Environment & climate — Topics

3 Aug 2021

Update on Government's Study on Use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels

The Government has completed a study on integrating sustainable aviation fuels at Changi Airport, identifying operational, commercial, and feedstock options, and is reviewing the findings for further action.
Despite COVID-19, Singapore is participating in the voluntary phase of CORSIA, with CAAS and local carriers monitoring and reporting emissions as required.
The Government is exploring Singapore’s potential as a production and export hub for sustainable aviation fuels, leveraging its petrochemical strengths, while focusing on cost, supply, and viability challenges.

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2 Aug 2021

Measures Adopted by NParks to Control Population of Birds in HDB Housing Estates

NParks manages bird populations in HDB estates using a science-based approach that includes habitat modification, such as directional pruning of trees and replacing tree species to deter roosting.
The agency works with Town Councils and other agencies to reduce food sources by promoting proper waste management and enforcing against littering and illegal bird-feeding.
NParks studies bird ecology, like roosting patterns, to inform strategies and continues collaborating with partners to address noise disturbances and other disamenities.

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2 Aug 2021

Environmental Protection and Management (Amendment) Bill

The bill aims to amend the Environmental Protection and Management Act and make a related change to the Environmental Public Health Act.
It was introduced by the Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment, Mr Desmond Tan, on behalf of the Minister.
The bill received its first reading and is scheduled for a second reading in September 2021.

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2 Aug 2021

Data on Sources of Marine Debris in Past Five Years

The Ministry explained that while it collects thousands of tonnes of marine debris annually, apportioning it to specific sources like ships or neighbouring countries is challenging due to the lack of an internationally accepted methodology for determining the origins of transboundary litter.
Officials outlined existing regulations, such as the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act, which prohibit ship waste disposal and require record-keeping, alongside regional ASEAN efforts to combat marine debris.
The Ministry highlighted ongoing measures, including land-based waste management laws, increased marine cleaning operations, and a new two-year study to understand marine litter pathways, though it noted the study may not definitively identify debris origins.

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27 Jul 2021

Current and Projected Consumption of Concrete in Singapore till 2025

Singapore consumed an average of 11.5 million cubic metres of concrete annually over the last five years, with projections of 10.5 to 12.2 million cubic metres per year until 2025.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) enforces regulations and a Green Mark scheme to promote efficient concrete use, sustainable materials, and alternatives like non-concrete drywalls and Mass Engineered Timber.
Under the Singapore Green Building Masterplan, BCA will increase focus on reducing concrete usage in building design and construction.

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27 Jul 2021

Data on Current and Expected 2021 Total Carbon Emissions by Data Centres in Singapore and Efforts to Reduce Emissions for Data Centres

The Minister for Communications and Information provided data showing that data centres in Singapore consumed 2.75 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2019 (5.3% of total consumption) and 3.40 terawatt-hours in 2020 (7% of total consumption), with corresponding carbon emissions derived from this electricity use.
Data centres in Singapore generally exhibit higher energy efficiency than others in the Asia Pacific region by 5–10%, and newer facilities achieve efficiency levels comparable to those in the US and Europe despite the tropical climate.
The government is partnering with the industry to reduce emissions through initiatives such as revising energy-efficiency criteria for the Green Mark certification, supporting research on energy-efficient cooling technologies, and expanding grants and allowances for emissions reduction.

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27 Jul 2021

Monitoring of Water Quality within Our Territorial Waters and Enforcement Actions and Penalties against Illegal Discharge of Waste and Hazardous Materials

Water quality in Singapore's coastal waters is monitored monthly by the NEA through water sample analysis and a network of eight continuous buoy-based stations to detect anomalies.
The MPA conducts patrols and random ship inspections to ensure compliance, with support from the Police Coast Guard, harbour pilots, and the shipping community to report illegal discharges.
The Prevention of Pollution at Sea Act regulates discharges and sets penalties, including fines up to $20,000 or six months imprisonment for general waste, and fines from $1,000 to $1 million or two years imprisonment for oil discharges.
Over the past decade, 49 ships have been penalised for illegal discharge of waste and hazardous materials into Singapore waters.

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27 Jul 2021

Steps to Reduce Wastage in Use of Physical Items in Public Service Spending

Government agencies manage physical assets with a risk-tiered approach, tracking acquisition, disposal, and useful life, especially for items worth $5,000 or more, and follow standard useful lives or adjust based on specific circumstances.
Ministries conduct regular reviews through stocktakes and audits, and are required to use assets beyond their useful lives if functional, then dispose of them cost-effectively via sales, transfers, or donations when obsolete or unnecessary.
From fiscal years 2018 to 2020, about 12% of higher-value assets disposed by Ministries were sold, 1% given away, and the rest discarded, with 70% beyond their useful lives; Statutory Boards manage assets separately under their own standards.
Efforts to reduce wastage include extending asset use, encouraging resale or donation, and under GreenGov.SG, reviewing policies to increase recycling, particularly for electronic equipment.

