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 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

TAKE ACTION

TODAY

FOR A CARBON-EFFICIENT SINGAPORE

OVERVIEW. 02

CHAPTER 01. CLIMATE CHANGE AND SINGAPORE 03

CHAPTER 02. IMPROVING ENERGY AND CARBON EFFICIENCY 12

CHAPTER 03. REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS IN POWER GENERATION 26

CHAPTER 04. DEVELOPING AND DEPLOYING LOW-CARBON TECHNOLOGY 32

CHAPTER 05. ENCOURAGING COLLECTIVE CLIMATE ACTION 41

CONCLUSION 50

OVERVIEW

The climate is changing, and Singapore – a low-lying island state – is vulnerable. The 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change is a call to action for every country to mitigate climate change, and Singapore will play its part. We aim to reduce our emissions intensity by 36 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 and stabilise our emissions with the aim of peaking around 2030.

Climate Action Plan: Take Action Today, For a Carbon-Efficient Singapore sets out four strategies to achieve this. Improving energy efficiency will remain our key strategy for reducing emissions across the industry, transport, buildings, household, waste, and water sectors. Increased awareness building, enhanced regulations, capability building, and government support will help Singapore achieve this.

At the same time, we will reduce carbon emissions from power generation. 

We will aim to adopt more efficient technologies and increase the share of nonfossil fuels in our electricity mix.

We will continue to develop and demonstrate cutting-edge lowcarbon technologies as well as scale up low-carbon solutions for deployment in Singapore and export overseas. This will position us well to tap on global and regional green growth opportunities. 

We must respond to the challenges of climate change as one nation, through the collective action of government agencies, individuals, businesses, and the community. Our efforts to mitigate carbon emissions, coupled with steps taken to adapt to climate change^[1],  will ensure that Singapore remains a  vibrant and liveable city for current  and future generations.

A bird’s eye view of Queenstown, one of Singapore’s oldest public housing estates

CLIMATE CHANGE

AND WHY IT MATTERS

Climate change, which refers to the large-scale, long-term shift in the earth’s weather patterns, is caused by increasing levels of greenhouse gases (GHG)² in the earth’s atmosphere. The year 2015 was the warmest on record, with average temperatures reaching about 1°C above those in the pre-industrial era³. Without additional efforts to reduce GHG emissions, temperatures could continue to rise to between 3.7°C and 4.8°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100⁴. Higher temperatures, rising sea levels, and changes in weather patterns can cause significant damage to homes, businesses, and livelihoods globally.

In recent years, Singapore has seen bouts of high temperatures and very intense thunderstorms that have led to flash floods. Our annual mean temperature rose from 26.6°C in 1972 to 28.3°C in 2015, which was both the warmest year⁵ and the second-driest year ever recorded. In early 2014, Singapore also experienced its longest dry spell since records began in 1869. Phase 1 of the second National Climate Change Study projected that our temperatures could rise by between 1.4°C and 4.6°C by the end of this century (2070 to 2099)⁶, while mean sea levels could increase by between 0.25m and 0.76m in the same period.

Climate change is a global challenge that requires a global response. Although Singapore accounts for only about 0.11 per cent of global emissions, we contribute to international efforts to address climate change under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Domestically, we are reducing GHG emissions and making use of innovative low-carbon solutions, while enhancing our resilience to the impacts of climate change.

SINGAPORE’S NATIONAL 

CIRCUMSTANCES AND EARLY ACTIONS

Singapore is an island city-state of only 719km² in size. Our small size, urban density, low wind speeds, relatively flat land, and lack of geothermal resources present serious difficulties⁷ in pursuing alternative energy options such as nuclear, hydro-electric, wind, or geothermal power. Our limited land resources also make it challenging to deploy solar power on a large scale. Despite this, Singapore has made significant efforts in addressing climate change.

We made early policy choices that reduced our GHG emissions, for example by switching from fuel oil to natural gas – the cleanest form of fossil fuel – for  power generation. Today, about 95 per cent of our electricity is generated from natural gas.

We also price energy at market cost, without any subsidy, so that households and businesses will use energy judiciously. 

