Environment & climate — Topics

14 Feb 2022

COVID-19 Self-test Kits Distributed and Sustainable Options to Mitigate Environmental Impact

Mohd Fahmi Aliman inquired whether the Ministry tracks the usage of distributed COVID-19 self-test kits, requested data from the start of the pandemic, and asked if sustainable options are being considered to reduce their environmental impact.
Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that approximately 113 million self-test kits have been distributed or sold in Singapore since the pandemic began, for purposes including household distribution, workplace use, and retail sales.
She noted that while the primary focus has been on ensuring kits are adequate, safe, and effective, disposal guidelines are in place to minimize health risks, and the Ministry will monitor and consider adopting more environmentally sustainable kits when available.

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14 Feb 2022

Measures to Secure Submarine Infrastructure Built for Import of Renewable Energy from Indonesia to Singapore

EMA will evaluate import proposals with experts to ensure high security and reliability of submarine infrastructure for renewable energy from Indonesia, targeting up to 4 GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035.
Penalties for disruptions and excessive restoration times will incentivize importers to protect cables through redundancies, maintenance, and repairs, while damaging cables in Singapore waters is an offence under the Electricity Act.
Onshore backups like energy storage systems and gas turbines will provide resilience during protracted outages, and small-scale trials are underway to refine frameworks for future large-scale imports.

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14 Feb 2022

Supply of Natural Gas from Indonesia to Singapore

Miss Rachel Ong asked if natural gas supply from Indonesia has resumed to normal and whether the new MOU will extend supplies beyond 2023, while Gerald Giam requested detailed monthly volumes, curtailment counts, and steps to improve reliability.
Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that Indonesia supplies gas via two regions with annually reduced volumes due to field depletion, but replacements are being sourced via new contracts or LNG, and the LNG terminal can meet demand.
He noted unplanned curtailments occurred from September to December 2021 due to production issues and low pressure, but supply has since resumed at contractual levels with measures to improve reliability.
The EMA is working with importers and users to enhance stability, including allowing fuel switching and imposing new performance standards, which have prevented curtailments since January 2022.
The 2022 Indonesia-Singapore MOU focuses on low-carbon energy collaboration like infrastructure, electricity trading, and emerging technologies, not on extending natural gas supply beyond 2023.

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14 Feb 2022

Tiered Electricity Pricing for Residential Households to Encourage More Efficient Energy Usage

Don Wee proposed tiered electricity pricing for residential households to promote efficient energy use.
Minister Gan Kim Yong explained that tiered pricing could unfairly burden multi-generational families and emphasized the current pay-what-you-consume model.
The government is encouraging energy efficiency through advanced electricity meters, online resources, and the Climate Friendly Households Programme with e-vouchers for energy-efficient appliances.

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14 Feb 2022

Use of Styrofoam in Making of Aeration Holes in Open Car Park Lots

Miss Cheryl Chan asked whether styrofoam is used for aeration holes in open car park lots, why it is used, and if sustainable alternatives or a phase-out timeline exist.
Desmond Lee confirmed HDB uses food-grade styrofoam moulds to create planting voids in concrete slabs, which help grass growth and reduce heat, and these moulds are disposed of properly as general waste.
HDB is exploring more sustainable construction methods and has successfully piloted an alternative design that does not use styrofoam, which will be adopted during future upgrades of existing surface car parks.

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14 Feb 2022

Impact of New Trends Such As Work and Study from Home on Design of Future Building Developments

Sharael Taha questioned how trends like multi-generational living, working and studying from home, and sustainable living concerns are influencing future building designs, and whether the Ministry will integrate solar energy, natural lighting, and ventilation into new developments to reduce energy and water use.
Desmond Lee responded that the Ministry takes a holistic approach to create a liveable, sustainable environment, and HDB is continuously reviewing flat designs to accommodate changing demographics, lifestyles, and work-from-home needs, offering flexible layouts and various flat types.
The Ministry is promoting sustainable living through initiatives like solar-ready roofs, rainwater harvesting, and the Green Towns Programme, while the Building and Construction Authority mandates energy efficiency improvements for large new buildings and recognizes higher standards through the Green Mark scheme.
Incentives such as the Built Environment Transformation GFA Incentive Scheme provide additional floor area for private developments meeting top sustainability standards, and new public buildings and Government Land Sales developments must also achieve these standards.
The Ministry will continue engaging the public and exploring new planning concepts to support evolving resident needs and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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14 Feb 2022

Number of Sound Pollution Complaints in HDB Estates over Past Two Years and Studies on How to Manage Them Via Better Design and Construction Materials for New HDB Estates

The number of noise-related feedback cases in HDB estates increased by about 25% from 2020 to 2021, partly due to work-from-home arrangements and the resumption of renovation activities.
HDB has improved sound insulation over the years, using thicker concrete walls and floor slabs, and offering vinyl strip flooring in newer Build-to-Order flats to reduce impact noise.
HDB employs design measures like orienting blocks away from noise sources and using car parks as noise buffers, and continues to explore practical solutions while encouraging residents to show consideration for neighbours.

