Studies & Research

We partner with Higher Education Institutions and conduct studies on sustainability and circularity in the education system.

ONGOING STUDY

SMU-X Course

Teambuilding and Leadership 2026/01

Go Green PSGs 2026: Mapping of Sustainability Activities of PSGs with SMU-X

In 2026, The Circular Classroom (TCC) continues its collaboration with Singapore Management University (SMU) on an SMU-X project titled “Go Green PSGs – Mapping Sustainable Practices Across Singapore Schools.”

Parent Support Groups (PSGs) play a vital role in shaping school communities. Across Singapore, many PSGs contribute to sustainability initiatives such as recycling and repurposing drives, eco-friendly school events, environmental education activities, and greener transport campaigns. In support of this year’s Go Green SG, the SMU-X project aims to better understand and document these efforts through surveys and interviews with PSG leaders, creating a nationwide overview of parent-supported sustainability practices.

smusg.asia.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0wgk48ynre9kEzc The project will map PSG-led initiatives, analyse emerging patterns, and develop an insights report to be launched in May/June 2026. The findings will support MOE, MSE, schools, and PSGs in exploring opportunities for collaboration and peer learning, while advancing the goals of the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and the Go Green SG movement led by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.

SMU-X students and TCC warmly invite schools and PSG leaders to participate in this initiative. The survey is intended for (Co-)Chairpersons to complete on behalf of their PSGs: Participate in the survey here.

Thank you for being part of Singapore’s sustainability journey.

ONGOING COLLABORATIONS

Industry Partner for Two SMU Final Year Student Projects 2026

School of Computing and Information Systems

Team 1: EcoTrack: Building digital infrastructure for Greener Schools

Team 2: Green Routes to Learning: Driving Change in Reducing School Commuting Emission

The Circular Classroom is proud to be an industry partner for two Final Year Student Projects at Singapore Management University - School of Computing and Information Systems.

Team 1: EcoTrack: Building digital infrastructure for Greener Schools

Project Proposal

Every year, around 90,000 students graduate from Singapore’s Primary Schools, Secondary Schools and Junior Colleges, generating more than 500,000 school uniforms that students outgrow. Many of these uniforms eventually end up as waste. Since 2023, The Circular Classroom (TCC) has been working with close to 100 schools and Parent Support Groups (PSGs) and engaged them through uniform donation drives, repurposing workshops and sustainability outreach programmes.

To address gaps in sustainability knowledge, digital tracking and infrastructure, this SMU Final Year Project focuses on developing a scalable Inventory Management and Waste Tracking System for pre-loved school uniforms that schools and PSGs can use. The digital platform will enable structured tracking of uniform collection, reuse and repurposing, while incorporating dashboard visualisations and AI-assisted forecasting.

Being part of a larger SG Eco Fund-supported initiative, the project lays the groundwork for a nation-wide digital system that can be deployed across schools. It will strengthen transparency, improve waste diversion, and advance the goals of the SG Green Plan 2030 as well as SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Team 2: Green Routes to Learning: Driving Change in Reducing School Commuting Emission

Daily travel to and from school forms part of Singapore’s overall carbon footprint. Families make commuting choices based on safety, convenience, schedules, and many other practical considerations. This Final Year Project by SMU students aims to better understand those choices through a community-driven dataset focused on school travel patterns.

Aligned with the Green Commutes pillar of the Singapore Green Plan 2030, which targets a 75% public transport peak-period modal share by 2030, the FYP contributes data and insights that can support national sustainability goals.

Students are developing a Green Commute Tracker System to map routes, estimate emissions across different transport modes, and visualise potential scenarios. The project seeks to raise awareness, provide schools and PSGs with practical tools, and explore how everyday commuting patterns can contribute to Singapore’s broader sustainability journey.

Go Green PSGs – Mapping Sustainable Practices Across Singapore Schools

In 2026, The Circular Classroom (TCC) continues to partner with Singapore Management University (SMU) on an SMU-X project titled “Go Green PSGs – Mapping Sustainable Practices Across Singapore Schools.” The initiative supports the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and the Go Green SG movement led by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.

Parent Support Groups (PSGs) play an important role in shaping school communities. Many contribute to sustainability efforts such as recycling and repurposing drives, greener school events, environmental education activities, and sustainable transport campaigns. This project seeks to better understand and document these efforts through surveys and interviews with PSG leaders, creating a nationwide overview of parent-supported sustainability initiatives.

As part of SMU-X, SMU students will work alongside The Circular Classroom to analyse findings and develop an insights report which will be launched in May/June 2026 in support of Go Green SG and shared with the Ministry of Education.

SMU-X students and The Circular Classroom warmly invite schools and PSG leaders to participate and contribute to strengthening sustainability practices across Singapore’s education ecosystem.

PAST COLLABORATIONS

Guest Speaker at SMU-Course on Environmental Policy and Politics

21 October 2025

In October 2025, we were deligthed to return as guest speakers to the PPPM201 Environmental Policy class at the Singapore Management University - School of Social Sciences.

