Environment & climate — Topics

5 Mar 2020

Committee of Supply – Head W (Ministry of Transport)

The COVID-19 outbreak has severely impacted Singapore's transportation sector, leading to reduced travel across air, sea, and land, prompting the government to implement support measures for affected workers and businesses while planning for prolonged disruption.
Significant investments are being made to expand and renew Singapore's rail network, with major projects like the Thomson-East Coast Line, Cross Island Line, and renewal of older lines, aiming to double the rail network by 2030 and improve reliability.
The government outlined long-term strategies to transition to a sustainable land transport system, including phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040, accelerating cycling path construction, and promoting walk-cycle-ride modes to reduce carbon emissions and improve connectivity.
Discussions included enhancing safety and inclusivity in transport, such as implementing pedestrian safety measures, streamlining medical exams for elderly taxi drivers, and expanding trial programs like priority cabins on trains for vulnerable commuters.
Members raised concerns about various issues, including the need for more support for point-to-point drivers, progress on cross-border projects like the RTS Link, and environmental considerations for infrastructure projects like the Cross Island Line, with ministries providing updates and commitments to address these.

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4 Mar 2020

Efforts Made to Investigate Open Cases against Four Companies under Transboundary Haze Pollution Act Initiated in 2015

The Ministry confirmed that the cases against four companies under the Transboundary Haze Pollution Act remain open, while two others were closed after investigation showed no association with the affected lands.
The Ministry explained that legal action can be pursued if relevant company directors enter Singapore, and that one director already faces an outstanding court warrant.
The Ministry noted that while no company has been prosecuted yet, the Act has served to pressure companies to act responsibly, and there are no plans to introduce financial incentives for whistleblowers.

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4 Mar 2020

Consideration to Create a Singapore Carbon Agreement

Louis Ng Kok Kwang proposed creating a Singapore Carbon Agreement to enable best-practice exchanges across 23 major sectors, similar to the existing Singapore Packaging Agreement model.
Masagos Zulkifli highlighted existing initiatives like the Energy Efficiency National Partnership and sector-specific committees that already facilitate industry collaboration and emission reduction best practices.
The Ministry emphasized that climate action requires collective effort from public, private, and people sectors, and will continue working closely with stakeholders to promote sustainability and energy efficiency.

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4 Mar 2020

Steps Taken to Encourage Schools and Centralised Institutes to Achieve at Least BCA Green Mark Gold Certification

Louis Ng asked what steps the Ministry will take to encourage more schools and centralised institutes to achieve at least BCA Green Mark Gold certification.
MOE and BCA are collaborating on infrastructural improvements to help government and government-aided schools meet these standards.
As of now, 115 out of 332 such schools have achieved at least Green Mark Gold certification.
The target is for all remaining schools to attain this certification by early 2025.

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4 Mar 2020

Percentages of Public Sector Buildings Certified as BCA Green Mark Gold Plus and BCA Green Mark Gold

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked the Minister for National Development for the percentages of public sector buildings, excluding schools, certified as BCA Green Mark Gold Plus and BCA Green Mark Gold by air-conditioned floor area categories.
As of December 2019, close to 70% of public sector buildings with air-conditioned floor area of 10,000 sqm or more, excluding schools, have attained Green Mark Gold Plus certification.
For buildings with gross floor area over 5,000 sqm but air-conditioned floor area below 10,000 sqm, excluding schools, 60% have attained Green Mark Gold certification.

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4 Mar 2020

Conduct Independent Environmental Assessments and Release Regular Reports to Public during Construction of Cross Island MRT Line

Louis Ng asked if the Ministry will conduct independent environmental assessments and release regular public reports on mitigation measures during Cross Island Line construction near the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.
Khaw Boon Wan said the Land Transport Authority will appoint a contractor to engage an environmental consultant to implement the Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan, which is part of the gazetted Environmental Impact Assessment and was developed with stakeholder input.
The LTA will involve nature group representatives in reviewing mitigation measures and will establish an Environmental Advisory Panel of experts to independently assess the consultant’s implementation of the plan.

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4 Mar 2020

Committee of Supply – Head L (Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources)

Parliament debated Singapore's environmental and water resources, focusing on climate change mitigation, adaptation strategies, and community engagement, with the Minister outlining enhanced carbon tax commitments, new coastal protection agency under PUB, and a $5 billion Coastal and Flood Protection Fund.
Key initiatives included reducing hydrofluorocarbon emissions, expanding solar energy projects like floating solar systems at reservoirs, and promoting food security through the "30 by 30" goal to produce 30% of nutritional needs locally by 2030 via technological innovation and sustainable farming.
Discussions addressed waste management through the Zero Waste Masterplan and Extended Producer Responsibility schemes for e-waste and packaging, alongside dengue control measures like Project Wolbachia and public hygiene campaigns amid COVID-19.

