Environment & climate

• The Senior Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment introduced the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill to update the Energy Conservation Act 2012.
• The bill underwent its first reading and was scheduled for a second reading in a future parliamentary sitting.
• The debate focused on modernizing energy efficiency regulations to align with current sustainability goals.
• Amendments aim to enhance compliance mechanisms and support Singapore's climate commitments.
• The bill reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen national energy conservation policies.

Sylvia Lim requested an assessment of the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project aimed at importing hydropower from Laos. Gan Kim Yong confirmed that Singapore has approved the project's next phase but noted that approvals from all four participating countries are required to move forward. Singapore is dedicated to collaborating with its neighbors to advance this project.

The debate focused on the proposed amendments to the Building Control Act aimed at enhancing energy efficiency in Singapore's built environment as part of the country’s sustainability goals. The key points included the introduction of a Mandatory Energy Improvement (MEI) regime that will require owners of energy-intensive buildings to conduct energy audits and implement improvement measures. Various members expressed concerns about the financial burden these changes may impose on building owners, particularly for smaller entities. There was a call for the government to provide greater support, including the expansion of existing incentive schemes and training for energy auditors to manage increased demand. Several members also urged the importance of maintaining flexibility for older buildings facing implementation challenges and emphasized the need for inter-agency collaboration to facilitate this transition towards greener buildings. Overall, the bill received strong support from members as a necessary step towards reducing carbon emissions from the building sector.

• Ms Hazel Poa requested an update on research proposals for particulate matter from tyres and brakes under the Air Quality Monitoring and Control Funding Initiative.
• Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that the Request for Proposal on vehicular emissions was called in June 2023 and closed in September 2023.
• The project scope was revised to include additional pollutants under new Euro 7 emission standards introduced in April 2024.
• Research proposals received are currently being evaluated.

• In 2023, the National Environment Agency received about 670 feedback cases on pet defecation and urination in HDB common areas, prompting public education efforts such as standees to remind pet owners to clean up after their pets.
• Enforcement is challenging due to the transient nature of the offence, and over the same period, NEA took only one enforcement action against a pet owner who failed to remove and dispose of faecal matter.
• Currently, there are regulations to fine owners who do not clean up pet defecation, but no rules specifically require cleaning up pet urination.
• The Ministry does not plan to introduce regulations for pet urination cleanup, preferring to foster responsible pet ownership through community education and collaboration with agencies, community leaders, and Town Councils.

• Since its launch in October 2019, the Recycle N Save scheme’s 50 Reverse Vending Machines have collected over 16 million drink containers.
• After the rewards program ended on 31 July 2023, the machines remain accessible at partner locations and are maintained by F&N to ensure continued operation.
• The upcoming beverage container return scheme, starting in 2026, will allow consumers to return containers at designated points for a full deposit refund.

• The Ministry and NEA are implementing regulatory measures and educational campaigns, such as the upcoming beverage container return scheme with a 10-cent deposit refund starting April 2026, to improve plastic packaging recycling outcomes.
• The Recycle Right campaign provides guidance on identifying, segregating, and cleaning recyclables to prevent contamination, with resources available on the Clean & Green Singapore website.
• The Ministry emphasizes reducing disposable packaging use and promoting reusable alternatives through partnerships with retail and food and beverage sectors under the Say YES to Waste Less campaign.

• Poh Li San asked if the government would publish feasibility and safety reports on nuclear energy options to address public concerns, following the recent Singapore-US Nuclear Cooperation Agreement.
• Gan Kim Yong stated that no decision has been made on deploying nuclear energy in Singapore, noting that advanced technologies like small modular reactors are not yet commercially deployed.
• The government will continue studying advanced nuclear technologies and safety requirements while building capabilities to assess them, and will provide periodic public updates to enhance understanding.

• Lim Biow Chuan asked if NEA will ban plastic wrappers for chopsticks to reduce litter at food centres.
• NEA has no plans to ban plastic wrappers but requires diners to clear all litter, including wrappers, after meals since 2021.
• NEA reminds diners to handle lightweight wrappers carefully to prevent them from becoming litter.
• NEA works with stakeholders to reduce disposable use, banning disposable crockery and cutlery for dine-in at new and existing hawker centres since 2016 and 2018.
• Public agencies aim to phase out disposables for dine-in meals in public sector premises under GreenGov.SG.

