Environment & climate — Topics

3 Nov 2021

Profile of Offenders and Fines Issued under Tray Return Campaign

Enforcement of the Clean Tables Campaign began on 1 September 2021 for hawker centres, with one written warning issued so far and no fines, while diners’ most common reason for not returning trays is forgetting.
The campaign will extend to coffeeshops and food courts from 1 January 2022, supported by ongoing public education through multilingual materials, onsite reminders, and collaborations with various groups.
In response to manpower shortages, the Ministry encourages technology adoption, such as tray return robots and food waste digesters, with funding support available via the Environmental Services Productivity Solutions Grant.

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2 Nov 2021

Current and Projected Levels of Carbon Emission by Built Environment Sector and Plans to Enhance Green Financing for Construction Companies

The built environment sector emitted about 11 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent in 2018, with emissions expected to rise as construction recovers post-pandemic.
The Building and Construction Authority will mandate minimum sustainable construction practices like low-carbon concrete from December 2021, while the voluntary Green Mark scheme promotes reducing a building’s entire lifecycle carbon footprint.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore launched the Green and Sustainability-Linked Loans Grant Scheme to help companies cover costs for sustainability assessments and support banks in developing green loan frameworks.
Authorities are collaborating with industry groups to build green financing capabilities, including engaging banks on green building standards and raising awareness through workshops.
Plans include reducing embodied carbon through sustainable materials and design, and enhancing green financing access for construction companies via public-private partnerships.

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2 Nov 2021

Update on Investigations into Foul Odour in Woodlands

NEA conducted site inspections in Woodlands and Lim Chu Kang after foul odour complaints and identified farms and composting sites with localised odour.
Odours from Lim Chu Kang were likely carried to Woodlands by prevailing winds, especially when light wind conditions overnight and in the early morning limited dispersion.
Agencies are engaging affected premises to implement mitigation measures and piloting a community-based initiative to collect detailed feedback to better identify and address odour sources.

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2 Nov 2021

Projected Increase in Water Demand and Usage to Support "30 by 30" Goal to Raise Local Food Production

The Ministry explained that under the "30 by 30" goal, the Singapore Food Agency will support the local agri-food sector through initiatives like the Lim Chu Kang Master Plan and the Agri-Food Cluster Transformation Fund to become productive and sustainable.
It highlighted that the sector will use technologies like water recirculation to be resource-efficient, noting that some indoor farms already use up to 95% less water than traditional farms, with water demand estimates reviewed regularly.
The Ministry stated that the Public Utilities Board works with agencies to ensure water infrastructure meets demand and remains affordable through energy-efficient technology and enhanced productivity.

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2 Nov 2021

Classifying Contraventions in Endangered Species (Import and Export) and Wildlife Acts as Serious Offences in Schedule of Organised Crime Act 2015

Mr Louis Ng asked whether contraventions of specific wildlife trade sections could be classified as serious offences under the Organised Crime Act 2015.
The Minister explained that such classification requires the offences to pose a serious threat to public safety and be linked to organised crime, and noted that current investigations have not found such links in Singapore.
He emphasised that these wildlife trade offences are already treated seriously and are listed as serious offences under the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act to facilitate international cooperation.

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2 Nov 2021

Publication of Public Consultation Exercises for Proposed Revisions to Carbon Tax

Dennis Tan asked if public consultations on proposed revisions to the carbon tax would be published on REACH before Budget 2022 and if enough time would be given for feedback; he also asked if revisions would include updates to the 2030 carbon tax target and if a summary of feedback would be provided before Budget 2022.
Lawrence Wong replied that the Government is reviewing the carbon tax and will announce revised post-2023 levels and expectations up to 2030 at Budget 2022, with public engagement ongoing via the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and potentially REACH, including consultations with businesses on impacts and green growth opportunities.
Feedback from these consultations will be considered in the review, and the Government will provide a summary of relevant feedback at an appropriate time, but no specific commitment was made to publish the consultation on REACH before Budget 2022 or to provide the summary before that date.

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2 Nov 2021

Measures to Counter Over-population of Pigeons and Resultant Harmful Pollutive Effects

NParks adopts a holistic and science-based approach to manage pigeon overpopulation, focusing on food source reduction, habitat modification, and population control.
The government collaborates with various agencies and town councils to enforce against littering and illegal bird-feeding while educating and engaging with feeders to discourage the practice.
Population control methods are conducted in a sustainable and humane manner, with NParks working with stakeholders to ensure proper handling and cleanliness during operations.
NParks will continue to review and work with agencies to manage pigeon populations, emphasizing public safety and health while urging citizens not to feed pigeons and to maintain a clean environment.