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3 Mar 2020

Air Quality Tests Done at End of Incineration Plant Flues

Ms Anthea Ong inquired about the monitoring of air quality from incineration plant flues, the range of toxins tested, and whether test results should be published to ensure safety.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) mandates annual emissions testing by accredited laboratories for Waste-to-Energy plants to comply with standards for pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, dioxins, and furans.
Operators failing to meet standards face fines up to $20,000 for a first conviction and $50,000 for subsequent offenses, with NEA conducting biannual inspections to verify equipment maintenance.
Singapore's emission standards are publicly available and comparable to other jurisdictions, but only NEA-operated plants publish annual data on key pollutants like particulate matter and sulphur dioxide.

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3 Mar 2020

Breakdown and Statistics on Plastic Waste Generated by Households Compared to Commercial and Industrial Sectors

Ms Anthea Ong asked for a breakdown of plastic waste between households and commercial/industrial sectors and the percentage of plastic volume left after incineration at Semakau Island.
The recycling rate for plastic in 2018 was 4%, and 2019 statistics are under review. In 2018, 41% of plastic waste came from domestic and trade sectors (including households) and 59% from industrial and commercial sectors.
Plastic waste in Singapore is recycled or incinerated, with incineration reducing volume by about 90%; the remaining ash is disposed of at Semakau Landfill.

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3 Mar 2020

Consideration for Ministries to Produce Climate Compliance Certificate Prior to Budget Approval

Louis Ng Kok Kwang proposed requiring Ministries to obtain a climate compliance certificate before budget approval to align with Singapore's climate commitments.
Teo Chee Hean responded that whole-of-government initiatives like the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change and PSTLES already coordinate climate efforts across agencies.
He noted specific programs such as the SolarNova Programme and Green Building Masterplan drive sustainability, with biennial reporting via the Singapore Public Sector Outcomes Review.
The government indicated plans to raise ambitions for future PSTLES phases, making a separate compliance certificate unnecessary.

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2 Mar 2020

Factors Considered in Shortlisting and Selection of Design Proposal for Future NS Square

Mr. Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether sustainability and energy use are considered in the procurement process for the future NS Square and what specific measures are involved.
Lawrence Wong stated that all new large public sector buildings, including NS Square, must achieve the BCA Green Mark Platinum rating, which assesses energy and water efficiency, operations, maintenance, and sustainable products.
Shortlisted design teams can propose additional green features to enhance sustainability and energy efficiency, and agencies will evaluate these measures during the selection process.

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28 Feb 2020

Committee of Supply – Head U (Prime Minister's Office)

Members debated Singapore’s comprehensive climate strategy, with Senior Minister Teo Chee Hean announcing enhanced 2030 emissions targets and a 2050 net-zero aspiration, focusing on industry transformation, new technologies, and regional cooperation, while also outlining $100 billion over 100 years for coastal protection.
The House discussed population and family policies, with Minister Josephine Teo detailing enhancements to support marriage and parenthood, such as improved housing and preschool subsidies, and stressed the need for a whole-of-society effort to address low fertility and integrate immigrants.
The debate covered Smart Nation and digital government initiatives, with Minister Vivian Balakrishnan highlighting benefits like the Moments of Life app and improved digital services, while also addressing data security and the need for inclusive design to support vulnerable citizens.

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27 Feb 2020

Number of Cars Registered under Vehicle Emission Schemes from January 2018

Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked for monthly data on car registrations under the Vehicle Emission Schemes (VES) from January 2018 in bands A1, A2, B, C1, and C2, and whether the Ministry will collect such data if not already doing so.
Masagos Zulkifli B M M explained that the VES has been in place since January 2018, assessing new cars, taxis, and newly imported cars on five pollutants, with bands determined by the worst-performing pollutant.
He noted that quarterly registration trends under the VES bands indicate positive progress in promoting cleaner cars.

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26 Feb 2020

Drivers Fined for Leaving Engines of Stationary or Parked Vehicles Idling

The National Environment Agency (NEA) reported that idling engine offences decreased from 6,400 cases in 2016 to 2,800 in 2019 after increasing penalties and stepping up public education and enforcement.
Dr. Intan Azura Mokhtar questioned whether awareness of the idling engine regulation is included in the Highway Code and suggested expanding public education to further reduce the number of offenders.
The Senior Minister of State confirmed that the idling engine regulations have been included in the Highway Code Handbook and theory test since December 2016, and over 1.3 million educational pamphlets have been distributed since 2011.
Both parties emphasized the importance of continued public outreach and education to protect public health and the environment.

