Environment & climate — Topics

5 Oct 2021

Technical Assistance from HDB to Reduce Diffusion of Second-hand Smoke into Flats

HDB, together with Town Councils and the National Environment Agency, encourages neighbours to communicate directly and may issue a Joint Advisory on Smoking in Homes to address second-hand smoke complaints.
If direct talks fail, affected residents are advised to pursue mediation and, as a last resort, file a case with the Community Dispute Resolution Tribunal.
HDB and the Municipal Services Office have launched a Call for Proposals to seek innovative technological solutions that can reduce second-hand smoke at its source or prevent it from entering neighbouring units.
Proposals will be evaluated with HDB’s technical input after the deadline on 9 December, with suitable ideas advanced for further development and trials.
These efforts complement ongoing inter-agency reviews to enhance the community dispute management framework and make mediation and tribunal processes more accessible.

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5 Oct 2021

Restrictions on Redevelopment Given Recent Focus on Sustainability and the Environment

Seah Kian Peng questioned if the Ministry would consider age-based restrictions and limits on redevelopment to align with sustainability goals.
Desmond Lee noted that existing laws already impose higher consent thresholds for younger buildings, with most collective sales involving developments over 30 years old.
He highlighted that proposals undergo environmental impact assessments and promote sustainable construction practices through guidelines and incentives.
The government balances environmental responsibility with housing needs through planning evaluations and green building standards.

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5 Oct 2021

Response to Rating of Singapore by Climate Action Tracker as "Critically Insufficient"

The government is reviewing the Climate Action Tracker's methodology, arguing that Singapore's unique constraints as a small, densely populated city-state with limited renewable energy access are not adequately reflected in its "Critically Insufficient" rating.
Singapore faces distinct disadvantages compared to other cities and countries, such as having no hinterland or access to offshore wind or nuclear power, which limits the expansion of green energy despite efforts like floating solar farms and building rooftop panels.
The government is implementing broader sustainability initiatives, including the Singapore Green Plan 2030, greening buildings, phasing out internal combustion vehicles, and reviewing the post-2023 carbon tax, while funding research and green finance through plans like the Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2025 Plan.

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4 Oct 2021

Proposal to Amend Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act to Increase Penalties for Wildlife Trafficking, Trade and Possession Offences and Tighten Regulations for Shipments in Transit

The Ministry for National Development and NParks are reviewing the Endangered Species (Import and Export) Act to strengthen regulations on CITES species, increase penalties, and enhance enforcement powers for wildlife trade offences.
The Ministry has already consulted key stakeholders, including traders, shipping companies, academics, and NGOs, and will conduct a public consultation on the proposed amendments soon.
Once the review and consultation are complete, a Bill will be introduced in Parliament to amend the ESA, though a specific timeline has not yet been provided.

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4 Oct 2021

Number of Complaints Received from Woodlands Residents on Foul Odour in Air in Past One Month and Investigation Carried Out

NEA received approximately 140 complaints about foul odour from Woodlands residents between 1 August and 24 September 2021.
For each complaint, NEA conducts ground inspections and checks nearby premises like factories, construction sites, and agricultural areas for possible causes.
If the source is identified, NEA engages the owner or occupier to implement mitigation measures and monitors their effectiveness.

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4 Oct 2021

Update on Nuisance Orders Issued under Sections 45(1) and 44(e) of Environmental Public Health Act

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment for data on nuisance orders under sections 45(1) and 44(e) of the Environmental Public Health Act.
In the last six years, 21 nuisance orders were issued, mainly for waste management at trade fairs and dust at construction sites, with over 1,700 issued before 2015 mostly for dust issues.
Since 2015, dust issues at construction sites are handled under section 18 of the Act for quicker action without needing to prove public-wide impact.

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4 Oct 2021

Fire Prevention Measures in Nature Reserves and Parks Given Rising Temperatures

NParks is implementing fire safety measures like vegetation trimming, debris clearing, and fire break maintenance, while also increasing patrols and enforcement against smoking and unauthorised burning during dry periods.
NParks is developing a Forest Fire Detection and Monitoring System using CCTV, drones, and video analytics to enable faster fire identification and real-time response coordination with SCDF.
NParks is educating the public through signs about preventing fires, such as prohibiting smoking in reserves and ensuring fires are not left unattended at camping and barbecue sites.