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27 Jul 2021

Adoption Rates of Electric Passenger Vehicles

The Minister reported that electric vehicle adoption is rising, with 1.3% of new vehicle registrations in early 2021 being electric, up from 0.3% in 2020, and this growth is expected to continue due to incentives and lower battery costs.
The government aims to install 60,000 charging points by 2030, with plans to add 600 more at public carparks next year and encourage private premises to expand charging infrastructure.
For public buses, the government has committed to purchasing only cleaner energy buses since 2020, with 60 electric buses expected by the end of the year and a goal to eliminate diesel buses by 2040.

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27 Jul 2021

Plans for Zero Emissions Transport System in Jurong Innovation District and Existing Jurong Industrial Areas

The government outlined a three-pronged strategy to achieve zero-emissions transport in Jurong, focusing on promoting walk-cycle-ride modes, expanding public transport including the new Jurong Region Line, and capping vehicle growth while incentivizing electric vehicles (EVs).
The Jurong Innovation District will be a car-lite area with 50% reduced parking norms and an 11-kilometer Sky Corridor for walking and cycling, while the wider Jurong area will become an EV-ready town with charging points in HDB carparks by 2025.
All new public buses since 2020 are electric or hybrid, and future public transport infrastructure like the Tengah Depot will integrate solar panels to offset energy consumption.
In response to a follow-up question, the Minister confirmed that the government is exploring measures to promote EV motorcycles, including swappable batteries, in consultation with industry stakeholders.

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27 Jul 2021

Plans for Marine and Offshore Engineering Sector, Singapore's Carbon Utilisation and Storage, and Low-carbon Hydrogen Sector

The Minister highlighted Singapore’s approach to advancing low-carbon technologies like CCUS and hydrogen, noting challenges such as the lack of geological storage sites and the nascent state of hydrogen carrier technologies, while emphasizing ongoing research, international partnerships, and a refreshed Industry Transformation Map for the marine sector.
Singapore is exploring hydrogen transport options, including ammonia and liquefied hydrogen, and aims to become a regional hydrogen hub, but commercial viability remains uncertain due to high costs and engineering challenges, with a focus on importing low-carbon hydrogen rather than domestic production.
The government is investing in RD&D projects and testbeds, including a $49 million funding initiative, to improve the feasibility of low-carbon technologies, with plans to leverage Singapore’s existing energy infrastructure for sustainable fuel production and market competitiveness.
Concerns were raised about maintaining Singapore’s competitiveness amid global sustainability standards, and the Minister confirmed the strategy of pivoting the oil and gas sector toward sustainable fuels like aviation biofuels, while monitoring technological developments to capture emerging opportunities.
The Minister stated that while Singapore aims for carbon neutrality in the second half of the century, advancements in hydrogen and CCUS could potentially accelerate this timeline, though current projections remain conservative, and demonstrations in public transport are being considered but face feasibility and cost constraints.

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26 Jul 2021

Deployment of Blue Recycling Bins in Private Condominiums and Amount of Recyclables Collected Per Year

Dr Shahira Abdullah queried the number of blue recycling bins in private condominiums, the requirements for their collection, and the annual volume of recyclables collected.
The Minister clarified that over 9,000 recycling bins are deployed in condominiums and private apartments, with bins provided to those on the Public Waste Collection scheme and others required to arrange their own collection.
About 750 tonnes of recyclables are collected annually from condominiums on the Public Waste Collection scheme, though data for those opting out is unavailable.

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26 Jul 2021

Impact of 30% Reduction in Waste-to-landfill on Semakau Landfill's Lifespan

Dr Shahira Abdullah asked for projections on waste sent to Semakau Landfill, its expected lifespan with a 30% reduction, additional measures beyond recycling, and plans for incinerated waste after the landfill's capacity is reached.
Minister Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that the 30% reduction target aims to extend Semakau Landfill's lifespan to at least 2035, lowering daily waste per capita from 0.36 kg in 2018 to 0.25 kg by 2030.
The government is implementing upstream measures like the Resource Sustainability Act, Extended Producer Responsibility schemes, public awareness campaigns, and trials to repurpose incineration ash, all aimed at reducing waste and delaying landfill capacity limits.