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14 Feb 2022

Estimated Maintenance Costs of Features and Landscaping During Design of Common Property in BTO Estates

Murali Pillai asked if HDB will estimate maintenance costs for features and landscaping in BTO common areas, consult Town Councils, and publish these estimates.
Desmond Lee stated that HDB already factors in sustainability, maintainability, and cost during design, considering durability, ease of maintenance, and environmental benefits like biophilic design and stormwater reduction.
HDB consults Town Councils at multiple stages, such as before tender and construction, to address maintenance issues early and make adjustments before project handover.
HDB noted that Town Councils have their own cost estimates and benefit from economies of scale, so HDB’s figures may not reflect actual Town Council costs.
HDB regularly reviews designs based on new technology and Town Council feedback to keep maintenance costs reasonable.

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14 Feb 2022

Economic Expansion Incentives (Relief From Income Tax) (Amendment) Bill

The Bill amends the Economic Expansion Incentives (Relief from Income Tax) Act to enhance the Investment Allowance for Emissions Reduction (IA-ER) scheme, expanding its scope to include greenhouse gas reduction investments and extending its validity until 31 December 2026.
It introduces a new provision allowing the Minister for Trade and Industry to assign tax incentive administration functions to public bodies like EDB and ESG to improve efficiency without changing policy intent.
Members supported the Bill but raised questions about extending the IA-ER scheme to align with the Singapore Green Plan 2030, seeking more support for SMEs and clearer financing for green incentives.
The Minister clarified that the amendments are backdated to 1 April 2021, and the government will review the IA-ER scheme and other sustainability initiatives regularly to ensure they remain effective.

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14 Feb 2022

Update on Temporary Electricity Contracting Support Scheme and Impact of Exit of Electricity Retailers on SMEs and Support Available

The Temporary Electricity Contracting Support Scheme (TRECS) has been fully subscribed for January and February 2022, and will now be extended through March, April, and May to help about 11,000 business accounts exposed to volatile wholesale electricity prices after six retailers exited the market in late 2021.
The government is providing support through TRECS, fixed-price plans from generators like Sembcorp, and financing options such as instalment plans and SME working capital loans, while noting that allowing SMEs to buy at the regulated tariff would unfairly raise costs for households and smaller consumers.
Officials are monitoring energy prices weekly, are cautiously optimistic prices may ease after winter, and are promoting energy efficiency measures including grants for solar panels, building efficiency, and using energy-efficient devices to help businesses manage costs.

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12 Jan 2022

Cases Prosecuted for Illegal Import and Export of Endangered Species in Last Five Years

Between 2017 and 2021, 18 cases were prosecuted for illegal trade of endangered species under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act.
One of these cases involved illegal transit through Singapore, while the rest were for illegal import into Singapore.
The Minister confirmed that all cases were either for illegal transit or illegal import, with no mention of export cases.
The data addresses the member's query on the number of cases where Singapore was a transit point or final destination.
The response provides a clear breakdown of prosecution outcomes over the five-year period.

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12 Jan 2022

Study on Viability and Feasibility of Converting Vacant State Land to Nature Parks for Nearby Residents

Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for National Development to study the viability and feasibility of converting small vacant state plots near residential estates into nature parks for nearby residents.
Desmond Lee highlighted Singapore’s extensive greening efforts, including safeguarding over 7,800 hectares of green spaces and planning to add 1,000 more hectares over the next 10 to 15 years, with over 200 hectares dedicated to new nature parks near residential areas.
The government balances green space development with other land-use needs through a science-based approach, considering ecological significance and connectivity, while planning for every household to be within a 10-minute walk from a park by 2030.
NParks’ Ecological Profiling Exercise, launched in 2021, maps green spaces’ ecological profiles with expert input to guide long-term land-use plans and support nature conservation.

