Environment & climate — Topics

2 Aug 2023

Revenues from Carrier Bag Charges

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim asked whether revenues from carrier bag charges are received by the Ministry or retained by retailers, and if profits net of bag costs are designated for environmental transition programmes.
Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that under the Resource Sustainability Act, large supermarket operators must charge at least five cents per disposable carrier bag and publish how the proceeds are used.
The Government encourages operators to channel the proceeds to environmental or social causes, and all have indicated their intention to do so.

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2 Aug 2023

Sources of Renewable Energy and Plans to Increase Supply from Southeast Asia Region

Singapore has expanded solar deployment from 16 MWp in 2013 to about 900 MWp by early 2023, and is on track to reach at least 2 GWp by 2030, using innovative methods like reservoir-based solar.
Plans are underway to import up to 4 GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035, with the Energy Market Authority having issued a Conditional Approval for a 1 GW import from Cambodia.
Singapore is collaborating with Southeast Asian neighbors on smaller-scale electricity import trials, such as the Lao PDR-Thailand-Malaysia-Singapore Power Integration Project that imports up to 100 MW of hydropower.

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2 Aug 2023

Geothermal Energy's Potential Future Contribution to Singapore's Low-carbon Footprint

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked for an update on the Government's assessment of geothermal energy's potential contribution to Singapore's low-carbon energy and conservation efforts.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that Singapore lacks sufficient near-surface heat for conventional geothermal systems but noted potential from deep underground heat, with a study indicating viable depths in Admiralty.
He highlighted that new deep-geothermal technologies are not yet commercially deployed, so there are no immediate plans for geothermal energy production in Singapore.
The Energy Market Authority will launch a tender for a geophysical survey across Singapore later this year to gather additional data on geothermal potential over the next few years.

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2 Aug 2023

Measures Implemented to Minimise Risk of Trees Falling Due to Heavy Rainfall

NParks reported 28 tree uprooting incidents in July due to heavy rainfall and strong winds, with no injuries, and maintains over two million urban trees with a management regime based on international arboriculture standards.
Tree inspections are conducted every six to 24 months, with more frequent checks in high-traffic areas, and measures such as crown reduction, mulching, and fertilisation are used to improve tree health and reduce wind resistance.
NParks employs technology like a Tree Structural Model to assess wind impacts and guide interventions, contributing to an 85% reduction in annual tree incidents since 2000.
The tree management regime is continually reviewed to adapt to best practices and minimise tree falls during extreme weather events.

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2 Aug 2023

Plans to Extract Geothermal Energy in Sembawang and Other Potential Sites

Ms Poh Li San asked about plans to extract geothermal energy in Sembawang and explore other sites like Pulau Tekong, and how such projects would affect nearby residents and businesses.
The Minister responded that Singapore lacks sufficient near-surface geothermal resources, but newer deep-drilling technologies could potentially harness heat at depths of 4–5 km, as suggested by an NTU study in Admiralty.
No immediate plans exist for geothermal energy production, as these technologies are not yet commercially deployed, but the Energy Market Authority will launch a tender for a nationwide geophysical survey later this year to assess potential.

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6 Jul 2023

Approach to Governance and Planning of Sea Spaces

The Ministry of National Development outlined that Temporary Occupation Licences for sea spaces are granted only after consultations with agencies like NParks, NEA, MPA, and SFA, and clearances from technical agencies and URA, ensuring environmental and developmental considerations are addressed.
URA coordinates long-term planning for sea spaces through the Long-Term Plan Review, focusing on maritime industry use, aquaculture, utilities, and recreation while minimizing environmental impact, and continues to engage stakeholders like nature groups and the community.
Environmental impact assessments are conducted based on case-by-case evaluations guided by the Ecological Profiling Exercise, with ongoing monitoring and mitigation measures, though specific thresholds for significant impact are not detailed in the response.

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6 Jul 2023

Identifying Site for Potential Aquaculture Activities

The Singapore Food Agency works with other agencies to identify suitable sea space for aquaculture by assessing water quality, carrying capacity, and ecological receptors, and conducts environmental impact assessments (EIAs) with stakeholder engagement when needed.
The government is technology-agnostic regarding aquaculture methods, allowing operators to choose between systems like recirculating aquaculture systems or open-cage farming based on site suitability and business considerations, while promoting sustainable practices.
Public consultation and education are prioritized through initiatives like the Alliance for Action to integrate the local food value chain and raise consumer awareness, building support for Singapore’s food security goals.
EIAs are triggered if aquaculture activities are expected to significantly impact the environment, with ongoing monitoring and mitigation required; the process may be scoped down for individual operators within a pre-assessed suitable region to avoid being overly onerous.