Invited by Dr Jude H. Kurniawan, the session focused on connecting environmental policy theory with real-world circular economy practice. Through discussion and case examples from our work in schools and communities, students explored how policy frameworks translate into everyday decisions around consumption, waste reduction, and textile circularity.

A key reflection from the session was that sustainability is not only about innovative solutions, but also about mindful choices — including opting for pre-loved items where possible. The exchange with both local and international students created a rich dialogue on how individual behaviour, institutions, and policy intersect.

It once again highlighted how academic insight and practical implementation can strengthen one another in advancing circularity.

SMU-X Course

Teambuilding and Leadership 2025/1

24 January 2025

Go Green SG was a whole-of-nation movement led and coordinated by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment to rally citizens, organisations and the community to take collective action towards a more environmentally sustainable Singapore. Since 2023, The Circular Classroom (TCC) has been actively participating in the movement and engaged several schools in hands-on learning and outreach programmes on sustainable consumption.

This year's Go Green SG initiative was special, given Singapore's the celebration of the country's 60th anniversary.

The SMU-Students advised and supported TCC on the research, the conceptualisation and implementation of possible GO Green SG 2025/60 activities. These activities eventually went onto highlight how education & sustainability are two interconnected forces that play a key role in Singapore's nation-building.

The collaboration between SMU-X and TCC and the respective course began in January and ended in April 2024.

Guest Speaker at SMU-Course on Environmental Policy and Politics

29 October 2024

Today, governments, industries, and societies are grappling with the question: Who should take responsibility for addressing climate change? What roles do governments, industries, and individuals play? This debate happens not only in international climate policy discussions but also in the daily lives of people and communities.

We were happy to join as Guest Speaker the SMU-Course "Environmental Policy and Politics", led by Dr Jude Kurniawan and provide an industry and practitioner perspective to these key questions. It was great to share our experiences and insights with the close to 40 students and "surprise" them with our hands-on approach towards sustainability in schools. None of them has repurposed her/his school uniform and was aware of this green practice and opportunity.

SMU Sustainability Forum 2024 - Our Journey towards Climate Resilience

17 September 2024

On 17 September 2024, The Circular Classroom joined the SMU Sustainability Forum where the university presented its Sustainability Blueprint and focus on climate resilience. The forum featured efforts (both in research and practice) adopted by SMU and other organisations that combine strategies to manage climate risks (adaptation) and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (mitigation). We were thrilled that our collaboration with SMU-X was featured in the Forum's exhibition, as a good example how SMU bridges academia and industry for sustainability. Here in the photos with SMU-X team members Derek Chiang and Gloria Zhang, as well as SMU-X course leader for "Leadership and Teambuilding" Professor Hanoi Lok, as well as Ms Low Khah Gek, CEO of ITE.

SMU-X Course

Teambuilding & Leadership 2024/2

Sustainable Partnerships for Social Impact

Between August to November 2024 university term, we were again an Industry Partner for SMU-X, collaborating with the course "Teambuilding and Leadership" at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business.

The students supported The Circular Classroom in identifying key partners from the government, business and the social sector to collaborate and create a larger social impact in the communities. With the objective of providing green job opportunities for marginalised groups and engage more citizens, employees and employers to actively contribute to the Singapore Green Plan 2030, the course goal was to establish strong networks and partnerships with like-minded organisations. These helped us to build up and strengthen an ecosystem that connects and drives the green economy with education.

SMU-X Courses

Teambuilding & Leadership 2024/1

Nationwide Survey: Contributing to the SG Green Plan by achieving Net-zero Classroom Practices

Development of Marketing Plan for The Circular Classroom

In 2024, we continued to be an Industry Partner for two academic courses on "Teambuilding and Leadership" and strengthen our partnership with SMU-X.

The first course focused on the further development of a nationwide survey on net-zero classrooms and contributions to the SG Green Plan by students and parents. The course leveraged on the outcomes of a previous SMU-X course with the objective to reach out to more Primary and Secondary Schools, Junior Colleges and ITEs and engage about 20,000 students and parents in a quantitative survey on sustainable consumption practices at home and school. SMU-X students also conducted focus group discussions with student groups, PSG Leaders, parents as well as representatives from the Minstry of Education and Ministry of Sustainability and Environment. On time for SG Go Green, we will compile these final results into a Report and shared with key education stakeholders from the government and civil society . We will also publish the results on this website.

The second SMU-X course that we supported as Industry Partner focused on the development of a marketing plan for our social enterprise. The ideas and insights from students at the Lee Kong Chian School of Business were innovative and dynamic and we will be integrating their proposals in our future operations.

Singapore Education Lounge

Organised by Singapore Education Network (SEN)

12 January 2024

The Singapore Education Lounge is a monthly networking and information session for education professionals. Organised by the Singapore Education Network and hosted by education institutions and EdTech providers, it brings together educators from K-12 to Higher Education, EdTech experts and representatives from the government and civil society sector to share and learn about emerging trends, challenges and specific thematic issues in the education sector.

