Environment & climate — Topics

4 Jul 2023

Action against Abandoned, Lost or Discarded Fishing Gear

Ms Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about increasing action against abandoned fishing gear after 14 blacktip reef sharks died from a discarded net on Pulau Semakau in May 2023.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that the Singapore Food Agency requires licensed fishing vessels to obtain a gear licence and is studying additional measures to address abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear.
The National Parks Board collaborates with fishing communities to promote sustainable practices, such as catch-and-release fishing and avoiding biodiversity-rich areas, with signages at popular spots to educate fishers.
Restrictions are in place on using nets and wire mesh traps in public parks, including marine parks and nature reserves, to protect marine biodiversity.

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4 Jul 2023

UN High Seas Treaty's Impact on Singapore's Plans on Maritime Conservation and Building of Flood-mitigation Polders

The UN High Seas Treaty, which governs marine areas beyond national jurisdiction, will not directly affect Singapore's maritime conservation efforts within its territorial waters but allows Singapore to contribute to global marine protection and scientific research collaboration.
The treaty has no impact on Singapore's plans for flood-mitigation polders, rising sea level measures, or the Greater Southern Waterfront Gateway development, as these are within Singapore's territorial waters.
Singapore will sign the treaty in September 2023 and intends to ratify it promptly, supporting capacity-building for developing countries through platforms like the Singapore Cooperation Programme.
The treaty does not affect Singapore's sea lines of communication, which will remain unaffected by the agreement.

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4 Jul 2023

Regulatory Sandboxes for Small-Scale Carbon Offsetting Projects

The Minister confirmed that regulatory sandboxes for carbon credit projects have been in place since 2021 to support carbon market development and infrastructure, in line with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and in collaboration with international partners and the private sector.
Singapore is actively working to establish itself as a trusted carbon services and trading hub by fostering international partnerships, signing MOUs with over 10 countries, and developing an International Carbon Credit registry with stakeholder consultations.
The government is collaborating across multiple agencies and ministries to enhance carbon trading, as exemplified by IRAS's treatment of carbon credits for GST purposes, with a focus on growing the green economy and creating jobs in the sector.

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3 Jul 2023

Decline in Singapore's Domestic Recycling Rate

The domestic recycling rate dropped to 12% in 2022 due to increased waste generation post-COVID and decreased export demand for recyclables like paper and textiles, leading recyclers to be more selective.
The Ministry is focusing on three priority waste streams through Extended Producer Responsibility schemes for e-waste, a beverage container return scheme for packaging, and mandatory food waste segregation for new commercial premises.
Efforts are being bolstered by public outreach campaigns, such as "Say YES to Waste Less and Recycle Right," and the Bloobox initiative to facilitate household recycling, aiming to achieve the 2030 targets of 30% domestic and 70% overall recycling rates.

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3 Jul 2023

Earthshot Prize Ceremony in November 2023 and Possible Partnership with Finalists on Sustainability Solutions

Miss Rachel Ong questioned whether the Government would review Earthshot Prize finalists' sustainability solutions for Singapore's context and explore partnerships with them.
The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment stated there are no current plans to review the solutions or partner finalists.
However, the Ministry indicated openness to exploring reviews or partnerships if any proposals are deemed applicable to Singapore.
The debate highlighted the potential for international climate solutions to be adapted locally, pending suitability assessment.

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3 Jul 2023

Complaints of Noise from Renovations in Landed Houses

Miss Rachel Ong inquired about the number of noise complaints from renovations in landed houses over the past five years and the average duration of such renovations.
The National Environment Agency reported noise complaint figures for each year from 2018 to 2022, with enforcement action taken when noise limits are exceeded.
The Ministry does not collect data on the average number of days taken for renovations in landed houses.