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4 Oct 2021

Update on Use and Beneficiaries of Climate-Friendly Households Programme

Murali Pillai questioned how many of the 30,000 eligible HDB households have used the CFH Programme e-vouchers and sought a breakdown by appliance type, while also asking if the programme could be extended to cover items like air-conditioners, water heaters, or washing machines.
Grace Fu Hai Yien reported that over 65,700 households registered for e-vouchers, with about 14,000 vouchers utilised as of August 2021, including 6,600 for energy-efficient refrigerators, 5,200 for LED lights, and 2,200 for water-efficient shower fittings.
The Minister explained there are no plans to extend the programme to additional appliances, as it is targeted at essential items for lower-income households to take climate action and save money, with ongoing outreach efforts and future reviews based on take-up rates.

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4 Oct 2021

Energy (Resilience Measures and Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

The Energy (Resilience Measures and Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill aims to amend the Energy Market Authority of Singapore Act, the Electricity Act, the Gas Act, and related sections of the District Cooling Act.
It was presented by the Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr Tan See Leng, and introduced for its first reading in Parliament.
The bill was scheduled for a second reading at the next available parliamentary sitting and ordered to be printed.

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14 Sep 2021

Measures to Reduce Amount of Light Emitted by Public and Commercial Buildings at Night

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked whether the Ministry would consider reducing light emissions from public and commercial buildings at night and if there are plans to replace public area lights with ambient light sensors to cut energy use.
The Ministry highlighted that lighting makes up 15% of built environment energy use, regulated through MELS and MEPS to ensure efficiency, and most public sector buildings have already adopted energy-efficient lighting.
Smart lighting solutions that adjust based on motion and ambient light are being rolled out in new public housing since 2018 and are being extended to existing estates under HDB’s Green Towns Programme.
Building owners are encouraged to adopt smart lighting that dims or turns off when not needed, supported by BCA’s Green Mark Scheme, while individuals are also urged to switch off lights when not in use.

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14 Sep 2021

Effect of Changing Weather Patterns on Landscaping, Maintenance and Plant Species in HDB Estates

Dr Lim Wee Kiak asked how changing weather patterns affect landscaping in HDB estates, whether Town Councils work with NParks to adjust maintenance schedules for different plant species, and if the Ministry will consider including landscaping in Town Council management reports for its carbon reduction role.
Minister Desmond Lee explained that HDB provides greenery in new estates while Town Councils maintain existing ones, with NParks sharing best practices on plant selection and tree risk management to address climate change impacts.
HDB selects hardy trees and secures rooftop garden trees with anchors since 2018 to reduce fall risks, and NParks trains and certifies arborists to help Town Councils update maintenance schedules based on weather patterns.
NParks advises on storm-vulnerable species, provides pre-monsoon advisories for tree checks and pruning, and Town Councils must get HDB approval to remove trees and replace them, while the existing management report already assesses landscape maintenance.

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14 Sep 2021

Sustainability Practices in Built Environment in Singapore

The Ministry for National Development is implementing sustainability practices under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, focusing on transforming Singapore into a City in Nature through new parks and nature corridors.
Sustainability standards for buildings and HDB towns are being raised, including the refreshed Green Mark scheme, Super Low Energy standards for residential buildings, and the HDB Green Towns Programme to introduce green features.
R&D in urban sustainability is being driven through programs like Cities of Tomorrow and a Marine Climate Change Science programme to address environmental challenges.

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14 Sep 2021

Independent Environmental Impact Assessment for Dover Forest Development Plans

Louis Ng asked if an independent environmental impact assessment has been conducted for the Dover Forest development and requested one if not, while Desmond Lee explained that the Ulu Pandan site is earmarked for residential use, with an Environmental Baseline Study done, public and nature group consultations held, and revised plans to protect biodiversity including a future nature park and green corridor.
HDB engaged an external consultant for the baseline study, published the report online with extended feedback, and incorporated NParks’ ecological profiling to balance development with conservation, such as deferring development in the western half for about 10 years.
The government’s approach includes creating an ecological connector between Clementi Forest and the Southern Ridges, establishing a green corridor along Ulu Pandan Canal, and developing an Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan to mitigate and monitor impacts during construction.

