Singapore has joined the push for sustainability in a major way. In a recent article in Eco-Business.com, the Minster for the Environment and Water Resources explains what the country is doing to incentivise and train manufacturers to be green.
In addition to the training program, which provides a 400% tax credit for participation, Singapore has scaled its Certified Productivity and Innovation program down to support the estimated 7000 Small to Mid sized Enterprises (SME) in the country. This program, called SME Qiang or “SME Quality Initiative to Assist and Nurture Growth” program, looks to teach lean and siz sigma techniques.
Contrast this to the US approach of providing penalties and dis-incentives for non-conformance. It is time for the US to understand that when done properly, green can save money.and lead to increased profitability. By focusing on incentives and training, manufacturers will learn the benefits of green. In order to increase US manufacturing competitiveness, manufacturers have to be trained in green and lean techniques. A US manufacturing strategy that includes green would be a great start.
