Environment & climate — Topics

6 Aug 2018

Singapore's Efforts in Managing Climate Change

Singapore has established a Climate Action Plan and introduced a carbon tax starting in 2019 to incentivize emissions reduction and energy efficiency.
The government is enhancing climate resilience through new desalination plants and heat injury guidelines for at-risk groups, while designating 2018 as the Year of Climate Action to encourage public participation.
Given a 60-70% chance of a weak El Niño developing late in 2018, officials expect minimal impact on rainfall due to its weak intensity and timing, with continued monitoring and alerts in place.

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6 Aug 2018

Companies’ Ability to Meet Water Efficiency Benchmarks

Singapore requires large water users in the non-domestic sector to monitor usage and submit annual water efficiency plans, with over 600 companies having done so since 2015.
PUB has developed sector-specific water efficiency benchmarks and guides, and provides funding support like the Water Efficiency Fund to help companies implement conservation and recycling projects.
From 2019, all large water users must appoint a certified water efficiency manager to enhance industry capabilities in managing water use.
PUB engages companies that underperform on benchmarks through one-on-one sessions and offers customized expertise and funding to improve efficiency.
The Water Efficiency Awards recognize top-performing companies, and PUB will continue monitoring performance and expanding guidance for other sectors.

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6 Aug 2018

Progress on Raising Awareness for Climate Change

Singapore's 2018 Year of Climate Action has received over 250,000 pledges, with 221 from educational institutions and 266 from organisations and NGOs.
Various initiatives have been launched, including youth conversations, a Scout Climate Action Programme, and an app to track carbon footprints.
A Climate Action SG Alliance has been formed to develop new initiatives for waste minimisation, business sustainability, and community recycling education.
The Ministry will not track pledge fulfilment but will work with interested parties to support their plans and offer grants for climate action projects.
The government emphasises a whole-of-nation effort and multi-stakeholder partnerships to promote sustainable development and climate action.

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6 Aug 2018

Creating Awareness on Zero-wastage and Recycling

The Ministry and NEA focus on three key waste streams—food, e-waste, and packaging—using strategies like the National Recycling Programme, reporting requirements for large waste generators, and an upcoming Extended Producer Responsibility framework for e-waste by 2021.
Recycling awareness is high, with over 70% of HDB households practicing recycling, but domestic recycling rates remain stagnant at around 20%, indicating a need for more convenience and education to integrate recycling into daily habits.
The Ministry is developing a Zero Waste Masterplan with public consultation to gather suggestions, while also encouraging ground-up efforts and voluntary business initiatives like the Singapore Packaging Agreement, which has reduced 46,000 tonnes of packaging waste since 2007.

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6 Aug 2018

Penalties for Companies Not Implementing Wildlife and Environmental Mitigation Measures for Projects near National Parks and Nature Reserves

Mr Louis Ng Kok Kwang asked whether the government plans to impose penalties on companies that fail to implement wildlife and environmental mitigation measures near national parks and nature reserves.
Lawrence Wong stated that agencies require developers near sensitive areas to follow consultation processes and implement mitigation measures, with the ability to request rectifications if deviations occur.
The Ministry of National Development and agencies are reviewing the Environmental Impact Assessment framework to assess whether stronger penalties for non-compliance are needed.
Developers already face penalties under existing laws, such as the Parks and Trees Act, which includes fines up to $50,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both, plus daily fines for ongoing offences.

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6 Aug 2018

Government's Plans to Further Liberalise Energy Market

The Minister explained that Singapore’s electricity prices are driven by global natural gas markets since 95% of generation relies on imported fuel, making the country a price taker; the Energy Market Authority has progressively introduced competition since the 1990s to improve cost-effectiveness and service.
The government is rolling out the Open Electricity Market nationwide from Q4 2018 to allow all households and small businesses to choose electricity suppliers and plans, following a soft launch in Jurong in April 2018.
To diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, initiatives like JTC’s SolarRoof project aim to increase solar adoption to 350 MWp by 2020 and one gigawatt peak beyond 2020.
These measures—promoting competition through the OEM and expanding solar power—are intended to enhance supply resilience and help moderate electricity prices in both the short and long term.
More details on the full market liberalisation will be shared in the coming months.

