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, delivered a session on Water Demand Management, showcasing best practices and case studies from industries across Singapore. They also discussed the Water Efficiency Fund, available to support these initiatives, and explored the potential of rainwater harvesting for industry use. Following this, Enterprise Singapore presented updates on the Aerospace Open Innovation Challenge (AOIC), which was launched in February 2024, featuring 12 challenge statements. Sustainability-related challenges include waste heat recovery, waste segregation and disposal, CO2 emissions capture and storage, and the deployment of mobile solar PV platforms to optimise land use.

The session concluded with a robust Q&A, where participants shared their perspectives, challenges and practices in managing electricity and water consumption. Participants and speakers also explored how the SAP community, facilitated by JTC, could collaborate on rainwater harvesting, water management, waste management and other initiatives. JTC also discussed the potential interim use of vacant land for solar deployment.

We extend our sincere thanks to all participants and speakers from PUB and Enterprise Singapore for making the first COP a success. We look forward to continuing the dialogue and leveraging platforms like AOIC and COP, to encourage industry collaboration on sustainability.