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5 Jul 2023

Update on HDB's Collaboration with Evonik Industries on High-performance Insulation Material for Roof Panels

Member Leon Perera asked for an update on HDB’s collaboration with Evonik Industries on high-performance insulation for roof panels and the results or policy directions from the study.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that HDB and Evonik signed a 2019 MOU to explore climate change mitigation and sustainable concrete manufacturing, with Evonik’s “Calostat” insulation panel being tested to reduce heat gain in HDB flats.
The research is still in early phases, and HDB will share more details when available.

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5 Jul 2023

Studies on Costs of Air Pollution from All Domestic Sources

He Ting Ru asked if the Government has studied the economic costs, healthcare costs, and excess mortality from air pollution by all domestic sources and whether findings can be shared.
Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that similar questions were answered in March 2017 and November 2022, and no new published studies on health costs have been informed since.
The Member was referred to previous official reports for the answers given on links between air quality and healthcare costs, and on studies of mortality and cost associated with air pollution from human activities.

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5 Jul 2023

Singapore's Adoption of IMO 2020 Regulation

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim queried whether Singapore has adopted the IMO 2020 regulation, which caps sulphur in ship fuel at 0.5%, for ships entering Singapore waters and for Singapore-registered ships globally.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore has integrated IMO 2020 requirements into its Prevention of Pollution of the Sea (Air) Regulations 2022.
These regulations apply to Singapore-registered ships regardless of location and to all other ships while they are in Singapore waters.

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5 Jul 2023

Target Green Plot Ratio for BTO Projects

Leon Perera inquired about whether new BTO projects have a target Green Plot Ratio and the average ratio for recent completed projects.
Desmond Lee stated that since 2016, all new public housing developments must meet a minimum Green Plot Ratio of 4.5, meaning the total leaf area is at least 4.5 times the site area.
In the past three years, 95% of completed BTO projects achieved the minimum ratio, with an average Green Plot Ratio of 5.5, though three projects fell short due to space constraints.
The government is committed to ensuring sustainable and liveable public housing with adequate green spaces.

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5 Jul 2023

Singapore's Performance for PM2.5, PM10, Sulphur Dioxide, Ozone, Nitrogen Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide Emissions

In 2021 and 2022, Singapore’s air quality was in the “Good” or “Moderate” range 99.5% and 100% of the days, respectively, and met 2020 targets for nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, and PM2.5, though PM10 and ozone remain challenging.
The Ministry is reviewing air quality targets and policies, including tightening emission standards for motorcycles and industrial plants, and will continue to update targets based on new scientific and health evidence.
In response to a question on emerging research linking PM2.5 to lung cancer in non-smokers, the Minister noted Singapore’s PM2.5 levels are within targets and exposure is not prolonged, but affirmed the commitment to periodically review targets as science evolves.

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5 Jul 2023

Likelihood of Severe Transboundary Haze Affecting Singapore in 2023 and Preventive Measures

The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment assessed that an El Niño event and a positive Indian Ocean Dipole are likely to develop, leading to drier and warmer conditions that increase the risk of transboundary haze in 2023, potentially making it the hottest and driest season since 2019.
The government has prepared by coordinating action plans through the Inter-Agency Haze Task Force, ensuring sufficient N95 masks, equipping schools with air purifiers, and advising healthcare providers on haze-related conditions to manage potential impacts.
Community measures include working with the People's Association to distribute masks and explore using Residents' Committee centres and air-conditioned spaces as sanctuaries for vulnerable residents during severe haze or heat waves.
Singapore is collaborating with ASEAN, including through the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Transboundary Haze Pollution Control, to proactively manage fires and haze, with positive engagement with the Indonesian government on monitoring and firefighting efforts.
The public is advised to monitor air quality via official channels, prepare with air purifiers and N95 masks, and follow health advisories to mitigate the impact of haze.

