Environment & climate — Topics

10 May 2021

Skyrise Greenery as Part of Green Plan 2030

The Singapore Green Plan targets adding 1,000 hectares of green spaces like parks and connectors, which does not include skyrise greenery, while the skyrise greenery footprint is aimed to grow from 133 to 200 hectares by 2030.
The Skyrise Greenery Incentive Scheme has supported 268 building projects with nearly $9 million disbursed to date, helping retrofit buildings with rooftop and vertical gardens.
NParks promotes the scheme through sharing sessions, newsletters, an online portal, training courses, and collaborations with industry associations to encourage more building owners to participate.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 May 2021

Rationale for Annual Additional Flat Component in Electric Car Road Tax

The Annual Additional Flat Component (AAFC) for electric vehicles was introduced as an interim measure to approximate equal treatment between electric and non-electric vehicles, since electric vehicles are exempt from fuel excise duty.
The rationale for the AAFC is part of broader vehicle measures designed to control congestion through regulating vehicle ownership and usage, which is a key aspect of sustainable development.
The Ministry for Transport is studying different approaches and options for distance-based charging that is fuel-independent as a potential future alternative to the current flat component.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 May 2021

Rationale for Excluding Heavy Goods Vehicles and Very Heavy Goods Vehicles from Commercial Vehicle Emissions Scheme

The CVES provides incentives for cleaner light commercial vehicles and surcharges for pollutive ones, targeting Light Goods Vehicles (LGVs) up to 3,500 kg due to market availability of cleaner alternatives.
Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and Very Heavy Goods Vehicles (VHGVs) are excluded because cleaner, market-ready alternatives for these categories are currently limited, which would reduce the scheme's effectiveness.
The Ministry will continue monitoring market availability of cleaner HGV and VHGV models and consider expanding the CVES to include more commercial vehicles in the future.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 May 2021

New Courses at Institutes of Higher Learning to Support Green Economy

IHLs are introducing new sustainability-focused programmes, such as Republic Polytechnic’s Diplomas in Sustainable Built Environment and Environmental and Marine Science, and SMU’s sustainability major.
Existing courses are being updated to include sustainability components, including NTU’s new common module on sustainability and Temasek Polytechnic’s revamped diploma in architectural technology and building services.
IHLs are offering upskilling opportunities for working adults, such as Singapore Polytechnic’s Food Manufacturing Programme and SIT’s course on Building Energy Modelling.
IHLs will continue collaborating with industry partners to ensure students and workers gain the skills needed for the green economy.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 May 2021

Plans to Promote Homegrown Innovation under Research, Innovation and Enterprise Plan 2025

The Research, Innovation and Enterprise (RIE) Plan 2025 builds on past investments to position Singapore as an innovation-led, sustainable economy, with initiatives like the Enterprise Sustainability Programme and enhanced Investment Allowance for Emissions Reduction to support companies in developing green capabilities.
Efforts are underway to strengthen technology translation through platforms such as environmental and food innovation centres, while global partnerships and networks are being expanded to provide Singapore companies access to international markets and expertise.
Progress includes establishing Singapore as a global hydro hub, funding over 30 sustainable food projects under RIE 2020, and generating industry-research collaboration in low-carbon energy technologies like hydrogen and carbon capture.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 May 2021

Implementation of Disposable Carrier Bag Charge and Impact on Lower-income Groups

Members of Parliament raised concerns about the potential impact of the disposable carrier bag charge on lower-income groups, the elderly, and households that reuse bags for waste disposal, and asked about implementation details and alternatives like biodegradable bags or incentives.
The Ministry explained that the charge aims to reduce excessive consumption of disposables, citing successful reductions in other jurisdictions and local pilot projects, and emphasized it will consult stakeholders and consider mitigating measures for vulnerable groups.
The Ministry stated it has no plans to promote biodegradable bags due to Singapore's waste management system and will focus on reducing overall disposable use, with consultations to complete by year-end and a phased approach starting with supermarkets.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