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2 Nov 2021

Proper Disposal and Recycling of Battery Packs Given Rise in Battery Electric Vehicles

The Ministry for Transport highlighted that EV batteries are regulated under NEA’s Extended Producer Responsibility scheme, requiring importers to collect and properly dispose of or recycle them, with useful materials recovered locally or exported.
Local recycling capabilities for EV batteries are being developed through collaboration with the industry, and the government is exploring technologies to repurpose used batteries for energy storage.
Repurposing batteries for grid applications is intended to extend their lifespan, address solar intermittency, and strengthen grid resilience.

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2 Nov 2021

Energy (Resilience Measures and Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

The Energy Market Authority (EMA) will be empowered to build, own, and operate critical energy infrastructure, such as power generation units and energy storage solutions, to safeguard Singapore's energy security and reliability during the transition to low-carbon sources.
The Bill enhances penalties for damaging critical electricity and gas infrastructure and expands EMA’s authority to impose energy and carbon efficiency standards on licensees to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Ministers and MPs emphasized the need for diversification of energy sources, including solar, regional imports, and low-carbon alternatives, while balancing consumer affordability and supporting vulnerable households amid rising electricity prices.

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1 Nov 2021

Offering Plant-based Meals or Meals Derived from Sustainable Sources at Government Events

Shahira Abdullah queried if the government would default to plant-based or sustainable meals at official events to demonstrate commitment to mainstreaming sustainability.
Grace Fu Hai Yien cited the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and GreenGov.SG initiative, noting the public sector is embedding sustainability into core areas like procurement.
She highlighted that sustainability metrics are being reviewed, starting with main products and services to maximize impact.
The response did not explicitly confirm a default policy for plant-based meals but framed the question within broader sustainability efforts.
The debate centers on aligning government event catering with national sustainability goals and procurement reforms.

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1 Nov 2021

Compensation when Electricity Retailers Exit Market and Plans to Increase Power Generation Capacity

Mr. Don Wee inquired about assistance for households receiving compensation from electricity retailers that exited the market, which led to higher prices.
Mr. Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked for data on past and projected electricity reserve margins and plans to increase power generation capacity to meet rising demand.
Minister Gan Kim Yong stated that his reply to the questions was provided in a previous parliamentary session on 1 November 2021, directing members to the official report.

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1 Nov 2021

Update on Efforts towards 2030 Targets for Generating Electricity with Solar Energy and Encouraging Private Property Owners to Install Solar Energy Systems

Singapore is on track to meet its 2030 target of generating at least 2 GWp of solar energy, with installed capacity increasing eight-fold since 2015 to over 500 MWp by mid-2021.
The government is leading solar deployment through programmes like SolarNova and exploring innovative installations on water bodies, vacant land, and sheltered walkways, including a large 60 MWp floating solar farm at Tengeh Reservoir.
Regulatory enhancements by the Energy Market Authority, such as the Simplified Credit Treatment Scheme, allow solar adopters to easily sell excess electricity back to the grid and receive payments through their monthly bills.
Initiatives like JTC’s SolarRoof and SolarLand programmes help commercial and industrial tenants adopt solar with zero upfront costs, while the Building and Construction Authority encourages solar adoption under the Green Mark 2021 scheme.
The government will continue collaborating with stakeholders to maximize solar energy adoption, as solar remains Singapore's most viable renewable energy source.

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1 Nov 2021

Military Camps that Tap On Renewable Sources of Energy to Generate Power

Miss Cheng Li Hui asked about the percentage of military camps using renewable energy, feasibility of solar panels, and any installation plans.
MINDEF and the SAF are committed to supporting Singapore’s Green Plan 2030 and have begun installing solar panels in suitable camp areas.
By April next year, about one in four camps will have solar panels, generating 20 MWp of electricity, equivalent to the consumption of about 5,000 four-room households.
By 2025, solar panel adoption will expand to nearly two-thirds of camps, generating 50 MWp of electricity.
The plans will proceed without compromising operational effectiveness.

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1 Nov 2021

Measures to Reduce Packaging Waste Generated from Increase in E-commerce

Seah Kian Peng asked the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment about the projected growth in plastic and packaging waste from e-commerce and the measures being taken to reduce such waste.
Grace Fu Hai Yien noted that while plastic waste declined in 2019 and 2020, paper and cardboard packaging waste increased in 2020, likely due to e-commerce growth, though a specific breakdown by e-commerce is not available.
The Ministry has introduced Mandatory Packaging Reporting requirements for large producers and retailers, including e-commerce companies, to collect data and report on packaging reduction plans by early 2022.
The government is establishing an Extended Producer Responsibility framework for packaging waste by 2025 and launched the Packaging Partnership Programme to encourage industry collaboration and sustainable practices, such as light-weighting and recycling initiatives by companies like KrisShop and RedMart.