2        Carbon dioxide accounts for a majority of GHG emissions globally and in Singapore. Other GHGs include methane, nitrous oxide, and  fluorinated gases.

3        Source: World Meteorological Organization

4        Global mean surface temperature. Source: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) 5       Together with 1997 and 1998

6        Compared to a baseline period from 1980 to 2009

7        Singapore’s alternative-energy disadvantaged status is recognised by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

HOW IS SINGAPORE DOING TODAY?

Singapore has long emphasised environmental protection and sustainable development. From 2000 to 2012, Singapore’s economy grew at an annual rate of 5.7 per cent, while GHG emissions grew at a lower rate of 2.1 per cent.

Due to our sustainability efforts, Singapore’s Carbon Intensity, or carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions per dollar of economic output, is among the lowest in the world. We rank 123rd out of 141 countries, placing us among the 20 best-performing countries^[2].

Singapore’s efforts are internationally recognised. We were ranked 14th out of 180 countries in the 2016 Environmental Performance Index (EPI)^[3], making us the top-ranked country in Asia. Singapore was also top among 22 major cities in the 2013 Asian Green City Index¹⁰.  

SINGAPORE’S COMMITMENTS TO ADDRESS CLIMATE CHANGE

In 2009, Singapore pledged to reduce emissions  by 16 per cent from business-as-usual (BAU)  levels by 2020.

In 2015, building on our earlier commitment, Singapore pledged to reduce our Emissions Intensity¹¹ (EI) by 36 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030, and stabilise emissions with the aim of peaking around 2030.

SINGAPORE’S GHG EMISSIONS PROFILE¹²

Singapore’s GHG emissions in 2012 totalled 49 million tonnes (MT) CO₂-equivalent. Figure 1-3 shows the share of direct emissions per sector, as well as the breakdown of indirect emissions from each sector’s electricity usage. When combined, these represent the total GHG emissions by sector (For example, the industry sector accounted for about 59 per cent of Singapore’s overall GHG emissions in 2012, of which 41 per cent was from direct emissions and 18 per cent from electricity use). 

Figure 1-3: Singapore’s GHG Emissions Profile (2012)

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean at the National 

Climate Change Competition Award Ceremony 2015

Singapore plans to further reduce “ our emissions intensity as part of international efforts to address climate change. For a very small country with limited alternative energy options, the stabilisation of our emissions with the aim of peaking around 2030 requires serious efforts by everyone.  We have to strive for higher  levels of energy efficiency, including deployment of  best-in-class technologies. “

DPM Teo Chee Hean,

Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on 

Climate Change (IMCCC), 

upon Singapore’s pledge submission on July 3, 2015

11       Emissions Intensity refers to GHG Emissions per dollar of GDP, measured in CO₂-equivalent per $.

12       A detailed breakdown of Singapore’s 2012 GHG inventory will be published in end-2016 in the 2nd Biennial Update Report that will be submitted to the UNFCCC. The 1st Biennial Update Report is available at: https://www.nccs.gov.sg/sites/nccs/files/NCBUR2014_1.pdf.

DEVELOPMENT OF 

SINGAPORE’S PLEDGE

           Under the guidance of the Inter-                            Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change (IMCCC)

           Ministerial Committee on Climate                 Coordinating Minister for National SecurityChaired by Deputy Prime Minister and

            Change (IMCCC) chaired by Deputy                                                Members:  

           Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Minister for Finance, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Minister for National Development, Minister for Trade and Industry (Trade),

          numerous government agencies worked                       Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) and Minister for Transport

together to develop Singapore’s pledge. IMCCC Executive Committee (Refer to Figure 1-4) Chaired by Permanent Secretary (National Climate Change)

Members: 

PS (Environment and Water Resources), PS (Finance) (Performance), PS (Foreign Affairs), 

The discussion and analysis undertaken PS (National Development), PS (National Research and Development), PS (Trade and Industry),PS (Transport) and Chairman (Economic Development Board) by the IMCCC agencies was supported by independent technical studies, 

technology roadmaps (see Chapter 4 for Resilience International               Long Term more information), and consultations     Working Group           Negotiations Emissions and 