10 May 2021

Engineering Measures to Reduce Flash Floods at Bukit Timah Canal and Ulu Pandan Canal Areas

On 17 April 2021, intense rainfall from a Sumatra squall and typhoon influence caused flash floods at Bukit Timah-Dunearn Roads and Ulu Pandan Canal park connectors, with water depths of up to 150mm but roads remained passable and floods subsided quickly.
The upgraded Bukit Timah First Diversion Canal was only 50% full during the event, showing its effectiveness, while ongoing works on the remaining section (to be completed by 2024) will lower water levels by over one meter for similar rainfall.
Future measures include raising a low-lying park connector section along Ulu Pandan Canal during reconstruction and investing $1.4 billion over five years to enhance flood resilience, alongside improved forecasting and public alerts via technology and apps.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Use of Carbon Footprint of Building Materials for Public Housing Projects

Contractors bid for HDB projects based on designs and specifications that consider life-cycle costs, sustainability, and maintainability, but the carbon footprint of building materials is not a direct factor in tender evaluation.
HDB requires all new public housing developments to achieve BCA Green Mark Gold certification or higher, with new towns aiming for GoldPlus, which encourages sustainable materials and mandates embodied carbon calculations for concrete, glass, and steel.
HDB is studying alternative building materials through its Cities of Tomorrow R&D programme to reduce carbon footprint, with adoption dependent on balancing research outcomes with availability, cost, quality, and performance.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Limits in Place for Construction of Building Structures on Land Designated as National Park

Gerald Giam asked about limits on building structures in national parks, why Bedok Reservoir Park and Coney Island Park were chosen for specific projects, and whether such facilities could be built outside parks to preserve greenery.
Desmond Lee explained that compatible facilities are placed in or near parks to enhance visitor amenities while minimizing environmental impact through design integration and careful site selection.
The HomeTeamNS Bedok Clubhouse was chosen to provide more amenities for park visitors and waterfront access, with its design intended to blend into the park environment.
The Outward Bound Singapore campus at Coney Island was selected for its accessibility and suitability for outdoor programs, with efforts to enhance greenery during construction.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Number of Commercial and Residential Buildings Currently Powered by Solar Panels and Their Average Power Capacity

Abdul Samad asked the Minister for National Development about the number of commercial and residential buildings currently powered by solar panels and their average power capacity.
As of 4Q 2020, around 2,500 commercial and residential buildings have solar panels installed.
The installed power capacity of solar panels on these buildings varies due to factors like rooftop space availability and suitability.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Review Workplace Safety and Health Regulations to Anticipate and Address Potential Climate Change-related Hazards

The Ministry of Manpower updated its heat stress guidelines in December 2020 to include strategies like acclimatising workers and scheduling work during cooler times, with checks covering both indoor and outdoor environments.
Inspections show companies are implementing measures such as providing breaks, rest shelters, water points, and mobile shelters in industries like construction and marine to manage heat stress.
MOM continues to monitor climate change impacts and will update guidance as needed, working with industry and WSH professionals to identify and prevent climate-related hazards.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Setting Noise Limit on Food and Beverage Operators Located in Residential Areas

Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment if the Ministry would consider setting a noise limit for food and beverage operators in residential areas.
The Minister responded that fixed noise limits are not meaningful because it is difficult to pinpoint the exact source of noise, which can come from operations, patrons, nearby establishments, or surrounding activities.
The government has established guidelines for noise mitigation, such as restricting noise-generating activities and maintaining equipment, and agencies like SFA engage operators to advise on mitigation measures when feedback is received.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Mandating Standardised Design for Recycled Takeaway Utensil, Cutlery and Packaging to Reduce Single-use Plastic at Hawker Centres

Christopher de Souza proposed mandating a standardised design for recycled takeaway utensils, cutlery, and packaging to reduce single-use plastic at hawker centres.
Grace Fu Hai Yien opposed the mandate, citing practical challenges and the inadvisability of recycling contaminated utensils and containers.
The debate highlights the tension between environmental goals and practical implementation issues in Singapore's hawker centres.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Public Education for Living in Harmony with Wildlife