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1 Nov 2021

Support for Industry and Consumers Given Higher Electricity Prices and Recent Exit of Electricity Retailers

Several electricity retailers have exited the market due to global energy supply shocks and high wholesale prices, impacting about 9% of consumers, who will be transferred to SP Group or other retailers without disruption, and government measures are in place to secure energy supply and assist affected households.
The government is implementing pre-emptive measures to ensure energy resilience, including standby fuel facilities, enhanced fuel stockpiling, and diversification of energy sources like solar and low-carbon electricity imports, while maintaining sufficient generation capacity.
Regulatory safeguards for the Open Electricity Market are being strengthened, including reviewing licensing requirements and hedging strategies, to better protect consumers and ensure market viability amid volatility.
Targeted financial assistance, such as U-Save rebates and potential further support, will be provided to vulnerable households, while energy conservation and efficiency programs are promoted to help manage costs.
The government is exploring longer-term strategies to reduce reliance on imported natural gas, including increasing solar deployment, importing low-carbon electricity, and advancing technologies like hydrogen and energy storage.

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5 Oct 2021

Progress of Conservation of Native Seed Dispersers and Pollinators

NParks employs a science-based approach to conserve native seed dispersers and pollinators, using the Nature Conservation Masterplan to guide habitat enhancement and restoration works, such as planting at Bukit Gombak Park and along roads.
Under the Species Recovery Programme, NParks aims to boost populations of key species like the Gold-margined Stingless Bee and Green Imperial Pigeon, thereby strengthening ecological resilience.
NParks collaborates with nature groups and academic experts, including conducting studies with the National University of Singapore on bees and the Cave Nectar Bat to better understand their ecology.
Future efforts will focus on safeguarding core biodiversity areas and improving connectivity between green spaces to conserve habitats and support healthier pollinator populations.

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5 Oct 2021

Progress of Species Recovery Programme and Updates on Threatened Species Identified

NParks expanded the Species Recovery Programme from 46 to 120 species between 2016 and 2021 through reintroduction and propagation efforts.
The programme has achieved successes, such as reviving the thought-to-be-extinct Ormocarpum cochinchinense and improving the Sunda Slow Loris's conservation status from "Critically Endangered" to "Endangered."
NParks plans to increase recovery efforts to 160 species by 2030 to further strengthen Singapore's native biodiversity conservation.

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5 Oct 2021

Current State of Marine Biodiversity, Plans for More Marine and Wildlife Parks and Progress on Sisters’ Island Marine Park

Singapore’s coastal and marine ecosystems support rich biodiversity, including more than 250 coral species, 35 mangrove species, and 12 seagrass species, which are conserved under the Marine Conservation Action Plan through habitat protection and species recovery programmes.
The Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, established in 2014, promotes conservation, research, and outreach, with Small Sister’s Island and nearby reefs designated for conservation, and Big Sister’s Island enhanced with amenities like a floating pontoon boardwalk.
NParks will continue assessing with the marine community whether to introduce more marine parks to safeguard Singapore’s marine biodiversity.

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5 Oct 2021

Annual Number of Complaints Regarding Noise Disturbance from Asian Koel and Mitigation Measures to Minimise Roosting near Residential Areas

From 2016 to 2020, NParks received an average of about 640 annual complaints regarding noise disturbance from the Asian Koel.
NParks works with Town Councils and MCSTs to conduct habitat modification, including tree pruning, fruit harvesting, and removal of crow nests where Koels lay eggs.
These measures have been assessed as effective in managing the Koel population in residential areas in a sustainable and humane manner.
NParks will continue collaborating with agencies to enhance mitigation strategies while promoting co-existence with native wildlife.
The Asian Koel is a native species protected under the Wild Animals and Birds Act, guiding the approach to management.

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5 Oct 2021

Incorporating Eco-friendly Alternative Fuels into Singapore Green Plan 2030

Melvin Yong asked whether synthetic fuels are eco-friendly and if they can be included in the Singapore Green Plan 2030 as an alternative to fossil fuels.
Grace Fu stated that synthetic fuels can be more eco-friendly than fossil fuels when made from waste-derived or renewable feedstock, such as sustainable aviation fuels reducing emissions by up to 80%.
However, she noted that sustainable aviation fuels are currently two to five times more expensive than conventional jet fuel.
She emphasized that incorporating eco-friendly synthetic fuels depends on technological, operational, and commercial viability, with ongoing R&D and pilot projects to support development and integration.

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