                                                                                    (RWG)                       Working Group                        Mitigation 

with stakeholders. More than 1,000         (INWG)      Working Group comments and suggestions on measures        PS (National Chaired by   Chaired by   (LWG)

          to mitigate emissions were received, and         Development) and               PS (Foreign Affairs)               Chaired by PS (National 

                                                                              PS (Environment and                                                         Climate Change) and  

more than 200 organisations participated             Water Resources)           PS (Trade and Industry) in the consultations. (Refer to Figure 1-5)

Figure 1-4: Inter-Ministerial Committee on Climate Change

Public Consultation

• Online Consultation
• Stakeholder/ 

                           TECHNOLOGY ROADMAPS                                                                                                                           Sectoral Consultations

Singapore’s Submission

               2012                                     2013                                     2014                                      2015                                    Pledge 

Energy Efficiency Studies

• Economy-wide
• Industrial Sector

INTER-AGENCY ANALYSIS UNDER IMCCC

Figure 1-5: Development Process of Singapore’s Pledge

PARIS AGREEMENT ON CLIMATE CHANGE

On December 12, 2015, at the 21st 

Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC 

(COP-21) in Paris, all 196 Parties to the UNFCCC adopted a landmark agreement to take the world in an ambitious new direction in terms of global climate action. The Paris Agreement will replace the Kyoto Protocol¹³ which expires in 2020. Unlike the Kyoto Protocol, which required only developed countries to take on emissions targets, the new treaty will be applicable to all countries. It builds on the momentum of the pledges¹⁴ submitted by over 185 countries ahead of the Paris meeting. Together, these countries account for 96 per cent of global emissions and 99 per cent of the global population¹⁵. 

AN AMBITIOUS, BALANCED, AND DURABLE AGREEMENT

The Paris Agreement reaffirms the longterm global goal of keeping global warming well below 2°C above preindustrial levels, and urges Parties to pursue efforts towards a more ambitious 1.5°C threshold. Under the Agreement, Parties aim to achieve the peaking of global emissions as soon as possible. 

The Agreement will uphold the UNFCCC principle of “common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities, in the light of different national circumstances”. Parties will be required to communicate or update their climate pledges every five years. Successive climate pledges must represent a progression beyond current ones. 

A five-yearly stocktake of global collective progress will guide this process, while an enhanced reporting and monitoring framework will track the progress that countries have made towards achieving their pledges.

Singapore signed the Agreement on 

April 22, 2016 at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, along with 175 other Parties. The Agreement will enter into force after at least 55 Parties accounting for at least 55 per cent of global emissions have ratified it.

THE WAY FORWARD TO 2030

Singapore has set ambitious targets under our 2030 pledge, and meeting them will require concerted efforts by the government, businesses, households, and individuals. Our strategies to achieve our 2030 pledge are outlined in the next four chapters:

• Chapter 2: Improving Energy and Carbon Efficiency
• Chapter 3: Reducing Carbon Emissions in Power Generation
• Chapter 4: Developing and Deploying Low-Carbon Technology
• Chapter 5: Encouraging Collective Climate Action

The above strategies will guide our work as we study the optimal mix of policies and technologies to achieve our 2030 commitment. We will remain nimble and responsive to local and global developments, to identify appropriate and effective measures that will reduce emissions and increase our energy efficiency. Everyone will have a part to play, to make more climate-friendly choices in the way we lead our daily lives.

13       The Kyoto Protocol was an international agreement linked to the UNFCCC, under which developed countries committed to setting internationallybinding emission reduction targets.

14       Countries’ pledges are also known as Intended Nationally Determined Contributions (INDCs). 15               Source: UNFCCC synthesis report on the aggregate effect of the INDCs

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan (second from left) and Chief Negotiator for Climate Change Ambassador Kwok Fook Seng (third from left) at the conclusion of COP-21 in Paris

CONTRIBUTING TO 

MULTILATERAL NEGOTIATIONS

Singapore supports the multilateral negotiations under the UNFCCC, and has contributed proactively to the process. We were the 17th country to submit our pledge on July 3, 2015, well ahead of COP-21. Singapore played an active role in forging consensus on the Paris Agreement at COP-21. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian 

Balakrishnan was invited by the French Presidency to co-facilitate discussions on differentiation, a contentious issue that could have scuttled the deal. Ultimately, the issue was about ensuring fairness – providing the necessary assurance 

to all Parties that this agreement will account for the historical responsibilities of developed countries while also encouraging developing countries to contribute more as they achieve greater progress.  

