Corporate Social Responsibility

At OUE, we believe that by giving back we not only ensure the sustainable growth of our organisation, but more importantly, that of the communities we are part of.

 

At OUE, corporate social responsibility is rooted in our corporate culture and forms an integral part of our business strategy. We give through community-based initiatives that focus on the environment, education, the arts, sports and other areas.

OUE became the first commercial property developer to adopt the cutting-edge Prefabricated Pre-finished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) method to build the extension to the Crowne Plaza Changi Airport hotel. The PPVC method significantly reduces the time and the manpower needed for construction. Hotel room modules are fully fabricated off-site, complete with finishes, fixtures and fittings, and then delivered to be assembled on-site. The use of PPVC underlines OUE’s commitment to the Singapore government’s call for companies to raise productive and labour-efficient construction processes in the building environment sector.

 

At OUE, we are committed to exploring and adopting more sustainable ways of doing business that allow us to improve operational efficiencies while minimising our environmental impact.

GREEN BUILDING CERTIFICATION
Driven by a vision to enhance the durability and desirability of our buildings, OUE identifies with the Green Mark Scheme by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) of Singapore and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) by the U.S. Green Building Council, green building certifications that look into the overall environmental performance and practices of buildings as they relate to sustainable design, construction and operations. Criteria for a Green Mark rating include energy, water and waste efficiency, environmental protection, indoor environmental quality and green innovations, while criteria for LEED include energy and environmental design.

The following properties have received certification under the BCA Green Mark and LEED schemes.

One Raffles Place
Comprises One Raffles Place Tower 1 and Tower 2,
and One Raffles Place Shopping Mall
BCA Green Mark Gold (Tower 1)
BCA Green Mark Platinum (Tower 2)
OUE Bayfront
Comprises OUE Bayfront, OUE Tower, and OUE Link
BCA Green Mark Gold
Downtown Gallery BCA Green Mark Gold
OUE Downtown Office BCA Green Mark Gold
Mandarin Gallery BCA Green Mark
BCA Green Mark Gold
Mandarin Orchard Singapore BCA Green Mark
BCA Green Mark Gold
Lippo Plaza LEED O+M V4.0 – Gold

WATER EFFICIENCY
In line with the Public Utilities Board’s (PUB’s) Water Efficient Building (WEB) Certification Programme, all of OUE’s properties in Singapore have been installed with approved water-efficient fittings and have adopted WEB-recommended flow rates and flush volumes. While the water supply is mainly sourced from public utilities, alternative sources are also utilised in an effort to reduce the reliance on potable water. Non-potable water is used in cooling towers, for irrigation as well as flushing in lavatories to reduce water consumption. A water efficiency improvement plan and water provisions are made in the Green Guide for Tenants and Green Procurement Policy.

WASTE MANAGEMENT
OUE supports Singapore’s effort to become a zero-waste nation. OUE has begun to holistically evaluate where waste is generated within its operations and value chain, and to identify its waste- related impacts. For our commercial buildings, activities such as tenants’ business operations, and visitors to our shopping malls, result in paper, plastic and general waste. Construction waste is sometimes generated during tenant unit renovations. At our hotels and restaurants, activities such as banquet events, kitchen operations and the provision of guestroom amenities result in paper, food and metal waste. OUE’s entities have also begun to identify waste-related impacts.

To mitigate our waste-related impacts, OUE has placed a great emphasis on recycling to extend the lifespan of materials. Our recycling plan and waste disposal consumption are submitted to the NEA for review and site checks. Recycling bins have been placed in common areas to collect different types of recyclable materials, including glass, metal, plastic, food and e-waste. Collected wastes are then sorted and quantified before being transported to our contracted external vendor’s recycling facilities. In addition, the property managers of our buildings are encouraged to implement innovative waste management measures.

 

OUE’s real estate portfolio comprises buildings in prime locations in Asia. We strongly believe that beyond simply being a part of the built environment, modern buildings are integral to the social fabric of cities. Our buildings contribute significantly to their occupants and the wider community around them. We ensure that all our new investment properties are accessible to persons with disabilities and feature child- friendly facilities. Additionally, OUE strongly believes in giving back to society. We have been supporting the local community by contributing to social organisations, including the NTUC U-Care Fund, Focus on the Family, Stroke Support Station, Viva Foundation for Children with Cancer, Singapore Heart Foundation, National Book Development Council of Singapore, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, LEAP201, Singapore Clan Foundation and the Singapore Clan Foundation River Hongbao.

 

OUE is invested in encouraging learning in the community. We support various projects targeted at providing youths and adults from all backgrounds the opportunity to receive a good education. OUE regularly contributes to the National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore Management University, National Technological University and Singapore Institute of Technology. OUE has contributed to the NUS Young Entrepreneurial Scholarship Program, the Institute of Policy Studies Corporate Associates Program and the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies and supports research initiatives undertaken by the Centre for Family and Population Research and the Asian Bureau of Finance and Economic Research.

OUE is also a partner of the Future Ready Singapore Project and the Asia Competitive Institute at the NUS Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.

 

OUE continued its strong support of the Singapore Open, the marquee badminton event that raises the profile of the sport in Singapore through support for the national badminton team and the Singapore Badminton Association (SBA) youth programmes. OUE provided accommodation for the foreign delegations as part of the official hotel sponsorship with the SBA.

 

OUE’s annual Stars of Christmas community project brings Christmas cheer to young beneficiaries of non-profit organisations that support underprivileged children and those with illnesses and special needs in Singapore. OUE has continued the Stars of Christmas tradition every year since 2010.

The programme is held in support of Community Chest, the philanthropy and engagement arm of the National Council of Social Service, and SG Cares Giving Week. It brings together OUE Group’s retail and office properties – namely, Mandarin Gallery, OUE Bayfront, OUE Downtown, Downtown Gallery and One Raffles Place – in a heartwarming collaboration of giving. With the participation of these properties, members of the public can enjoy more opportunities to join in this annual tradition and help spread Christmas cheer.