Environment & climate — Topics

2 Nov 2020

Regulation of Driver Assignments by Private Hire Car Operators to Minimise Unnecessary Travelling Time by Drivers and Pollution

Dennis Tan asked the Minister for Transport whether LTA regulates how private hire car operators assign booked trips to drivers, whether LTA requires assignments to the nearest drivers to reduce unnecessary travel and pollution, and if not, whether such requirements will be considered.
Ong Ye Kung responded that LTA does not regulate how private hire car operators assign trips, as operators use their own algorithms.
He explained that commercially, it makes sense for operators to match passengers to nearby drivers to minimise waiting time and maximise trip allocations.

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2 Nov 2020

Statistics on Waste Generation since Launch of Zero Waste Masterplan and Lifespan of Semakau Landfill

The 2035 lifespan of Semakau Landfill is projected by comparing the projected future waste disposed of (incineration ash and non-incinerable waste) with the remaining available space at the landfill.
Over the past 10 years, domestic waste has averaged about 30% of total waste generated, with domestic waste decreasing by 9% and non-domestic waste increasing by 20% between 2010 and 2019, while overall waste generation grew at an average annual rate of 1%.
Since the Zero Waste Masterplan was launched in 2019, there has been a reduction in overall waste generation, with absolute waste decreasing from 7.8 million tonnes in 2016 to 7.2 million tonnes in 2019, and the rate of growth in waste generation slowing over the past decade.

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2 Nov 2020

More Enforcement Action Taken against High-rise Litterers and Litter Bugs at Parks and Common Areas

Lim Biow Chuan asked if more enforcement action can be taken against high-rise litterers and litterbugs in parks and common areas.
Grace Fu emphasized the importance of public cleanliness and social responsibility, noting that NEA and NParks already enforce against littering, with thousands of cases handled in 2019.
Enforcement will be stepped up using technology like surveillance cameras and data analytics, with more officers deployed to hotspots.
Collective effort from the public is needed alongside government actions to maintain Singapore’s cleanliness.
Most park visitors follow good etiquette, but targeted enforcement continues in areas with high littering incidents.

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2 Nov 2020

Tax on Plastic Packaging Products in View of Negative Environmental Impact

Don Wee asked whether the Ministry would consider taxing plastic packaging due to its environmental impact.
Grace Fu responded that addressing packaging waste is a priority and Singapore is introducing an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework by 2025.
The Ministry is studying various EPR approaches, noting that some jurisdictions use taxes, while others impose take-back obligations or recycling targets to ensure better waste recovery outcomes.
Compared to taxes, the EPR approaches provide more certainty, incentivize reduction in packaging use, and improve recycling infrastructure, aligning with circular economy goals.
The EPR framework details are still being developed and will be shared when ready.

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2 Nov 2020

Plans for ASEAN to Move Forward to Support Renewable Energy Production

ASEAN’s renewable energy efforts are guided by the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation (APAEC) 2016-2025, which aims to increase the share of renewables from 13.6% to 23% by 2025 through capacity building and market integration.
The APAEC includes two phases focusing on enhancing energy security, connectivity, and renewables deployment, with projects like the Renewable Energy Outlook and capacity-building programs on financing and best practices.
ASEAN projects significant growth in wind and solar capacity by 2025, and plans to deepen cooperation with international partners on biofuel and bioenergy initiatives.
Singapore supports regional renewable energy development through initiatives like the ASEAN-IRENA MOU, co-organizing training on sustainable energy policies, and hosting conferences on renewables integration.

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2 Nov 2020

Plans to Regulate and Assess Design and Construction Carbon Footprint of New Buildings

The Minister confirmed that new buildings and major retrofits must meet minimum environmental sustainability standards under existing Building Control Regulations, covering planning, design, construction, and operation to reduce carbon footprint.
The BCA Green Mark scheme recognises projects exceeding mandatory requirements, assessing resource efficiency, use of recycled materials and low-carbon concrete, and embodied carbon calculations, with 99% of construction waste currently recycled.
BCA is developing the next Singapore Green Building Masterplan to further raise sustainability standards and reduce building carbon emissions, targeting a launch next year.

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15 Oct 2020

Residents Affected by Chemical Odours from Factories in Pioneer Constituency

Patrick Tay asked the Ministry for Sustainability and the Environment about measures to mitigate chemical odours and fumes from factories in Pioneer constituency, especially those affecting nearby households.
The Senior Minister of State replied that NEA monitors air pollutants and VOCs in the western region, which are within safe levels, and has regulatory measures including inspections, pollution control requirements, and advice to factories on odour mitigation systems.
Tay suggested more proactive checks from HDB blocks, regular environmental audits for factories with emissions, and closer community engagement with NEA to address odour incidents.
The Minister acknowledged the suggestions, confirmed ongoing monitoring and enforcement, and noted that specific smell incidents are addressed by engaging factories to implement mitigation measures, with some operational adjustments during wind-affected periods.