Singapore’s Chief Negotiator for Climate 

Change Ambassador Kwok Fook Seng led negotiations on an enhanced transparency framework for the Paris Agreement to institute clear reporting and review processes in order to track the progress that countries have made towards achieving their pledges. 

INTRODUCTION

Singapore’s geographical constraints limit the extent to which alternative energy can be deployed. Hence, increasing energy efficiency will continue to be a key strategy to reduce our carbon emissions. This will also help lower costs, increase business competitiveness, and enhance energy security. We will continue efforts to improve energy efficiency and carbon efficiency¹⁶ by increasing awareness and enhancing incentives, as well as through regulation and capacity building. 

INCREASING INDUSTRIAL ENERGY AND CARBON EFFICIENCY

Potential for Energy Savings in Industry

The industry sector accounts for more than half of Singapore’s GHG emissions. A 2014 study¹⁷ on industrial energy efficiency in Singapore estimated that by 2030, energy savings of 20 per cent could be achieved compared to business-as-usual levels. Significant energy efficiency opportunities were identified in the petroleum, petrochemical, and semiconductor sub-sectors, in areas such as exhaust gas heat recovery, combustion optimisation for furnaces, and improved catalysts. The implementation of energy efficiency projects and good energy management practices can save energy and reduce costs for companies.

Increasing Energy Efficiency

The National Environment Agency 

(NEA) and Economic Development Board (EDB) will work with the manufacturing sector industries to achieve energy efficiency improvement rates similar to the 1 to 2 per cent per annum being achieved in leading developed countries like Belgium and the Netherlands. Several schemes are already in place to support greater energy efficiency (see next page). The Energy Conservation Act (ECA), which covers energy-intensive industrial firms, will be reviewed regularly so that it remains effective in supporting energy efficiency improvements. In the first half of 2016, NEA sought feedback from companies on existing schemes and on possible new initiatives, to improve manufacturing sector energy efficiency.

EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Lumileds is a global company that develops, manufactures, and distributes advanced light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and automotive lighting products. Lumileds Singapore’s manufacturing plant was awarded the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award, and the NEA Excellence in Energy Management Award in 2015. Between 2011 and 2014, the company implemented 18 energy efficiency projects that reduced its energy usage per unit product by 64 per cent, resulting in significant energy cost savings. Projects included facility systems upgrades, LED lamp replacements, and chiller plant optimisation. Lumileds Singapore targets to improve its energy efficiency by 5 to 8 per cent each year.

16       Beyond energy efficiency, carbon efficiency encompasses the use of cleaner fuels and processes that emit lower levels of GHGs for the same amount of energy used or products processed.

17       The industry sector energy efficiency study was commissioned by NCCS, MTI and MEWR and conducted by ICF International with EDB and NEA as lead agencies.

SCHEMES TO HELP COMPANIES 

ACHIEVE GREATER ENERGY EFFICIENCY 

CAPABILITY DEVELOPMENT

Singapore Certified Energy Manager (SCEM) This is a training and certification programme in energy management. The SCEM training grant covers about 70 per cent of training costs.

Energy Conservation Act (ECA) 

Energy-intensive users in the industrial sector are required to appoint an energy manager, monitor and report energy use and GHG emissions-related information annually. They also have to submit an energy efficiency improvement plan and review this plan annually.

Energy Efficiency National Partnership (EENP) 

Programme 

This is a voluntary partnership programme for companies that includes:

• Promoting adoption of an energy management system (For example, ISO 50001) 
• Organising learning events such as the 

National Energy Efficiency Conference  

• Providing recognition schemes to encourage best practices in energy management FINANCING

EE Financing Pilot Programme Under this programme, companies receive financing for up to 100 per cent of the upfront capital investment of energy efficiency projects. Cost savings are shared between the financier and the company. 