The Circular Classroom hosted the first Singapore Education Lounge in 2024 on the topic "Circularity in Education: Sustainable Consumption in Schools". The Co-Founders invited the 30 participants to its co-creation space at PlayPan and designed an experiential learning session that included:

a) presentation of preliminary results of a Singapore-wide study with parents and students on sustainable consumption in schools, in partnership with SMU-X);

b) examples of extra-curricular school activities that drive a circular mindset and sustainable consumption practices among students and parents; and

c) on-site hands-on activities with pre-loved school uniforms.

The Education Lounge closed with a small reception for all participants to exchange thougths and experiences on the topic and to network.

Photo: Audience of educators and sustainability experts

SMU-X Course

Teambuilding & Leadership 2023/2

Study on SG Green Plan and Sustainable Consumption

Under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, Singapore aims to reduce two-thirds of net carbon emissions from the schools’ sector and reach at least 20% of schools to be carbon neutral. Aligned with these goals, the Ministry of Education has integrated environmental sustainability into educational institutions through the 4Cs: 1) curriculum, 2) campus infrastructure, 3) institution culture and practices, and 4) ongoing partnerships with the community.

With merely a decade to go until 2030, it is crucial to understand the knowledge and contributions of key stakeholders in Primary and Secondary Schools towards the Green Plan and analyse perceptions, practices and concerns regarding its implementation on the ground.

For the Semester 2023/2, The Circular Classroom partnered again with the SMU-X Course Teambuilding and Leadership. This time, we collaborated on a Study with Parents and Students across Primary and Secondary Schools as well as Junior Colleges in Singapore on their perceptions of the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and Sustainable Consumption in Schools, with a focus on the use of school uniforms.

The collaboration between SMU-X and The Circular Classroom will continue in Semester 2024/1. The final results will then be compiled in a Report and shared with key stakeholders at the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment. We will also publish the results on this website.

Photo: Students from SMU-X Course with The Circular Classroom

SMU-X Course

Teambuilding & Leadership 2023/1

Feasibility Study and Pilot Survey

The textile industry has a significant impact on global warming. The sector is one of the biggest contributors to CO2 equivalent emissions, accounting for about 10% of global carbon emissions, and produces 20% of wastewater globally. In addition, chemicals from dyes pollute the air and water, and cause irreparable environmental damage to land and maritime life. To put things in perspective, it takes about 2,700 liters of water to produce a cotton shirt. In comparison, one person would take 10 years to drink 10,000 litres of water.*

In 2021, Singapore generated 189,000 tonnes of textile and leather waste with only 4 %, or 7,000 tonnes, being recycled. This textile waste also included school uniforms, which form a significant part of school-related waste. While the Ministry of Education of Singapore mandates the use of school uniforms in schools, the reuse, repurposing and recycling of uniforms is at the discretion of parents and students and highly dependent on their individual levels of environmental consciousness and commitment.

In early 2023, Changkat Primary School (CKPS), the CKPS Parents in Education (PIE) Club and SMU-X initiated the project "The Circular School". The objective was to help CKPS become a greener school and to demonstrate how an education institution and key stakeholders – especially parents and students - can reduce textile waste generated in the school context and make a meaningful contribution towards Sustainable Development Goals 12 (SDG 12 - Responsible Production and Consumption).

The pilot project at CKPS included a quantative survey with parents and students as well as focus group discussions with representatives from the school, the PIE Club ExCo, CKPS parents and students. Over 300 students and about 100 parents participated in the survey.

The survey outcomes will be published in a dedicated section on this website soon. One recommendation was to set up a system in Singapore that would promote the sustainable use of school uniforms and contribute to a mindset change towards sustainability among parents and students through awareness creation and knowledge campaigns. This recommendation led to the establishment of the social enterprise The Circular Classroom.

*https://unfccc.int/news/un-helps-fashion-industry-shift-to-low-carbon

Photo: Students from SMU-X Course with CKPS Parents after Focus Group Discussion

PAST STUDY

GREEN SINGAPORE:

Parents and Students, it's your turn!

Have you ever thought about the impact of our daily choices? How do our habits and consumption patterns fit into the bigger sustainability picture? The SG Green Plan 2030 is not only about government policies. It is about the choices we make every day.

Parents and Students: You can contribute to making Singapore a greener place and we invite you to be a part of this transformative journey! Share with us your views in a Survey about Sustainable Consumption initiated by students from the Singapore Management University in partnership with The Circular Classroom.

The survey will take less than 7 minutes and is anonymous. We do neither collect personal data nor data about individual schools. However, your joint inputs will help make the change towards a zero-waste nation.

The Survey started already in September 2023, but is an ongoing Project to create awareness and identify trends in sustainable consumption habits. Find out more about the survey results as of today here.