Environment & climate

Nadia Ahmad Samdin asked about how the expansion of sustainability standards under the Green Mark scheme aligns with workforce capabilities and integration into core built environment roles. Chee Hong Tat explained that the Green Mark Certification scheme, introduced in 2005, has seen over 2,500 certified projects, highlighting the growing expertise of built environment professionals. The Skills Framework for Built Environment includes sustainability as a core competency for key professionals, and the Building and Construction Authority collaborates with training providers to ensure courses reflect the latest standards. Singapore Polytechnic has updated its curriculum to align with the Green Mark scheme's requirements.

Valerie Lee asked about the number and purpose of mobile National Environment Agency (NEA) enforcement cameras deployed in January 2026 and whether additional cameras would be rolled out. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that approximately 490 mobile enforcement camera deployments were made, targeting areas with significant environmental public health issues like littering and smoking in prohibited places. NEA plans to continue expanding camera deployments to enhance environmental cleanliness.

He Ting Ru asked the Prime Minister about the annual total value and number of green and sustainability-linked loans from financial institutions in Singapore over the past five years, the proportion of these loans for new corporate and small- to medium-sized enterprises, and a breakdown by borrower size. Gan Kim Yong reported that 261 loans totaling S$137.3 billion were taken up by Singapore companies between 2020 and 2024. The Monetary Authority of Singapore does not have borrower size breakdowns for these loans.

Fadli Fawzi asked if blue recycling bins have been involved in fires over the past three years and how many cases occurred. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that there have been an average of around 35 fires each year, primarily due to improper disposal of hazardous materials like batteries and lit cigarettes. The National Environment Agency is actively educating residents on the proper use of recycling bins to reduce fire risks through initiatives like the Recycle Right Campaign. Residents are reminded to only dispose of paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, and glass in the blue recycling bins, while e-waste should be placed in designated e-waste collection points.

Fadli Fawzi asked whether the National Environment Agency would reconsider allowing supermarkets discretion in using funds collected from plastic bag charges. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that supermarkets must annually publish details on the number of bags supplied, proceeds collected, and their allocation, ensuring transparency and accountability. Most funds collected have been directed towards environmental or social causes, and public scrutiny is seen as beneficial in encouraging responsible use of these proceeds. The government will continue to monitor and promote the appropriate use of the funds by supermarket operators.

Jamus Lim asked about the government's tracking of the environmental impact of artificial intelligence, specifically regarding data centre energy consumption and emissions. Josephine Teo referenced a previous related question and explained that while there is no set limit on data centre capacity, the government monitors resource usage with internationally recognized metrics. These metrics inform assessments of new data centre applications, emphasizing resource efficiency. The upcoming Digital Infrastructure Act aims to enhance the energy efficiency and sustainability of data centres, with further details to be provided later.

Ms Poh Li San proposed a reduction in the budget for Head L of the Estimates by $100, prompting a discussion on food resilience and waste management in Singapore. Senior Minister of State Zaqy Mohamad emphasized the importance of a multi-faceted approach to food resilience, highlighting the vulnerabilities of Singapore's food supply to external shocks. The discussion included details about initiatives such as the Singapore Food Story 2, which focuses on diversifying imports, growing local food, stockpiling, and establishing global partnerships to enhance food security. Senior Parliamentary Secretary Goh Hanyan highlighted the government's commitment to climate adaptation and community engagement, citing practical measures being taken to enhance resilience against flooding and extreme weather events. Members expressed concerns about food waste and the need for collaboration with the restaurant sector to address rising food waste levels in Singapore.

Cai Yinzhou questioned the Minister for Education on the identification of schools impacted by the urban heat island effect, progress on applying cool paint and installing ventilation in older schools, and the inclusion of passive cooling designs in new school building standards. The Minister of State for Education, Jasmin Lau, highlighted that the Ministry aims for heat-resilient school designs that emphasize passive cooling and aims for new schools to achieve Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy certification. By 2027, enhancements such as powerful fans and cool paint will be installed in schools, while specific schools experiencing heat build-up will receive targeted cooling measures. Jasmin Lau mentioned a study indicating that cognitive performance declines at higher temperatures, reinforcing the need for tailored cooling solutions in schools.

Vikram Nair raised concerns about the increase in vegetation fires and Singapore's rising temperatures, asking if SCDF is taking steps to mitigate these fires. The Minister of State for Home Affairs, Goh Pei Ming, confirmed that climate change has heightened wildfire risks and detailed the inter-agency Wildfire Task Force's efforts to reduce these risks, including monitoring weather patterns, preventing potential hotspots, and public education. Goh noted that while the SCDF has managed to control vegetation fires in recent years, continuous vigilance is necessary due to the seasonal nature of weather impacts on fire incidence. He emphasized the importance of proactive measures in anticipation of dry weather conditions.

Fadli Fawzi asked about the proportion of HDB blocks in Singapore equipped with solar panels under the SolarNova programme and the potential for future increases. Chee Hong Tat responded that approximately 5,300 HDB blocks, or about half of all blocks, had solar panels installed as of December 2025. HDB plans to continue installing solar panels on more blocks as long as the sites are suitable.