INCENTIVES

Resource-Efficient Design NEA co-funds up to 50 per cent of the cost of design workshops to integrate energy and resource efficiency in the design of new facilities, capped at $600,000 per project.

Energy Audits

NEA co-funds 50 per cent of the costs of an energy audit, which assesses energy consumption and helps to develop energy efficiency improvement plans for existing facilities, capped at $200,000 per project.

Retrofit Projects

EDB and NEA co-fund up to 20 per cent of  

Participants at the National Energy Efficiency Conference 2015

the investment cost of energy efficient equipment or technologies.

Besides grants, tax incentive schemes are also available. The Accelerated Depreciation 

Allowance Scheme (ADAS) allows the writeoff or depreciation, within one year, of capital expenditure on more energy efficient or energysaving equipment to replace existing ones. The Investment Allowance – Energy Efficiency Scheme (IA)allows an additional 30 per cent investment allowance for energy efficiency investments against taxable income, on top of normal capital allowances.

Reducing Non-CO₂ GHGs 

Although most of Singapore’s GHG emissions consist of CO₂, non-CO₂ GHGs also contribute a small percentage (2.1 per cent in 2012). In Singapore, most of the non-CO₂ GHG emissions are from the semiconductor sub-sector.¹⁸ EDB and NEA will study policy options to support the implementation of appropriate measures and technologies to reduce non-CO₂GHG emissions from the  sub-sector. 

Adopting Cleaner Fuels in Industry

In the industry sector, fuels such as fuel oil are directly combusted to meet heating needs, for example in boilers. Switching to cleaner fuels such as natural gas can decrease carbon emissions from heating processes by about 25 per cent. EDB and NEA will study further policy options to facilitate this switch.

ACHIEVING GLOBAL LEADERSHIP IN GREEN BUILDINGS

A Leading Rating System for the Tropics: Green Mark 2015

The Green Mark Scheme is the Building and Construction Authority’s (BCA) green building rating system, tailored for the tropics and sub-tropics. It evaluates and sets benchmarks for environmental sustainability in buildings. Since the launch of the Green Mark Scheme, the number of green building projects has increased from 17 in 2005 to more than 2,700 in 2016, covering more than 31 per cent of buildings in Singapore. To keep pace with technological advancements and raise energy performance standards, BCA introduced the revised Green Mark 2015 criteria. Enhancements include increased recognition for energy efficiency and for adoption of renewable energy. 

GREEN MARK BUILDING PROJECTS IN 

SINGAPORE (CUMULATIVE)

81.8 GFA (mil m²)

Number of Building Projects

2757

23.7

1.1

                 17                        747

                FY05                     FY10                            As of May 2016

Figure 2-6: Number and Gross Floor Area (GFA) of Green Buildings¹⁹ in Singapore

Building a Greener Tomorrow –  3rd Green Building Masterplan 

BCA’s Green Building Masterplans aim to reduce carbon emissions and increase sustainability in Singapore’s buildings. Recognising that tenants consume about 50 per cent of energy in a commercial building, the 3rd Green Building Masterplan is focused on changing the way building tenants and occupants consume energy.

Beyond the existing Green 

Lease Toolkit²⁰ and user-centric Green Mark schemes, BCA will step up efforts to encourage the retrofitting of tenanted spaces with energy-efficient fittings, such as light fittings. To enhance current efforts to green existing buildings, BCA and Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) have collaborated to develop the Zero Capital Partnership²¹ scheme, which provides a “zero capital” solution for building owners to carry out energy efficiency retrofits for buildings. These efforts will contribute to Singapore’s aim of making 80 per cent of all buildings green by 2030.

Energy-Efficient Data Centres

Within the buildings sector, data centres are large energy consumers. 

