New Research Institute to Bolster Singapore's Climate Change Goals

The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has set up a new research institute to bolster Singapore's climate change goals.

The Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment (ISCE2 – pronounced as “I-S-C-E-squared”) will be headed by professor Yeoh Lean Weng, chief sustainability officer of A*STAR, according to the agency on March 8. It is a reorganisation of A*STAR's former Institute of Chemical and Engineering Sciences (ICES).

ISCE2 aims to advance research and development in areas like low-carbon technologies, carbon life cycle assessment, sustainable materials, and green manufacturing processes, as well as support the local energy, chemicals, and pharmaceutical industries to be more sustainable. It will also partner with the academe, public agencies, and the industry to achieve the city-state's sustainability goals such as the Singapore Green Plan and Zero Waste Masterplan, among others.

The agency added ISCE2 will fast-track the digitalisation and acceleration of three focus areas, namely decarbonisation, green materials, and green processes, to help sectors move towards renewable carbon and green chemistry.