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6 Aug 2018

Extension of Surveillance Cameras to Private Estates to Prevent High-rise Littering

Liang Eng Hwa asked the Minister for the Environment and Water Resources to extend surveillance camera deployment to private estates to enforce against high-rise littering and amend legislation to empower NEA accordingly.
The Senior Minister of State, Dr Amy Khor, explained that NEA focuses on fostering collective responsibility and awareness through campaigns and school programs, and that private estates are managed by residents themselves, with NEA’s enforcement limited to publicly accessible places under current law.
Liang Eng Hwa pressed for clarity on why enforcement differs for public versus private estates and whether NEA could assist private estates, while the Minister reiterated that NEA cannot enforce within private estates due to legal restrictions and that amending legislation is not currently planned.

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6 Aug 2018

Reduction of Single-use Plastic

The Ministry announced that mandatory reporting of packaging data and reduction plans, including single-use plastics, will be brought forward to 2020 and is studying an Extended Producer Responsibility framework for certain packaging.
To prolong Semakau landfill’s lifespan beyond 2035, Singapore is addressing the waste value chain through incineration, waste-to-energy plants, and R&D initiatives like the Closing the Waste Loop project, while noting that biodegradable alternatives may have comparable environmental impacts.
The government provides funding and awards to businesses and NGOs that reduce single-use plastics and promote recycling, such as the 3R Fund and Singapore Packaging Agreement Awards, and encourages public reuse of containers and bags.

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11 Jul 2018

Measures to Reduce Traffic Accidents Involving Animals in Mandai Area

Louis Ng asked about measures to reduce roadkill in Mandai, their applicability to other nature reserve construction sites, and the completion timeline for Mandai Road hoardings.
The Senior Parliamentary Secretary replied that the private developer Mandai Park Development is responsible for mitigation measures, including hoardings, rope bridges, and speed reductions, with discussions ongoing for additional measures.
Louis Ng raised follow-up questions on why an eco-link was not previously built, government oversight of the measures, and penalties for non-compliance, to which the reply noted an Environmental Management and Monitoring Plan is monitored by an advisory panel and that no penalties exist but plans can be modified as needed.

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10 Jul 2018

Average Annual Electricity Consumption for Commercial Buildings from 2013 to 2017

From 2012 to 2016, the average annual electricity consumption for commercial buildings in Singapore was around 6,276 Gigawatt-hour (GWh) per year, with energy use intensity improving by 7%.
The recommended standard indoor temperature for air-conditioning in commercial buildings is around 25 degrees Celsius, with points awarded under the BCA Green Mark scheme for settings between 24 and 26 degrees Celsius.
The Ministry will collaborate with the Building and Construction Authority on programmes to encourage owners and tenants to reduce energy consumption and lower the carbon footprint of commercial buildings.

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10 Jul 2018

Review of Regulations to Protect Wild Animals near Places, such as Construction Sites

Ms Rahayu Mahzam called for a review of regulations to protect wild animals near construction sites, including mandatory measures to safeguard displaced animals and speed limits or penalties around large-scale construction areas.
Lawrence Wong emphasized the importance of biodiversity in Singapore’s City-In-A-Garden vision and explained that developers near nature reserves must assess impacts and propose mitigation measures, which are evaluated by government agencies.
He noted that site-specific measures like speed humps and road signs may be required, and that agencies are working to include wildlife crossing awareness in driver education to encourage caution.
The government continues to partner with developers and nature groups to enhance wildlife protection around development sites, with flexibility to adjust mitigation plans if needed.

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9 Jul 2018

Air Quality in Vicinity after Fires at Pulau Busing and Kranji in March 2018

Ms Joan Pereira questioned the impact of the March 2018 fires at Pulau Busing and Kranji on local air quality and the activation procedure for NEA air and water quality monitoring after major fires involving hazardous products.
The NEA monitors air quality in real-time across Singapore, including pollutants like sulphur dioxide, PM2.5, and VOCs, and deploys officers to monitor air and water quality during and after major fires alongside SCDF responses.
For the Pulau Busing fire on 20 March 2018, NEA monitored conditions with no spikes in pollutants, and firefighting water was contained without affecting coastal water quality.
For the Kranji Crescent fire on 22 March 2018, NEA also monitored air and water quality and detected no spikes in pollutant levels.

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9 Jul 2018

Increasing Penalties for Pollution of Water Resources with Toxic Industrial Waste

Yee Chia Hsing asked the Ministry for the Environment and Water Resources to consider increasing penalties for polluting water with toxic industrial waste, especially for repeat offenders.
The Ministry stated that both PUB and NEA require approvals for discharging trade effluent and enforce compliance with environmental laws, with penalties including fines up to $200,000 or imprisonment for severe cases.
The Ministry emphasized serious enforcement actions, such as halting operations and requiring cleanup, and will continue monitoring and reviewing penalties as needed.