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14 Sep 2021

Singapore Green Plan Targets following Sixth Assessment Report of UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

Member Lim Biow Chuan asked if Singapore will bring forward its Green Plan 2030 targets and introduce more electric vehicle incentives following the IPCC’s “code red” climate warning.
Minister Grace Fu affirmed Singapore’s commitment to climate action, noting that the Green Plan is dynamic and will be strengthened where feasible as technology and international cooperation evolve.
The government is advancing low-carbon technologies like hydrogen and advocating for global collaboration, while systematically transforming industries and society toward greater energy and carbon efficiency.
For transport, Singapore is limiting vehicle growth, promoting EV adoption through existing schemes like the VES and EV Common Charger Grant, and accelerating charging infrastructure deployment toward a 60,000-point target by 2030.
The government will continue to review and adjust its climate initiatives and incentives based on evolving conditions, technological progress, and international developments.

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14 Sep 2021

Measures to Mitigate against Flooding Given Inclement Weather Due To Indian Ocean Dipole

The Minister emphasized that climate change is intensifying extreme weather, leading to more flash floods in Singapore, as seen in recent record rainfall events that exceeded monthly totals within hours.
PUB has reduced flood-prone areas from 3,200 hectares in the 1970s to 28 hectares today through $2 billion in drainage investments and plans to spend another $1.4 billion over five years, while using portable barriers, enhanced forecasting, and public alerts to manage transient flash floods.
The August 2021 flood in Tampines was caused by a contractor illegally altering drainage without approval, prompting PUB to press charges and remind contractors to comply with regulations to prevent construction materials from blocking drains.
The government coordinates inter-agency efforts for major roadworks but will review enforcement and monitoring measures to address unauthorised alterations and poor housekeeping by contractors.
Members of the public are encouraged to subscribe to SMS alerts from NEA and PUB for early warnings and to adjust daily schedules based on weather advisories to build community resilience.

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13 Sep 2021

Enhancing Local Capacities for Conservation of Native Biodiversity in Nature Reserves, Parks and Marine Parks, and Involving Public in These Efforts

NParks is enhancing conservation of native biodiversity through a science-based approach guided by the Nature Conservation Masterplan, which safeguards key terrestrial and marine habitats and species.
Public involvement is integrated via initiatives like the Species Recovery Programme, Youth Stewards for Nature, and citizen science surveys under the Community in Nature initiative.
NParks collaborates with the nature community and academics, such as through the Ecological Profiling Exercise, to review and improve conservation strategies for green spaces and ecological connectivity.

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13 Sep 2021

New Centre for Wildlife Forensics and K9 Unit's Goals Towards Global Fight Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

NParks established the Centre for Wildlife Forensics and K9 Unit in August 2021 to enhance Singapore's role in combating illegal wildlife trade globally, with immediate efforts to advance forensic capabilities through new technologies and research collaborations.
In the medium term, NParks aims to register the Centre as a CITES Reference Laboratory to support other member states, while the K9 Unit will deploy sniffer dogs at borders for continuous training to detect illegal wildlife and products.
Long-term goals include positioning the Centre as an international centre of excellence in wildlife forensic research and collaboration, with findings from ongoing studies shared to strengthen cross-border enforcement against criminal networks.

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13 Sep 2021

Proposal to Release Figures on Singapore’s Existing Carbon Emissions that GreenGov.SG's Projections and Targets are Based on

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment to release the existing carbon emission figures that underpin GreenGov.SG’s projections and targets.
The Government confirmed that GreenGov.SG was launched in July 2021 with expanded sustainability targets covering more public sector facilities.
A GreenGov.SG report detailing the public sector’s sustainability performance, including carbon emissions, will be released in due course.

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13 Sep 2021

Update on Investigation under Transboundary Haze Pollution Act against Companies and Individuals involved in causing Haze Pollution in Singapore in 2015

The NEA investigated six Indonesian companies for allegedly causing the 2015 haze pollution in Singapore under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act.
Legal notices were issued to all six companies, but cases for two have been closed based on their provided information.
Investigations into the remaining four companies are still ongoing.

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13 Sep 2021

Investigation and Prosecution of Cases of Waste Disposal into Singapore Waters in Past Five Years

Between 2016 and 2020, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore investigated three cases of illegal disposal of waste and pollutants into Singapore waters, with two cases in 2017 and one in 2018.
All three investigated cases resulted in composition fines being issued by the MPA, with no warnings or jail terms recorded during this period.
The MPA provided data on the number of inspections and verifications of Garbage Management Plans on ships conducted between 2016 and 2020.

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