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3 Jul 2023

Electricity Demand and Grid Stress from Prolonged Heat Wave

Lim Wee Kiak asked about changes in electricity consumption during heat waves, monitoring of demand and grid stress, and contingency plans for meeting increased demand.
Gan Kim Yong stated that peak electricity demand rose by about 8% from February to May this year, but existing generation capacity of 9.4 gigawatts exceeds the peak demand of 7.9 gigawatts.
The Energy Market Authority and SP Group monitor the grid 24/7, and additional generation units can be directed to supply power during high demand periods.
Consumers are encouraged to manage energy use through efficiency schemes and demand response programs that reward reductions during peak times to improve grid reliability.

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3 Jul 2023

Impact of Prolonged Heat Wave on Power Grid and Deployment of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

Miss Cheryl Chan questioned whether prolonged intense heat would strain the power grid and slow electric vehicle charging infrastructure deployment.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that electricity demand rises in hotter months but assured sufficient generation and grid capacity to meet increased needs.
He explained that energy demand forecasts, including from electric vehicles, guide investments in generation and grid upgrades to ensure reliability.
The Energy Market Authority will use a centralized tender to encourage private investment in new capacity, with fallback plans to build if needed.
Upgrades to the power grid by SP Group are planned based on these forecasts to maintain standards and support future demand.

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3 Jul 2023

Challenges in Implementing OneMillionTrees Movement

The OneMillionTrees movement faces challenges due to Singapore's land scarcity and competing urban uses like housing and transport, with over 540,000 trees planted so far with community support.
Tree species selection is based on metrics such as growth form, hardiness, site conditions, and functional benefits like shade provision, with a priority on native species for nature parks.
Criteria include canopy characteristics for cooling streetscapes and aligning with the goal of transforming Singapore into a City in Nature.

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3 Jul 2023

Feedback Received from Residents on Loud Noise from Motor Vehicles and Motorcycles

Residents have submitted between 85 and 190 feedback cases annually over the past three years regarding loud noise from vehicles and motorcycles, with enforcement actions taken against dozens of vehicles each year for failing noise standards and against over a thousand cases of illegal exhaust modifications annually.
New vehicles must comply with noise emission standards upon registration, and existing vehicles must meet in-use standards to ensure proper maintenance and minimize excessive noise.
To further reduce vehicle noise, tightened noise standards for new motorcycles, passenger cars, and aftermarket exhaust systems took effect on 1 April 2023, with similar standards for new commercial vehicles to be implemented on 1 April 2024.

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3 Jul 2023

Carbon Footprint for Retrofitting Old Buildings Compared with Demolition

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) guidelines require sustainable practices that include retaining and reusing existing building structures, and the voluntary Green Mark scheme recognizes projects that do so to reduce carbon emissions.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) offers financial incentives such as tax concessions and additional floor area to encourage the retrofitting of conserved buildings for new uses.
Building owners can apply for BCA’s Green Mark Incentive Scheme for Existing Buildings 2.0 to receive co-funding for energy efficiency retrofits, supporting efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of older buildings.

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3 Jul 2023

Volume of Liquefied Natural Gas Imported from Indonesia

Singapore's electricity generation relies heavily on natural gas, with LNG import contracts negotiated commercially and details kept confidential due to sensitivity.
LNG imports from Indonesia constituted less than 1% of Singapore's annual natural gas imports between 2020 and 2022, with global sourcing from multiple countries to mitigate supply disruptions.
The Indonesian government's potential ban on LNG exports is unlikely to significantly impact Singapore's short-term energy security due to diversified energy sources and ongoing efforts to enhance security and decarbonisation.

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3 Jul 2023

Managing Growing Wild Boar Population in Bukit Panjang

NParks has removed 19 wild boars from Bukit Panjang since May, installed exclusion fences and cattle grids at key access points, and works with town councils on waste management to reduce food attractants.
The wild boar population in Singapore’s nature reserves is monitored and remains stable at densities lower than regional benchmarks, with a science-based approach involving habitat modification, community engagement, and removal of boars in residential areas for public safety.
NParks conducts tracking studies, discourages feeding, and promotes safe wildlife encounters, while acknowledging that complete eradication is impossible due to regional movement and ecological roles of wild boars.