The Infocomm Development Authority of 

Singapore (IDA) has estimated that the  10 largest data centres in Singapore consume as much energy annually as 130,000 households. Singapore is emerging as the region’s data centre hub. We host more than 60 per cent of the data centres in Southeast Asia as at 2015²² and our data centre industry is expected to grow. The Green Data Centre Technology Roadmap²³ found that the sector has the potential to reduce energy use by more than 50 per cent by 2030 compared to business-asusual levels. Recognising this, IDA has implemented initiatives to encourage energy efficiency in the design, operation, and management of data centres. This includes the Green Data Centre Standard (Singapore Standard 564), the BCAIDA Green Mark for Data Centres, the Investment Allowance scheme for energy efficiency projects and the Green Data Centre Programme (GDCP) that supports high-impact research, development, and demonstration projects on energy efficiency in data centres. As one of the projects under GDCP, Singapore is conducting trials on the world’s first Tropical Data Centre (TDC), which could reduce energy consumption of data centres by up to 40 per cent. The TDC will test the operation of data centres under temperatures of up to 38°C and ambient humidity up to or exceeding 90 per cent. 

20       The Green Lease Toolkit aids landlords and tenants in working together to improve environmental sustainability, for example, through an agreement between both parties to adopt environmentally friendly procedures. User-centric Green Mark schemes include the Green Mark for office interiors, restaurants, and supermarkets and retail.

21       The Zero Capital Partnership Scheme was launched in May 2016. Under the scheme, SGBC-accredited Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) firms perform energy audits and retrofits, and facilitate financing and applications for relevant incentive schemes, in order to achieve building owners’ desired performance targets and Green Mark certification.

22       Source: Report by BroadGroup on Data Centres in Southeast Asia

23       The roadmap was commissioned by NCCS and NRF, and led by IDA. It can be found online at http://www.nrf.gov.sg/docs/default-source/Publications/green-data-centre...

WORLD’S FIRST HIGH-RISE ROTATABLE LABORATORY FOR THE TROPICS

The BCA SkyLab is part of BCA’s plans to accelerate the pace of research, development, and application of innovative energy-efficient building technologies. To be launched in July 2016, it is equipped with state-of-theart features, including a fully-rotatable platform and reconfigurable plug-and-play fittings, for comprehensive tests to be carried out at any orientation to the sun and wind in an urban high-rise setting. The BCA SkyLab will be a key facility for test-bedding, demonstration and knowledge-sharing of green building technologies.  

SkyLab, the world’s first high-rise rotatable test facility

BCA-IDA GREEN MARK 

FOR DATA CENTRES

Equinix’s Green Mark Platinum SG3 Data Centre in Ayer Rajah Crescent

The Green Mark for Data Centres encourages energy efficiency in the design, operation, and management of data centres. Equinix’s SG3 Data Centre was awarded the Green Mark Platinum rating in 2015. The facility saves energy and water through initiatives such as rainwater harvesting, temperature control, air leakage prevention, and the use of solar photovoltaic panels. This has reduced the facility’s consumption of potable water and lowered its Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE)²⁴ ratio to 1.35, saving an estimated 32.5 per cent of energy. Equinix has a long-term goal of using 100 per cent clean and renewable energy for its global platform.

INCREASING TRANSPORT SECTOR CARBON EFFICIENCY 

Encouraging Public Transport Use

In the 2013 Land Transport Master Plan, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore outlined its objective to make public transport the preferred mode of transportation, and to promote active mobility, such as walking and cycling for shorter commutes and to complement public transport. Selected initiatives in support of this vision include:

• An ambitious plan to double the rail network in 15 years. With the opening of Downtown Line 2 in December 2015, Singapore’s rail network increased by 10 per cent from 183km in 2014 to some 200km in 2015. This year, the Tuas West Extension for the East-West Line will be completed, adding a further 7.5km. By 2030, the rail network will be 360km, and will be comparable in rail density with developed cities like London, New York and Tokyo. More than 120 trains will also be added to existing train lines, increasing the total fleet size by more than 40 per cent. • The Bus Service Enhancement Programme, launched in 2012, aims to grow the public bus fleet by 1,000 buses or about 25 per cent by 2017.
• To facilitate walking and cycling, our sheltered walkway network will be quadrupled from the existing 56km to 200km by 2018. Cycling paths will double from 355km in 2015 to more than 700km by 2030. Bicycle-sharing will be piloted in various districts, and Ang Mo Kio will be transformed 

into a model walking and cycling town. From July 2016, LTA and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) will require private developers to consider the safety, convenience, and accessibility needs of pedestrians and cyclists in their development plans.