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14 Oct 2020

Littering Cases Reported in Past Three Years and Measures to Address Problem

NEA reported 8,800, 8,100, and 11,200 littering feedback cases in 2017, 2018, and 2019, respectively, and took enforcement action against 31,000, 37,000, and 26,900 offenders over the same periods.
To address littering, NEA has increased enforcement presence in hotspots, used predictive data analytics, surveillance cameras, and displays of penalty posters to enhance deterrence.
NEA acknowledges that the bigger challenge is fostering a culture of collective social responsibility and engages community stakeholders to promote ownership, such as through the Sustainable Bright Spot programme.

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14 Oct 2020

Update on Plan to Provide 28,000 Electric Vehicle Charging Points by 2030

The government plans to increase electric vehicle charging points from 1,700 to 28,000 by 2030 to support phasing out combustion engine vehicles by 2040.
About two-thirds of the charging points will be in HDB estates, with studies showing 400 of 1,200 carparks can immediately support overnight charging while others need upgrades.
The remaining points will be in government-owned locations like offices or roadside carparks, excluding private installations, which could lead to a ratio of eight EVs per charging point by 2030.
Agencies are reviewing the plan to incorporate commercial efforts and improve the EV-to-charging-point ratio, with details to be announced later.

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14 Oct 2020

Determination of Maximum Permissible Noise Levels for Construction Work

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, through the National Environment Agency (NEA), sets construction noise limits based on WHO guidelines, tailored locally with stricter limits at night, Sundays, and public holidays, and requires noise monitoring, especially for larger projects.
NEA regularly reviews noise limits and penalties, having tightened controls in 2011 and reviewed penalties in 2014, with ongoing stakeholder consultations to address factors like post-COVID work-from-home trends and HDB estate density.
The Minister emphasized balancing public health protection with construction industry costs and timelines, noting a decline in noise complaints and enforcement actions, and committed to reviewing economic levers and penalties for repeat offenders.

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6 Oct 2020

Extension of Project Wolbachia to Sengkang and Rest of Singapore to Complement Existing Vector Control Strategies

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked when Project Wolbachia will be extended to Sengkang and the rest of Singapore to complement existing vector control strategies.
Grace Fu Hai Yien explained that the National Environment Agency began Project Wolbachia in 2016 with phased trials to evaluate the technology, noting challenges in scaling up due to its nascent status and the need for innovative engineering solutions.
Initial results in Yishun and Tampines are promising, but further trials are needed to optimize release methods, with plans to expand coverage in these towns by 2022 and test in landed housing estates based on trial outcomes and risk assessments.
The government emphasized that Wolbachia technology is not a standalone solution and must be complemented by community efforts and comprehensive mosquito surveillance and control strategies.

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6 Oct 2020

Research on Sustainable Uses for Incinerated Ash and Non-incinerable Waste

The National Environment Agency is developing NEWSand from incineration bottom ash through treatment processes and plans field trials for road construction.
Pilot projects are using slagging gasification technology to convert municipal waste into glass-like slag for construction, with successful applications like a concrete plaza.
Research partnerships with institutes and the private sector aim to improve ash treatment and explore new uses, including for automotive catalytic converters.
Efforts are underway to reduce non-incinerable waste, such as piloting thermal hydrolysis for sludge and evaluating proposals from a research call.
These initiatives support the goal of cutting landfill waste by 30% by 2030 under the Zero Waste Masterplan, backed by a $45 million R&D fund.

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6 Oct 2020

Second Environmental Impact Assessment on Bukit Batok Hillside Park Development Project

Dennis Tan Lip Fong asked whether a second environmental impact assessment would be conducted for the Bukit Batok Hillside Park Development Project to address feedback from environmental groups.
Desmond Lee stated that an initial assessment was done with input from nature groups, leading to recommendations like retaining a natural stream and its catchment area, which HDB will incorporate into the future park development.
The area has been rezoned from Residential to Park use in the Master Plan, and significant plant species and mature trees will be retained in the residential development.
Instead of a second assessment, feedback from the public and nature groups will be incorporated into the finalised report, which will be published on HDB’s website to guide the site's development.

