Environment & climate — Topics

26 Feb 2021

Lowering Legal Vehicular Noise Limits in Residential Areas

Miss Rachel Ong questioned the possibility of lowering the legal vehicular noise limit in residential areas from 103 decibels to match the 75-decibel limit for nearby construction sites.
The Minister explained that vehicular and construction noise limits are not directly comparable due to differences in measurement methods and duration, with vehicular noise measured at the source and construction noise averaged over longer periods.
The National Environment Agency regularly reviews noise standards and collaborates with other agencies to implement infrastructural measures like dense planting and noise barriers to mitigate vehicular noise in residential areas.

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26 Feb 2021

Debate on Annual Budget Statement

Members debated climate change and COVID-19, emphasizing the need for global cooperation on carbon pricing, green investments, and vaccine incentives to recover and build a sustainable future.
Fiscal prudence and stewardship were central themes, with discussions on managing reserves, the GST hike, and balancing support for vulnerable groups against long-term economic and social investments.
Proposals included enhancing transport efficiency, supporting green economy jobs, and improving worker protections, while acknowledging the need for targeted aid and equitable policies across all income levels.

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26 Feb 2021

Environmental Impact Assessments for Industrial Developments

The Minister for National Development explained that Singapore's planning process requires environmental screenings for all developments, with more detailed studies like Environmental Baseline or Impact Assessments mandated for projects near sensitive ecological areas, and that works cannot proceed without agency approvals.
In response to the Kranji site clearance incident, the Minister confirmed that investigations are ongoing for potential breaches of the Parks and Trees and Wildlife Acts, penalties exist for violations, and a review will strengthen environmental processes, including making environmental study reports publicly available.
During supplementary questions, members raised issues such as the frequency of site visits, the adequacy of a contractor's "stern warning," and the possibility of codifying environmental assessments into law, with ministers affirming ongoing reviews and enhancements to the current framework rather than immediate legislative codification.

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26 Feb 2021

Environmental Impact Study for Sungei Kadut Eco-district

Minister Chan Chun Sing explained that an Environmental Impact Assessment was not required for the initial development of the Sungei Kadut Eco-district site because it was former scrubland with non-native trees and not near sensitive nature areas, but NParks later mandated a fauna baseline study and environmental monitoring due to potential drainage impacts.
JTC’s contractor undertook unauthorized land clearing of 4.5 hectares in late 2020, which was discovered in January 2021, leading to an immediate suspension of all clearance works and ongoing investigations by JTC and NParks into the breach.
The Ministry will engage stakeholders and make study findings public, while also reviewing project supervision processes across agencies to prevent recurrence and sharing lessons learned after investigations conclude.

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24 Feb 2021

Update on Extending Natural Gas Pipes Islandwide to Industrial Estates

The natural gas pipeline network in Singapore has expanded by approximately 150 kilometers over the past decade, building on 245 kilometers built between 2001 and 2011, to meet growing demand from power plants and industry.
Expansion to remaining industrial estates is not currently justified due to insufficient natural gas demand, with decisions depending on sustained demand growth, viability of alternative cleaner solutions, and financial considerations.
Companies can reduce carbon emissions by switching to natural gas, electrification, using renewable energy like solar, or implementing energy efficiency measures, supported by various grant schemes.

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24 Feb 2021

Efforts to Encourage Food Sustainability Habits and Reduce Food Wastage in Wet Markets and Hawker Centres

The Ministry and NEA are running public education campaigns to promote habits like buying only what can be finished and requesting smaller portions to reduce food waste at its source.
Food retail establishments are encouraged to follow the NEA’s Food Waste Minimisation Guidebook, which includes inventory management and proper food storage to prevent spoilage.
Since 2017, new hawker centres have been equipped with food waste digesters, and existing centres with available space are being progressively fitted with them to convert food waste into non-potable water or compost.
Ten hawker centres, including four co-located with markets, now have digesters, with five more to be added this year, reducing waste sent to incineration and lowering carbon emissions.
NEA is funding R&D projects, such as a pilot at East Coast Lagoon Food Village, to develop technologies that convert food waste into biogas for electricity generation, further closing the food waste loop.

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24 Feb 2021

Crowd Management at Parks during COVID-19 Pandemic

Mr Liang Eng Hwa asked about the increase in park visitors during the COVID-19 pandemic, measures to manage overcrowding, and ways to reduce disamenities to nearby residents.
The Minister of State for National Development confirmed a rise in park visitation and outlined NParks’ real-time crowd monitoring, online updates, and temporary closures to control overcrowding.
NParks has implemented measures such as increased patrols, signage on park etiquette, and restrictions on group activities near residential areas to address residents’ concerns.
The government plans to expand the network of parks to spread out demand and continue promoting social responsibility among park users.

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16 Feb 2021

Definition of Green Space and Current Public Green Space in Square Metres per 1,000 People, Excluding Golf Courses

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16 Feb 2021

Update on Efficacy of Commingled Collection System of Recyclable Waste from Blue Recycling Bins Provided at HDB Estates

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16 Feb 2021

Provision of Smoking Cabins or Rooms at HDB Void Decks for Smokers and Measures Taken to Reduce Incidences of Second-hand Smoke in HDB Flats

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16 Feb 2021

Availability of Government-initiated Studies Conducted on Socio-economic Impact of Climate Change in Singapore for Next Five Years and Beyond

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16 Feb 2021

Economic Agencies' Targets for Promotion of Green Businesses in Singapore

Minister Chan Chun Sing stated that economic agencies like Enterprise Singapore and the Economic Development Board offer incentives such as grants for energy efficiency and waste reduction to promote green businesses, supported by initiatives like the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Green Finance Action Plan.
The government highlighted that sustainability offers competitive advantages, citing examples like Neste Singapore’s renewable diesel and Greenpac’s eco-friendly packaging solutions.
While not explicitly confirming formal ESG evaluation frameworks, the minister emphasized ongoing government and agency efforts to support businesses in the green economy and protect the environment.
The response did not directly address the request for public disclosure of targets and frameworks, focusing instead on existing incentives and partnership opportunities.