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12 Jan 2022

Subsidiaries of Temasek Holdings and GIC Involved in Major Potential Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Issues

Leon Perera questioned whether the Government directs Temasek or GIC on ESG issues involving subsidiaries and how the public can hold their boards accountable.
Lawrence Wong stated that the Government does not direct individual investment decisions of Temasek or GIC, which operate independently and focus on long-term sustainable returns.
Both Temasek and GIC integrate ESG considerations into their investment processes, with Temasek engaging investee companies on sustainability and GIC incorporating climate risks and promoting transitions.

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12 Jan 2022

Data on Percentage of Cases Where Surveillance Cameras Did Not Detect Instances of High-rise Littering or Identity of Culprit

Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment for data on the percentage of surveillance camera cases that failed to detect high-rise littering or identify the culprit in the past year.
In response, Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that the National Environment Agency deploys surveillance cameras with video analytics only after persistent complaints and prior advisories to residents.
She provided that in the last five years, high-rise littering was detected in about 40% of camera deployments.
Of the cases where cameras detected littering, the offender could not be identified in approximately 3.5% of instances.

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12 Jan 2022

Lower Reliance on Liquified Natural Gas to Hedge against Rising Electricity Prices and Pilot Trial to Import Electricity from Malaysia

Minister Gan Kim Yong highlighted Singapore's multi-pronged approach under the Energy Reset pillar, including scaling solar power to at least 2 GWp by 2030, which is expected to meet about 3% of demand given land constraints.
The Energy Market Authority is advancing plans to import up to 4 GW of low-carbon electricity by 2035, with a pilot trial to import 100 MW from Malaysia via existing interconnectors set to commence this year.
To hedge against global energy price volatility, Singapore is diversifying into emerging low-carbon technologies such as hydrogen and geothermal energy through research funding and international partnerships, while noting that energy import dependence remains.

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12 Jan 2022

Monitoring Compliance for Recovery and Recycling of Hydrofluorocarbons during Vehicle Servicing and Disposal

The Minister confirmed that current regulations mandate the recovery and proper treatment of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) from household and commercial refrigeration equipment but do not apply to vehicle air-conditioners, as most vehicles are exported at the end of their life.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) is studying the feasibility of extending HFC mitigation measures to other refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, including those in motor vehicles, in consultation with stakeholders and agencies.
No specific monitoring measures or enforcement actions for vehicle servicing and disposal were detailed, as the current framework does not cover vehicle air-conditioners.

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12 Jan 2022

Towards a Low-carbon Society

Singapore plans to develop a green economy by capturing opportunities in areas like green finance, carbon services, and low-carbon technologies, while transforming existing industries and equipping workers with relevant skills.
The government will use a calibrated carbon tax approach, complemented by financial support and standards, to guide the transition without compromising competitiveness.
Public-private partnerships and international cooperation, including carbon markets and sustainability standards, are key to ensuring an inclusive and effective shift toward a low-carbon society.

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12 Jan 2022

Towards a Low-carbon Society

Parliament debated measures to advance Singapore's inclusive transition to a low-carbon society, focusing on enhancing green financing, creating green jobs, and strengthening corporate accountability, with a call for whole-of-society partnership.
Speakers highlighted Singapore's energy constraints and the need for international carbon trading and renewable energy imports, while urging a faster pace on climate targets, including a net-zero by 2050 commitment and a significantly higher carbon tax.
Emphasis was placed on supporting businesses, especially SMEs, through funding and capability-building, and ensuring an inclusive transition by upskilling workers—particularly mid-career and older employees—for green jobs in sectors like finance, built environment, and carbon services.

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11 Jan 2022

Prosecution of Illegal Trade of Endangered Species in Past Five Years

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development about prosecutions for illegal trade of endangered species in the past five years, specifically how many cases involved runners and syndicate leaders.
Desmond Lee responded that between 2017 and 2021, 18 cases were prosecuted under the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act.
None of the persons prosecuted were found to be associated with organised crime in Singapore or overseas.

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11 Jan 2022

Proposal to Phase Out Use of Unabated Coal in Its Electricity Mix Earlier Than 2050

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked if Singapore can commit to phasing out unabated coal in its electricity mix earlier than the 2050 timeframe announced when Singapore joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance.
Gan Kim Yong noted that coal accounts for about 1% of Singapore’s power generation capacity and is only used at the Tembusu Multi-Utilities Complex, which employs clean coal and biomass to lower carbon intensity.
The government has no plans to build new unabated coal plants and will consider the plant’s asset life and availability of alternatives when deciding on any earlier phase-out timeline.
Singapore will work with affected companies to explore bringing forward the phase-out and mitigating emissions where possible.

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