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5 Jul 2023

Penalties for Offences Related to Illegal Dumping of Toxic Substances into Public Sewers

The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment explained that penalties for illegally dumping toxic substances into public sewers are set under the Sewerage and Drainage Act, with harsher punishments for repeat offenders and regular reviews to match the impact on sewer systems and NEWater production.
Worker safety is ensured through mandatory Personal Protective Equipment and PUB's real-time sensor network to detect hazardous substances, with companies facing penalties or debarment from future tenders for non-compliance.
In response to a supplementary question, the Minister agreed to share information on typical mitigation measures and costs involved in recovery efforts following such incidents to enhance public and stakeholder awareness.

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4 Jul 2023

Use of Non-surgical One-dose Contraceptive to Feral Animals to Control Wildlife Populations

Murali Pillai asked if NParks will study the use of non-surgical one-dose contraceptives for feral animals, which are advances in the U.S. and cause less stress than current spaying methods.
Desmond Lee responded that NParks uses community- and science-based approaches like Trap-Neuter-Rehome/Release-Manage for dogs and subsidises sterilisation for community cats, which have been effective.
NParks regularly reviews population control measures, including novel non-surgical contraceptives, and will evaluate factors such as efficacy, safety, cost, and ease of application before considering adoption.

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4 Jul 2023

Expansion of Landscaping for Urban Spaces and High-Rises Programme

Leon Perera asked the Minister for National Development about URA’s plans to expand the LUSH programme to new areas or extend existing boundaries.
Desmond Lee explained that the LUSH programme was introduced in 2009 to promote skyrise greenery through planning requirements and incentives, and it expanded island-wide from 2014.
URA is currently reviewing the programme and will provide more details once the review is complete.

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4 Jul 2023

Ensuring Projects in Southern Islands are Phased Out to Minimise Harm to Biodiversity

Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked how the Government harmonises and stages Southern Islands projects to minimise biodiversity harm, whether a coordinated inter-agency workgroup can be formed, and if clear environmental impact assessments are required before projects start.
Desmond Lee responded that a whole-of-Government approach coordinates land use plans, integrating ecological considerations through agencies like NParks and using studies such as the Ecological Profiling Exercise and Southern Islands Biodiversity Survey.
Agencies consult technical bodies like NParks and NEA during feasibility studies to consider environmental impacts, and an Environmental Impact Assessment is conducted if impacts are significant, with mitigating measures and cumulative impacts monitored.
The Government continues to work with agencies, nature groups, and stakeholders to ensure sustainable development of the Southern Islands, phasing projects to balance marine conservation with development.

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4 Jul 2023

Impact of Recent Heatwave on Electricity Consumption in Residential and Commercial Premises

Murali Pillai inquired about the impact of the recent heatwave on electricity consumption and costs in residential and commercial premises, and the steps to ensure future grid capacity.
Gan Kim Yong noted that electricity consumption typically rises during hotter months, with peak demand increasing by about 8% from February to May this year, though costs vary by usage and pricing plans.
He assured that Singapore's current power generation capacity is sufficient to meet increased demand, with 9.4 gigawatts of installed capacity exceeding the peak demand of 7.9 gigawatts.
The Energy Market Authority plans to introduce a centralized tender in 2023 to guide private investments in new generation capacity, with the authority ready to build capacity if private interest is inadequate.
Electricity demand forecasts are updated annually to guide investments in generation capacity and grid infrastructure upgrades, ensuring future reliability amid changing climatic conditions.

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4 Jul 2023

Installation of Electric-charging Stations for Use by Harbour Launches and Harbour Craft

Dennis Tan asked about plans to install more electric charging stations for harbour craft beyond the first one at Pulau Bukom and what assistance is available for owners to convert to net-zero fuels.
The MPA plans to roll out charging infrastructure from 2025 and is working with research partners to determine power needs and identify suitable locations for new stations.
MPA supports research and pilots for alternative net-zero fuels and offers a five-year port dues waiver for new harbour craft using low or zero-carbon fuels or fully electric models.

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4 Jul 2023

Installing Sensors in Recycling Bins at HDB Estates

The Public Waste Collector for Ang Mo Kio-Toa Payoh is trialing a sensor system in recycling bins to prompt collections when bins are full, but the trial was delayed by COVID-19 challenges and is now expected to start later this year with NEA evaluation.
NEA requires timely collection of recyclables, with collection frequency increased to at least three times per week for HDB bins and larger side-loading bins introduced where space allows to prevent overflow.
The public is urged to flatten cardboard, avoid placing non-recyclables like general trash or e-waste in recycling bins, and use the RecycleRight website for guidance on proper disposal.

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