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26 Feb 2020

Encouraging Private Sector Companies to Aim for BCA Green Mark for Super Low Energy Buildings Certification

BCA has launched the Super Low Energy Programme and developed a Technology Roadmap with 60 strategies to help building owners achieve energy efficiency, with 18 buildings certified as of December 2019.
The government has enhanced the Green Buildings Innovation Cluster with a $20 million top-up to fund research, development, and prototyping of energy-efficient building solutions.
BCA established the Super Low Energy Building Smart Hub, an open database with energy data and advisory tools to support knowledge exchange and customized retrofitting plans.
The Technology Roadmap is publicly available, with examples of implemented technologies like LED lighting with smart controls and hybrid cooling systems in buildings such as SMU-X and NUS School of Design and Environment Building 4.
The Ministry continues to collaborate with industry stakeholders to encourage private sector companies to pursue the BCA Green Mark for Super Low Energy certification.

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18 Feb 2020

Projection on Absolute and Percentage Change in Net Carbon Emissions Each Year from 2019 to 2023

The Ministry projected that Singapore's net carbon emissions would rise year-on-year from 2019 to 2023 due to expected economic growth and increased energy demand, before stabilizing towards the 2030 emissions peak target.
The Ministry declined to provide specific absolute or percentage changes in net carbon emissions for each individual year, arguing that short-term projections are unreliable and not reflective of the long-term emissions trajectory.
The carbon tax, set at $5 per tonne of greenhouse gas emissions, is part of a comprehensive mitigation strategy and not evaluated in isolation; its specific contribution to annual emission changes was not quantified, as the focus is on the overall impact of all mitigation measures.

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18 Feb 2020

Cause of Recent Mass Fish Deaths at Pasir Ris

NParks, NEA, and SFA investigated the mass fish deaths at Pasir Ris Beach and found the incident involved mainly one species of wild fish and appears isolated, with no similar deaths reported at nearby coastal areas.
Coastal water quality monitoring showed no anomalies, with water meeting WHO recreational guidelines and plankton counts normal, indicating Pasir Ris Beach remains safe for recreational activities.
No health concerns were identified for residents, and there is no current need for plankton bloom control, though agencies will continue monitoring and investigating the cause.

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18 Feb 2020

Complaints to Traffic Police about Noisy Vehicles in Last Three Years

From 2017 to 2019, the Traffic Police received 147 complaints about noisy vehicles, with 11 related to Nee Soon South, and have stepped up enforcement and installed three speed cameras in the area, including one in March 2019.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary explained that vehicles must comply with noise emission limits under environmental regulations, and non-compliant vehicles cannot have their road tax renewed, with Traffic Police and LTA collaborating on enforcement against speeding and illegal exhaust modifications.
Er Dr Lee Bee Wah raised concerns about health impacts from traffic noise, asked if there is a decibel cap for vehicles, inquired about exploring new technologies like sound cameras, and questioned action against workshops that illegally modify vehicles.
The response noted that Singapore already has noise standards for vehicles and that the authorities would look into the new technologies mentioned if more details are provided.

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4 Feb 2020

Publishing Absolute and Percentage Change in Total Carbon Emissions for Facilities that Paid Carbon Tax to Provide Clarity on Emission Impact of Carbon Tax

Louis Ng asked for the absolute and percentage change in total carbon emissions for facilities that paid the carbon tax in 2019 compared to 2017 and 2018, and when this data would be published.
Masagos Zulkifli explained that while facilities must submit verified 2019 emissions reports by June 2020, the government cannot disclose facility-specific data due to confidentiality under the Carbon Pricing Act.
The ministry publishes Singapore’s total greenhouse gases annually in the Key Environmental Statistics and detailed reports under UNFCCC guidelines, with the next report due by December 2020.

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4 Feb 2020

Assessment of Climate Risk in Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Annual Industry-Wide Stress Test

The Minister acknowledged that climate change poses significant financial risks to institutions supervised by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and that MAS is actively working to integrate climate risk into its stress tests, though methodologies are still developing.
MAS has already begun testing for climate risks, such as extreme flooding in the 2018 stress test for insurers, and plans to issue new environmental risk management guidelines while developing broader climate scenarios for future industry-wide tests.
The Minister noted that while financial institutions are not yet required to report on financed emissions, there is growing commercial and stakeholder pressure for disclosure, which aligns environmental and financial interests.
The government is prioritizing the collection of basic climate data and developing taxonomies before expanding stress testing, with potential future consultations with civil society experts once these foundations are established.

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