• Seven new integrated transport hubs will be built by 2023 to make it convenient for people to access different transport modes and to enjoy shopping and lifestyle services at the same location. Additional integrated transport hubs will be built for selected areas undergoing development or redevelopment. 

These measures collectively aim to increase the use of public transport as a share of overall transport during morning peak hours from 66 per cent in 2015 to 75 per cent by 2030. By 2050, the aim is to further increase this share to  85 per cent.

By 2030, every HDB town will have a dedicated cycling network.

Limiting Emissions from Private Transport

The Certificate of Entitlement (COE) and the Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) systems have been in place for many years to curb the growth of the vehicle population and the use of private transport. This is supplemented by high vehicle taxes, registration fees and fuel duties.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Pilot Programme (Phase 2)

Various trials are underway to assess the implementation of electric vehicles (EV) in Singapore. In the first phase, 89 EVs were deployed between 2011 and 2013. In the second phase, the use of EVs will be trialled for fleet-based operations. An EV car-sharing pilot programme for this phase will introduce as many as 1,000 EVs and an island-wide charging infrastructure comprising up to 2,000 charging kiosks to support the eventual proliferation of EVs.  

EMPOWERING HOUSEHOLDS TO MAKE BETTER ENERGY CHOICES 

A growing population and rising household incomes are expected to increase the demand for electrical appliances such as air-conditioners, televisions, lamps, and refrigerators. Households can reduce energy use  and save costs by choosing more  efficient appliances and adopting  energy-saving habits.

Raising Minimum Energy Performance Standards

Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) remove the most energy-inefficient appliance models from the market. MEPS were first introduced for air-conditioners and refrigerators in 2011 and have  since been extended to clothes dryers  and lamps.

MEPS for air-conditioners were raised in 2013, and will be raised again in September 2016. As for lamps, MEPS were introduced in 2015 to remove the least efficient models, such as tungsten filament incandescent bulbs. 

The minimum standards for appliances will be progressively raised to increase the efficiency of the appliances on the market, while ensuring that product availability and consumer choice are not adversely affected. This will also result in lower lifecycle costs for consumers. 

Promoting and Increasing Awareness about Energy Efficient Appliances

To help households make more informed purchasing decisions, NEA introduced the Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme (MELS) in 2008. It provides information that allows consumers to compare the energy efficiency of different appliances. MELS currently covers household refrigerators, air-conditioners, clothes dryers, televisions, and lamps. NEA will consider including other appliances in the future.

For water heaters, NEA will raise public awareness of more energy-efficient models and encourage suppliers to bring more high-efficiency heaters into the market. For example, a heat pump water heater is highly efficient and consumes about one-third of the energy used by a gas or electric heater. NEA is currently studying the technical, economic, and operational feasibility of such water heaters. 

Since the introduction of the MELS and MEPS, the average energy efficiency of air-conditioners and refrigerators has improved by about 13 per cent and 26 per cent respectively.

In addition to schemes like MEPS  and MELS, NEA will continue to  promote energy-efficient appliances through public messaging campaigns – such as  the “Save Energy Save Money”  

initiative – at retail outlets, HDB void decks, and through social media.

Smart Home Technologies

Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) analyse real-time energy usage and costs, alert residents to high energy use, and offer energy-saving tips. Overseas studies have shown that HEMS can potentially reduce energy consumption by up to 10 per cent. HEMS are currently being piloted in selected households in the Yuhua estate to assess the feasibility of larger scale implementation.

The Yuhua pilot programme, led by 

HDB and IDA and in partnership with PUB, NEA, and MOH, will assess the usefulness and user-friendliness of HEMS. This will enable agencies to better understand residents’ receptiveness towards smart solutions like HEMS and the resultant changes in their household energy consumption patterns. The pilot programme will also allow agencies to better understand the digital infrastructure needed to accommodate such technology.

ENHANCING EFFICIENCY IN 

WATER TREATMENT AND WASTE MANAGEMENT PROCESSES

Increasing Efficiency of Water Treatment

PUB is pilot testing new technologies such as electrochemical desalting, with the aim of halving the energy used in the seawater desalination process. Improved technologies for reclaiming used water could also reduce energy use. These reductions in energy use would decrease carbon emissions from the water sector.