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9 Jul 2018

Update on 2016 Pilot Study of Releasing Bacteria-carrying Mosquitoes into Environment

Patrick Tay Teck Guan requested an update on the 2016 pilot study involving the release of bacteria-carrying mosquitoes into the environment.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) reported that Phase 1 of the study successfully demonstrated a 50% suppression of the Aedes aegypti mosquito population but identified challenges related to Singapore’s high-density, high-rise urban landscape.
To address these challenges, NEA is conducting Phase 2 from April 2018 to January 2019 to refine release methodologies, with continued community engagement and support emphasized for success.

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9 Jul 2018

Effectiveness of Deployment of Recycling Bins to HDB Blocks under Enhanced National Recycling Programme

The enhanced National Recycling Programme increased blue bin provision to one per HDB block since 2011, boosting recyclables collected from 25,300 tonnes in 2011 to 44,400 tonnes in 2017, though domestic recycling rates remain at around 20%.
Public Waste Collectors are required to return bins to designated spots, with NEA conducting spot checks and, from 2018, introducing floor markings to demarcate locations, allowing public reporting and penalties for breaches.
NEA is trialing larger, harder-to-move bins with side-loader trucks to reduce unauthorized relocation and will assess further measures like geo-fencing after evaluating the trial's effectiveness.

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9 Jul 2018

Outcome of AVA's Proposals to Prevent Mass Roosting of Mynahs on Trees in front of Bukit Timah Plaza

NParks increased tree pruning frequency since 2017 to address the noise from mynahs roosting at Bukit Timah Plaza.
AVA tested a bird deterrent chemical in late 2017, but it proved ineffective in preventing roosting.
Authorities are evaluating additional measures while urging the public to maintain cleanliness and avoid feeding wild birds to help manage the issue.

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18 May 2018

Government Entities Knowingly Investing in Corporations in Businesses Harmful to Health or Environment

Sylvia Lim asked whether the government restricts investments in companies whose main business is harmful to health or the environment, such as tobacco.
Government ministries and statutory boards set up companies for public policy purposes and do not engage in harmful activities.
The government’s main investments are handled by GIC and Temasek, which operate independently and focus on long-term risk-adjusted returns.
GIC and Temasek emphasize sustainability, recognizing that good practices support business and long-term returns while poor practices pose risks.

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7 May 2018

Prime Minister's Office (Strategy Group)

The Strategy Group coordinates whole-of-government efforts to anticipate long-term challenges, ensure policy alignment, and allocate resources to achieve national priorities.
Population policy is a key cross-cutting focus, with strategies to support aging with dignity, make Singapore a great place for families, and balance foreign worker and immigrant flows.
Climate change requires a coordinated national response, including domestic actions like carbon tax and sustainable practices, and international efforts to reduce emissions and seize green growth opportunities.
Singapore aims to leverage strengths in research and innovation to address sustainability challenges and ensure the nation remains competitive, vibrant, and liveable.
The government invites all Singaporeans to join in building a cohesive society and sustainable economy for future generations.

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7 May 2018

Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources

The Ministry will strengthen climate action through global advocacy, a 2019 carbon tax, and investments in climate-resilient infrastructure like stormwater management and diversified water supply.
Singapore aims to become a Zero Waste nation by promoting a circular economy, implementing Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks, and developing integrated waste and water facilities to reduce emissions.
The government will lead technological innovation in environmental services, such as smart water grids and automated waste systems, to enhance resource efficiency and create green jobs.
Community engagement is prioritized to foster environmental responsibility, with initiatives like the Sustainable Singapore movement and enhancements to hawker centres to preserve cultural and social bonds.
Through the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters programme, Singapore will integrate blue and green spaces to improve liveability, while continuing to safeguard public health with a strong regulatory regime.

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7 May 2018

Ministry of National Development

The Ministry will maintain a sustainable supply of affordable HDB flats, shorten waiting times for new builds, and launch a new "Forest Town" in Tengah with smart and eco-friendly features.
There will be a focus on the housing needs of seniors, with new assisted living models and updated home improvement schemes, as well as support for vulnerable groups to aspire towards home ownership.
Singapore's urban development will include more public and green spaces, support for local farming to enhance food security, and a transformation of the construction industry to raise productivity.
Major infrastructure projects like Changi Terminal 5 and new connections to Malaysia will be developed to strengthen Singapore's status as a regional and international hub.
The Ministry aims to create a more liveable and inclusive city by expanding green corridors, developing new regional centres, and partnering the community to shape a better Singapore for future generations.

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