NParks launched an island-wide “Say No to Feeding Wildlife” campaign to discourage feeding and educate the public on the negative impacts of altering wildlife behavior.
NParks collaborates with schools, from pre-schools to tertiary institutions, to integrate wildlife education through talks, plays, learning journeys, and resources like storybooks and videos.
Educational efforts focus on proper refuse management, safe wildlife sightings, and a science-based approach, including population surveys to inform mitigation measures.
The initiatives aim to foster responsibility and appreciation for wildlife, complementing science curricula and promoting harmonious co-existence in Singapore.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Street Lamps Using LED Lighting

LTA aims to convert all public streetlights to LED lights by end 2022, with about 60% already converted as of February 2021.
LED lights are about 25% more energy efficient than conventional high-pressure sodium lights, require less maintenance, and provide equivalent illumination.
Using solar energy for streetlights would require battery storage, significantly increasing costs and maintenance needs, which must be weighed against benefits.
The government is balancing sustainability measures with practical considerations to maintain adequate illumination for vehicles and pedestrians.
LTA is evaluating the feasibility of solar-powered streetlights while focusing on the ongoing LED conversion effort.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Public Education for the Young That High-rise Littering, Laundry Dripping and Non-return of Food Trays are Unacceptable Social Behaviours

The Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment will collaborate with other agencies to educate the young on rejecting high-rise littering, laundry dripping, and non-return of food trays.
Schools integrate civic-mindedness and clean environment lessons into the Character and Citizenship Education curriculum, while the National Environment Agency engages students through creative campaigns like the Clean Tables Campaign.
The Housing and Development Board runs the OHYAY! programme to teach youth about maintaining clean common spaces and being considerate neighbours.
These initiatives aim to reinforce positive social behaviours among the young and foster a more gracious society through multi-agency efforts.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Proposal for Liability of High-rise Littering to Lie Automatically with Owner of Unit

Ms Mariam Jaafar asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the percentage of high-rise littering cases from surveillance that did not lead to enforcement due to inability to identify the culprit, and whether the law could be changed to automatically hold the unit owner liable.
Minister Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that only 1.5% of such incidents in 2020 did not result in enforcement due to identification difficulties, but investigations are time-consuming and costly.
The Ministry will explore changing the law to hold owners or registered occupiers accountable for high-rise littering from their unit, with proper safeguards in place.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Review of Singapore’s Ratification of Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer

Ms He Ting Ru asked whether the Ministry has reviewed Singapore’s ratification of the Kigali Amendment and the outcome.
The Ministry is committed to reducing hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in line with national climate strategy and has implemented licensing, labeling, grants, and technician training.
A review of ratifying the Kigali Amendment is underway, with decisions to be made after stakeholder consultation to phase down HFCs and adopt alternatives.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Further Public Education on Safe Use of Park Connector Network

Mr Dennis Tan asked about NParks' plans to educate the public on safe use of the Park Connector Network through new lane markings and the start date for these efforts.
NParks collaborates with LTA, volunteers, and community groups to conduct engagement sessions, distribute advisories, and organize workshops and events, focusing on high-usage areas with frequent feedback.
Public education efforts, including outreach on new lane markings, are being increased in tandem with their implementation and have already begun with community groups like cycling interest groups.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source

5 Apr 2021

Clearing of Fallen Leaves to Prevent Forming of Mosquito Breeding Grounds

Lim Biow Chuan asked whether public cleaning contractors are required to clear fallen leaves daily and if additional efforts can be made to prevent mosquito breeding grounds.
Grace Fu Hai Yien stated that cleaning frequency ranges from daily to every three days, with increased efforts during peak leaf-shedding months from February to March and June to July.
The National Environment Agency monitors contractor performance to maintain service standards, while Town Councils engage pest control operators to inspect and remove potential mosquito breeding habitats.

Summary written by AI

Overview Original source