• Dennis Tan asked if NParks will align its Park Connector Network with LTA's plan to create pedestrian-only paths alongside cycling paths for safety and consistency.
• Desmond Lee explained that NParks has already piloted a revised typology segregating pedestrian-only and shared paths since 2022 on 30 km of park connectors in areas like Changi Beach and East Coast Park.
• The revised typology is being rolled out for an additional 14 km of park connectors, incorporating feedback, with further stakeholder engagement to assess wider implementation.

• The Bill introduces the $5 billion Future Energy Fund to finance low-carbon energy infrastructure and supports centralised gas procurement via a new Gasco entity to enhance supply security and diversify sources.
• It grants the Energy Market Authority expanded powers to direct access to critical infrastructure, approve repurposing of energy assets, and implement power rationing as a last resort during emergencies.
• The framework allows cost recovery for energy security and decarbonisation initiatives, subject to Ministerial approval and an advisory committee, while safeguards and appeals processes are built in to protect stakeholders.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development about the issuance of directions under the Wildlife Act since its amendment in 2020. Desmond Lee reported that directions have been issued for a total of 445 development projects, with three instances of contraventions recorded. Multiple directions may be issued for each project to various involved parties such as developers and contractors.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked if the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment would consider requiring or incentivizing Environmental Impairment Liability (EIL) insurance for businesses operating in coastal and nature areas to manage pollution incident costs. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the Government does not plan to mandate EIL insurance, stating that businesses should determine their own insurance needs based on specific circumstances and regulations.

He Ting Ru questioned the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the number of projects applying for and receiving grants from the SG Eco Fund since its inception in 2020, as well as reasons for grant rejections. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the SG Eco Fund has completed four grant calls, with the fifth ongoing, and some awards are made in the subsequent year. Reasons for rejection include insufficient demonstration of environmental benefit, lack of community involvement, and unclear implementation plans. The SG Eco Fund also helps improve borderline projects to enhance their chances of funding.

Melvin Yong Yik Chye requested an update on the clean-up efforts following the oil spill at Pasir Panjang Terminal on June 14, 2024, and inquired about the timeline for reopening affected beaches. Grace Fu Hai Yien indicated that this issue has already been addressed in a previous parliamentary reply on August 7, 2024. Further details can be found in the official report from that date.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim raised concerns about the decline in Singapore's recycling rate in 2023 compared to 2013, asking about measures to enhance recycling efforts, especially for non-domestic recycling, and whether the country is on track to meet the 70% recycling target of the Zero Waste Masterplan. Grace Fu Hai Yien acknowledged the question and referred to the Ministry's previous written answer regarding strategies to boost waste recycling rates.

Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim raised concerns about the environmental impact of hydrogen sulphide emissions from tank cleaning at PUB Choa Chu Kang Waterworks, as well as safety measures for workers during upgrading. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that hydrogen sulphide would disperse by wind and would not adversely affect the environment or local flora and fauna. The Public Utilities Board (PUB) conducted an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prior to the upgrade, incorporating public feedback to mitigate environmental impact. PUB emphasized its commitment to workplace safety and will ensure that contractors adhere to safety measures, especially regarding confined spaces and toxic exposure risks during construction.

Louis Ng Kok Kwang requested data from the Deputy Prime Minister regarding grant applications under the Enterprise Sustainability Programme over the past five years, specifying the breakdown by company size. Gan Kim Yong responded that around 1,500 unique companies received support from the Programme between 2021 and 2023, including training and funding for sustainability projects. Green, micro, small, and medium-sized companies represented 20% to 30% of the companies supported under the Programme.

Saktiandi Supaat asked about the availability of global carbon credits that meet Singapore's criteria, the comparison of this availability to local demand due to a significant increase in carbon tax, and plans to boost eligible carbon credits for companies. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that it is premature to assess the amount of eligible carbon credits under Singapore's framework due to ongoing international negotiations. Singapore is actively supporting the development of international carbon markets, establishing partnerships with over 20 countries, and facilitating capacity building for high-integrity carbon credit projects. The government encourages private sector participation and organized a business mission to Ghana to promote Article 6-compliant carbon credit projects.

Gan Thiam Poh asked about the need for a long-term solution to reduce periodic ash soil transfer works at the Inland Ash Scattering facility, Garden of Peace. Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that the facility requires transfers to accommodate accumulating ashes, with the design having involved consultation with religious leaders. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has implemented a three-month rest period after lanes fill up, ensuring families' concerns are addressed. NEA plans to develop additional lanes and review existing designs to enhance capacity, which will lessen the frequency of ash transfer works while continuing to communicate the process to applicants.