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10 May 2023

Replacement of Diesel Powered Harbour Crafts with Electric Ferries

Sharael Taha inquired if the Ministry of Transport is exploring more opportunities to replace diesel-powered harbour crafts and ferries with electric ferries and whether a conversion target has been set.
S Iswaran responded that the Ministry announced during the March 2023 COS Debate plans for harbour craft in port waters to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
He directed further details to the MOT COS 2023 webpage for more information on the plans.

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10 May 2023

Trial to Power Up Raffles Lighthouse with Tidal Energy

The trial to power Raffles Lighthouse with tidal energy will last six months.
If the trial shows tidal energy is viable, the Maritime and Port Authority will study suitable sea areas for adoption.
Further opportunities for harnessing tidal energy in Singapore will be explored based on the trial's outcomes.

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9 May 2023

Contractors Penalised for Improper Disposal of Renovation Debris on Common Property in HDB Estates

Since 2023, HDB has penalised two renovation contractors with a $500 fine and six demerit points each for improper disposal of renovation debris on common property.
Between 2018 and 2022, an average of five contractors per year were penalised for such improper disposal, and no contractor has been barred from HDB renovation works so far.
Contractors who accumulate 24 demerit points within 24 months are barred from new HDB renovation works for 12 months, and Town Councils can also take action under their by-laws for illegal dumping.

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9 May 2023

Collection Rate for Bloobox and Updates on Improvement in Recycling Rates

Joan Pereira asked about the nationwide Bloobox collection rate as of April 30, 2023, and whether recycling rates had improved since the Recycle Right campaign launched.
The Minister for Sustainability and the Environment directed the question to a prior official reply given on May 9, 2023, indicating the information was already publicly available.
The query also inquired about future plans to increase the usage of the Bloobox across the country.

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9 May 2023

Data on Fully Electric Public Hire Vehicles and Taxis and Plans to Raise Percentage

As of March 2023, there were over 400 fully electric taxis and over 700 fully electric chauffeured private hire cars, representing about 2.9% and 1.5% of their respective fleets, while about 700 fully electric self-drive private hire cars accounted for 2.7% of that segment.
Taxi operators have committed to having at least half of their taxis be electric by 2030.
Grab has committed to 50% of its GrabRentals fleet being electric by 2030.
These targets are aligned with the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and remain unchanged, with the Land Transport Authority working to facilitate electric vehicle adoption.

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9 May 2023

Processes to Determine Leakage in Underground Water Pipes

Leon Perera asked the Ministry about the methods, error rates, and appeal options for detecting leaks in underground water pipes when surface water has no other clear cause.
Grace Fu explained that PUB uses sensor networks and annual inspections, with Singapore's water loss from leaks at about 8%, which is low globally, and prioritizes areas near construction or with prior leaks.
PUB responds to ground seepage by using noise loggers and locators to find and fix leaks, or samples water to check if it matches PUB supply before expanding the search.
If no pipe is nearby and the water is not from PUB, it is likely groundwater, and PUB coordinates with agencies or landowners to channel it to drains.

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9 May 2023

Audits of Extended Producer Responsibility Processes for E-waste Management

Ms He Ting Ru asked if NEA has conducted external audits of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) process for e-waste management introduced in July 2021.
The EPR scheme involves four regulated stakeholder groups: producers, the Producer Responsibility Scheme operator, large retailers, and e-waste recyclers, with NEA conducting audits on data submissions and operations for each.
NEA monitors and audits producers' data on product supply, the PRS operator's collection and recycling data, retailers' in-store collection services, and recyclers' material recovery and sustainability practices.
The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment will continue to oversee and audit e-waste management under the EPR scheme.

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