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16 Feb 2021

Complaints of and Measures to Curb Bird Nuisance at Hawker Centres

From 2018 to 2020, the NEA received about 3,100 complaints of bird nuisance at hawker centres, averaging 90 cases per month.
Measures to curb bird nuisance include infrastructural deterrents like bird spikes, anti-bird netting, and designing new centres to minimise perching areas, alongside public education campaigns like the Tray Return Programme and the Clean Tables Campaign.
The NEA emphasises that eliminating bird nuisance requires collective effort from patrons, stallholders, and cleaning contractors to properly manage waste and reduce food sources for birds.

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16 Feb 2021

Complaints about and Methods to Curb Crow Populations

NParks received about 2,750 complaints about crows in 2020, covering noise, sightings, feeding, and attacks.
Management methods include habitat modification, trapping, reducing food sources, and working with Town Councils and other agencies.
NParks is refining its approach by developing humane traps, studying crow behavior, and evaluating the effectiveness of its current measures.

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2 Feb 2021

Environmental Baseline Study for Evaluating Different Development Options for Clementi Forest

Dennis Tan asked the Minister for National Development whether an Environmental Baseline Study can be considered for evaluating different development options for Clementi Forest, such as a nature park, leaving it untouched, or a residential development, and if the results can be made publicly available.
The Minister acknowledged the constraints of Singapore's limited land and the need to balance development with conservation, explaining the government's long-term land use planning, which includes redeveloping brownfield sites, land reclamation, and safeguarding green spaces under the Nature Conservation Masterplan.
For Clementi Forest, the site has been zoned for residential use since 1998, and the government will retain this zoning to allow future generations the option to decide between housing or a review of its land use.
The government commits to science-based environmental studies and public consultation for development near ecologically significant sites, as demonstrated by the ongoing process for the Ulu Pandan site, where an Environmental Baseline Study was conducted and public feedback is being considered.
The Minister emphasized the evolving public dialogue on balancing environmental conservation and development, inviting Singaporeans to participate in future conversations on land use and sustainability.

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2 Feb 2021

Number of Bird Feeding Cases Reported and Number of Enforcement and Composition Notices Issued over the Last Year

NParks received over 8,100 feedback cases on bird feeding in 2020, averaging about 675 per month.
16 composition notices were issued for bird feeding offences during the same period.
40 warning letters were also issued for bird feeding during this period.

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2 Feb 2021

Percentage of Singapore's Electricity Consumption in 2020 Used for Data Centres

He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Trade and Industry for the percentage of Singapore's electricity consumption in 2020 used by data centres.
Chan Chun Sing responded that data centres consumed about 7% of Singapore's total electricity consumption in 2020.
The exchange highlights the significant energy demand from data centres in Singapore.
The response provides a specific figure for 2020, indicating the scale of electricity usage by this sector.

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2 Feb 2021

Monthly Increase in Plastic and Other Recyclable Waste During and After Circuit Breaker Period and Initiatives to Address Issue

The Ministry reported that monthly waste disposal decreased by 19% during the Circuit Breaker period and remained 16% lower post-Circuit Breaker compared to pre-Circuit Breaker levels, primarily due to reduced non-domestic waste, with domestic waste largely unchanged.
Initiatives to address plastic and packaging waste include the "Say YES to Waste Less" campaign, a Citizens’ Workgroup on disposables, and the Resource Sustainability Act requiring large producers and retailers to report packaging data and plan for reduction, reuse, or recycling.
The government is working towards implementing an Extended Producer Responsibility framework for packaging and plastic waste by 2025, building on current reporting requirements and ongoing efforts to reduce consumption and improve recycling.

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2 Feb 2021

Average Monthly Number of Surveillance Cameras with Video Analytics Currently Deployed to Deter and Detect High-rise Littering and Bird Feeding

The National Environment Agency deploys an average of 220 surveillance cameras with video analytics monthly to deter and detect high-rise littering and bird feeding, with each deployment lasting between 5 to 14 days.
The agency increased its high-rise littering camera deployments by over 50% in 2020 compared to 2019, including for detecting high-rise bird feeding.
While using surveillance technology for enforcement, the government also emphasizes cultivating social graciousness and community partnerships to promote collective responsibility for cleanliness.

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2 Feb 2021

Ensuring Surveillance Cameras Used to Detect High-rise Littering Do Not Intrude into People's Privacy

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang questioned the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment on how surveillance cameras used to detect high-rise littering avoid intruding into residents' privacy.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) implements safeguards by focusing cameras on building exteriors, such as above or below units, rather than directly into homes.
NEA prioritizes ground-level camera placements, resorting to adjacent blocks only when necessary, reducing the likelihood of cameras looking into housing units.
The deployment strategy is designed to balance effective littering enforcement with privacy protection for residents.

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