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6 Oct 2020

Incentivising Public Transport Operators to Reduce Carbon Dioxide Emissions

Leon Perera asked if the Ministry's contracts with public transport operators include sustainability clauses to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
Ong Ye Kung stated that the Government owns public transport infrastructure and assets, enabling it to advance sustainability goals directly.
LTA is purchasing cleaner energy vehicles, with trials of hybrid and electric buses, aiming for a 100% cleaner energy bus fleet by 2040.
New rail stations since 2014 are designed to minimize emissions, and operators comply with energy efficiency laws.
The government aims to increase the Walk-Cycle-Ride mode share from 72% in 2019 to 90% by 2040 to promote carbon-efficient commuting.

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5 Oct 2020

Update on Allotment Gardening Scheme and Plans to Expand Programme

Since 2016, NParks has made 1,080 allotment garden plots available, with annual figures provided in a table.
Seven plot leases have been terminated early, all at the gardeners' requests due to reasons like health, relocation, or time constraints, and these plots were reassigned.
NParks plans to progressively expand the scheme by adding more plots, especially in parks near residential areas.

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5 Oct 2020

Feasibility of Incorporating Low-noise Pavement Mix for Sections of Expressways Close to Residential Blocks and Measures Implemented to Mitigate Impact of Traffic Noise

Chua Kheng Wee Louis asked about the feasibility of using low-noise pavement mix on expressways near residential areas, specifically along the Tampines Expressway between Sengkang and Punggol, and about implementation preconditions and other noise mitigation measures.
Ong Ye Kung stated that LTA has already planted dense vegetation along the Tampines Expressway with NParks to absorb noise and that HDB developments maintain minimum separation distances from expressways.
LTA is studying the feasibility of low-noise pavement mix and vertical noise barriers for expressways near residential areas to assess noise reduction, road geometry impact, and cost-effectiveness.

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5 Oct 2020

Engaging with Supermarkets and Consumers to Reduce Plastic Pre-packaging of Fruits and Vegetables

The Ministry will implement a mandatory packaging reporting framework next year, requiring producers and retailers with annual turnovers above $10 million to submit data and plans to reduce, reuse, or recycle packaging, laying the groundwork for an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) framework by 2025.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) is running the "Say YES to Waste Less" campaign to encourage supermarkets and consumers to reduce plastic use, such as providing visual cues at plastic roll stands and promoting packaging-free grocery stores like Unpackt and Scoop.
The Ministry and NEA will continue collaborating with stakeholders to minimize packaging waste, including plastic pre-packaging of fruits and vegetables, as part of broader efforts to transition toward a Zero Waste Nation.

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5 Oct 2020

Harnessing Advantages of Biodegradable Plastics to Reduce Reliance on Singapore's Landfill

Christopher de Souza asked if the Ministry could explore and promote biodegradable plastics to reduce Singapore's reliance on its landfill.
Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that plastic waste in Singapore is recycled or incinerated, not landfilled, so biodegradable plastics offer no benefit and may hinder recycling.
She emphasized a sustainable approach focusing on reducing disposable use and boosting recycling through public education and the Resource Sustainability Act.
Specific initiatives include the "Say YES to Waste Less" campaign, mandatory packaging waste reporting, and future schemes like deposit refunds and extended producer responsibility.
These measures aim to cut plastic waste and improve recycling, helping to extend the lifespan of Semakau Landfill.

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5 Oct 2020

Complaints about Smoking, Second-hand Smoke and Cigarette Butt Littering at HDB Estates

Complaints about smoking, second-hand smoke, and cigarette butt littering in HDB estates increased by 50% over the past six months, reaching about 21,000 cases, likely due to more residents working from home.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) employs a multi-pronged approach including education, surveillance with thermal cameras, and enforcement, resulting in over 8,400 enforcement actions in the past six months.
While NEA has enhanced its capabilities, it emphasizes that constant monitoring of all areas is not feasible, urging smokers to be considerate and the public to help reinforce social norms.

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5 Oct 2020

Promoting Green Financing amongst SMEs

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Prime Minister about tracking SME take-up rates of green financing and plans to improve SME accessibility to such products.
Tharman Shanmugaratnam, for the Prime Minister, noted that green financing in Singapore has grown significantly but remains a modest share of total transactions, with no specific SME take-up data available.
The government is promoting simplified lending frameworks, like HSBC's SME Green Loan Framework, to make green loans more accessible to SMEs without needing customised external reviews.
MAS will launch a Green and Sustainability-Linked Loan Grant Scheme later this year to help SMEs and corporates defray costs of independent external reviews for green financing.
The government aims to anchor green finance capabilities in Singapore to mainstream these loans and encourage more SMEs to adopt sustainable financing.

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