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26 Jul 2021

Proposal for Measures to Reduce Consumption of Animal Protein in Singapore

Mr Don Wee asked about government targets and measures to reduce animal protein consumption due to environmental impacts.
Minister Grace Fu stated the government has no plans to introduce measures to nudge citizens toward lower meat and dairy intake, citing dietary choice as personal.
She encouraged reducing food waste and avoiding disposable cutlery to help the environment, and highlighted efforts by the Singapore Food Agency to support sustainable local farming.

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26 Jul 2021

Plans to Protect and Promote Natural and Historical Heritage of Southern Islands

The Singapore Land Authority works with agencies like NParks and the National Heritage Board to protect the Southern Islands' biodiversity and heritage, ensuring sustainable access for visitors.
Key measures include designating the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park as a protected area, restricting public access to conservation zones, and organizing public education through guided walks and community outreach.
Efforts to document heritage include a National University of Singapore project on the islands’ cultural and natural heritage, supported by NHB, and the recognition of Kusu Island’s pilgrimage as intangible cultural heritage.

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26 Jul 2021

Expanding Sentencing Options for Wildlife Feeding Offence to Include Mandatory Treatment Order and Community Work Order

Murali Pillai asked whether sentencing options for wildlife feeding under the Wildlife Act can include mandatory treatment orders and community work orders to address repeat offenders and those with psychiatric issues.
Desmond Lee explained that NParks uses a multi-pronged approach, partnering with agencies to understand offenders' motivations and offer alternative activities like community gardening and bird-watching, while also providing mental health support where appropriate.
Lee noted that mandatory treatment orders may only be suitable if the offender's psychiatric condition is relevant and treatable, and community work orders might be challenging for elderly offenders with health or mobility issues.
NParks will continue to review its wildlife management efforts and maintain a reasonable, multi-pronged strategy to tackle illegal wildlife feeding.

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26 Jul 2021

Proposal to Designate Areas around Southern Islands as Protected Zones

The Minister reported a significant increase in visitors to the Southern Islands, with a monthly average of about 17,000 people visiting St John's Island and linked islands between June 2020 and June 2021, up from 6,800 in 2019.
NParks and SLA have already taken steps to protect marine biodiversity, such as designating the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park in 2014, with plans for a floating boardwalk and ongoing assessments for additional protected areas to balance conservation with public access.
The Government conducts public education and outreach programmes on marine conservation through stakeholders like the Friends of Marine Park, and NParks will continue to enhance these efforts to promote responsible interaction with marine wildlife.

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26 Jul 2021

Measures to Limit Human Traffic to Core and Sensitive Nature Areas

Leon Perera raised concerns about increased visitorship at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and its ecological impact, asking about visitor rates at adjacent buffer parks and suggesting limits on traffic to core areas.
Desmond Lee acknowledged high visitorship during COVID-19 and detailed NParks measures such as trail realignment, railings, and nightly closures to protect wildlife and reduce ecological disturbance.
NParks plans to expand the network of parks and nature parks to spread out recreational demand, while encouraging responsible behavior from visitors to preserve native biodiversity.

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26 Jul 2021

Impact of En Bloc Sales on Environmental Damage and Rise in Housing Prices

The Minister explained that stricter consent thresholds apply to newer buildings, with 90% of owners needed for sales versus 80% for older ones, and that sale outcomes depend on market conditions, developer demand, and price expectations, which can help moderate housing prices by increasing supply.
He noted that every development proposal undergoes a robust planning evaluation process to assess environmental impact, traffic, and other factors, with technical agencies requiring detailed studies before approval.
To minimize environmental damage, Singapore promotes sustainable construction practices, including demolition waste recovery and the BCA Green Mark scheme, achieving over 99% debris recycling in 2020.
The Ministry has not introduced legislation to limit en bloc sales of newer developments, as the existing framework and processes are designed to balance housing needs with environmental responsibility.
The debate highlights the need to manage both housing affordability and environmental sustainability, with current measures focusing on high consent thresholds and green building incentives.

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26 Jul 2021

Update on Introduction and Rollout of EV Common Charger Grant

The EV Common Charger Grant will open for applications on 29 July 2021 to co-fund the installation of up to 2,000 chargers at private residences like condominiums, with 50% reimbursement capped at S$4,000 per charger.
Eligible developments can benefit from the grant for up to 1% of their residential parking lots, with applications to be submitted through the Government’s Business Grants Portal.
The Ministry of Transport will monitor the grant's take-up and effectiveness and consider extending it based on need in the future.

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