Victor Lye questioned the Deputy Prime Minister about the assessment process, timelines, and contingency measures for low-carbon electricity imports approved by the Energy Market Authority. Gan Kim Yong explained that project developers must secure regulatory approvals, finalize power purchase agreements, and obtain financing to commence operations. Successful projects may start commercial operations by the end of the decade, depending on developers meeting milestones within one to two years. The government is also exploring alternative decarbonization pathways including domestic solar deployment, hydrogen, geothermal, and nuclear energy, while preparing for future electricity demand with a second Liquefied Natural Gas terminal by 2030.

Elysa Chen asked if the Government has set an upper limit on Singapore's total data centre capacity by 2030, beyond the plan to add at least 300 megawatts of capacity. Josephine Teo responded that there is no predetermined upper limit, as the Government aims to balance resource constraints and environmental commitments while adopting a calibrated growth approach. Assessments for new data centre capacity use metrics like power and water usage effectiveness to ensure resource efficiency. A forthcoming Digital Infrastructure Act will enhance the energy efficiency and sustainability of data centres, with more details to be shared later.

Grace Fu Hai Yien expressed a personal motivation for climate adaptation efforts, highlighting concerns for her granddaughter's future amid climate change challenges. The government will designate 2026 as the Year of Climate Adaptation, focusing on enhancing heat, flood, and water resilience through collective action involving businesses, communities, and citizens. Concrete measures include infrastructure improvements, the establishment of the Heat Resilience Policy Office, and ongoing research initiatives to better understand and manage heat impacts. The innovative Coastal Protection Bill will also be tabled, emphasizing Singapore's proactive approach to climate risks. The government calls for active public participation in shaping the National Adaptation Plan to ensure a sustainable future for all.

Poh Li San initiated a discussion on climate adaptation funding, emphasizing the urgency of long-term planning, as illustrated by Changi Airport's Terminal 5 elevation and the Tekong Polder project. She raised concerns about public engagement regarding adaptation infrastructure and the need for enhanced climate science partnerships. Nadia Ahmad Samdin highlighted flood resilience and community preparedness, while Syed Harun underscored the necessity for better climate monitoring and health protections against heat stress. Various MPs suggested coordinated strategies across ministries for heat and water resilience, addressed the challenges in recycling and waste management, and discussed the need for effective food security and sustainable practices in Singapore.

Dennis Tan Lip Fong questioned the Minister for Digital Development and Information about the projected annual electricity and water consumption for the new AI park at one-north, measuring software-level energy efficiency, and whether energy-intensity disclosures would be mandated for large-scale AI models. Josephine Teo clarified that the AI park is not a data centre and its resource consumption will align with similar technology-intensive estates. She highlighted Singapore's commitment to sustainable AI development, emphasizing resource-efficient AI as a priority. Teo mentioned ongoing efforts with the Green Software Foundation to establish methodologies for measuring software energy usage and the introduction of baseline energy efficiency standards for data centres under the upcoming Digital Infrastructure Act.

Charlene Chen questioned the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment about the emissions self-testing facility for motorcycles at Woodlands Checkpoint concerning usage measures, pass and fail rates, and rider selection incentives. Grace Fu Hai Yien confirmed that a three-month trial was conducted from November 2023 to February 2024, where riders were randomly selected to use the kiosk with monitored instructions by NEA officers. Approximately 700 motorcycles were tested, and about 230 of them failed to meet emissions limits, prompting enforcement action. NEA is considering improvements to enhance the self-testing facility's usability and scalability.

Charlene Chen inquired about the breakdown of vehicular fines issued to foreign-registered vehicles in 2025, specifically the number for noise emission violations and the year-on-year percentage changes in noise-related summonses at land checkpoints over the past three years. Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that this question has already been addressed in previous parliamentary discussions, specifically in the reply to earlier parliamentary questions on March 2, 2026.

Valerie Lee asked about the solar energy contribution to electricity consumption on Pulau Ubin in 2025, the reliability of the microgrid, and compensation for residents and businesses during power supply interruptions. Gan Kim Yong reported that solar energy accounted for 10% of the electricity demand in 2025, with diesel covering the remaining 90%. The microgrid, which includes a vanadium flow battery storage system and serves over 30 customers, experienced 13 power supply trips that year. He noted that the operator, EDPR, is upgrading the system for better reliability and users affected by outages can seek compensation, which has been previously provided to affected users.

Charlene Chen asked about outreach efforts to inform foreign drivers about Singapore's vehicle noise emission standards and if noise compliance reminders could be added to Vehicle Entry Permit processes. Grace Fu Hai Yien confirmed that all motorists must comply with these standards and that the National Environment Agency (NEA) uses media and posters at checkpoints to communicate regulations. The number of fines issued to foreign-registered vehicles for noise violations increased significantly in 2025, indicating enhanced enforcement. NEA conducts on-site testing for suspected noisy vehicles and is exploring technologies like acoustic cameras for better enforcement, despite some limitations.

He Ting Ru asked about the Ministry of Education's plans to compile and publish updated guidelines for schools to safeguard student health during adverse climate events like haze or heatwaves, and how these guidelines would balance safety with minimizing disruption. Desmond Lee responded that the Ministry collaborates with other agencies to create guidelines that allow learning to continue with minimal disruption while prioritizing student safety. Schools are instructed to modify or suspend outdoor activities during risky conditions, and guidelines are regularly updated and communicated to schools, along with timely reminders before adverse climate events. Parents are also kept informed about the measures in place.