NEA is also conducting a pilot programme to evaluate the economic viability and feasibility of the district-level collection and processing of food waste for anaerobic co-digestion²⁵ with used water sludge at the Ulu Pandan Water Reclamation Plant. Anaerobic co-digestion could help meet up to 50 per cent of the treatment plant’s electricity needs, up from 20 to 25  per cent from used water sludge  digestion alone.

Increasing Energy and Carbon Efficiency  in the Waste Management Process

Waste reduction and recycling can  reduce GHG emissions from waste incineration. NEA aims to increase the overall recycling rate from 61 per cent in 2015 to 70 per cent in 2030, by increasing awareness and implementing other policy initiatives (see feature story).

25 Anaerobic co-digestion is the process of breaking down multiple biodegradable materials without oxygen to produce biogas which is used to generate electricity.

ENHANCING ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF TUAS WATER RECLAMATION PLANT 

PUB is building a demonstration-scale Integrated Validation Plant within its Ulu Pandan Water 

Reclamation Plant (WRP) to test new technologies for potential implementation at the future Tuas WRP. The aim is to make the Tuas WRP more eco-friendly, enabling it to consume less energy than conventional plants and produce more biogas for power generation. 

INITIATIVES TO REDUCE WASTE 

AND INCREASE EFFICIENCY IN THE WASTE SECTOR

The National Recycling Programme was launched by NEA in 2001 to make recycling more convenient for households. All new HDB developments launched from 2014 will be fitted with Centralised Chutes for Recyclables. NEA has also made it mandatory for large hotels and shopping malls to submit waste data and waste reduction plans. In addition, NEA has worked with the industry and non-governmental organisations to get various parties to sign the voluntary Singapore Packaging Agreement that aims to reduce packaging waste, which constitutes about one-third of Singapore’s domestic waste. From 2007 to 2015, the signatories cumulatively reduced about 26,000 tonnes of packaging waste, and saved more than $58 million in material costs.

Residents at Treelodge@Punggol using the Centralised Chute for Recyclables

HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT BOARD (HDB) GREENPRINT IN YUHUA ESTATE

From 2012 to 2015, the pilot HDB Greenprint programme transformed 38 blocks in Yuhua,  consisting of around 3,200 households, into Singapore’s first green neighbourhood. It introduced  new features including:

• Energy and Water Conservation: Solar panels, rainwater harvesting system
• Waste Management: Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System 
• Greenery Enhancement: Green roofs, vertical greenery
• Eco-living: Green commuting, community outreach programmes

The programme resulted in substantial energy savings. Lifts for 16 blocks were retrofitted with an energy regeneration system that reduced the lifts’ energy consumption by 20 per cent. Retrofitted LED street lights also reduced street light energy consumption by 50 per cent. Common services within the blocks such as lifts and lights are now powered by electricity generated by solar panels on housing block rooftops. With the completion of the pilot programme at Yuhua, the HDB Greenprint project was extended to Teck Ghee. 

In the next stage of development, Yuhua will be further transformed into a smart and sustainable estate through various initiatives. These include the introduction of smart home solutions as part of HDB’s Smart Enabled Home Initiative.

HDB Greenprint Neighbourhood at Yuhua. Solar panels and greenery are visible on the rooftops of these blocks.

Given Singapore’s reliance on “ imported energy and the limited options for alternative energy, improving energy efficiency is a key strategy that Singapore has adopted to mitigate our greenhouse gas emissions, 

improve energy competiveness and security. “

Dr Amy Khor, 

Senior Minister of State for the Environment and 

Water Resources, at the Opening Ceremony of the National Energy Efficiency Conference on 

October 6, 2015

LOOKING AHEAD

Energy efficiency will continue to be Singapore’s key strategy for reducing carbon emissions across all sectors. We will require everyone, including businesses and the community, to make adjustments to their daily activities, choices, and processes. To do so, greater access to information on energy use and best practices will be provided to guide businesses and individuals towards making informed decisions.

The government will also review and enhance incentives, regulations, and capability-building programmes in order to drive energy efficiency improvements. As part of this, we will be studying the need to price carbon to enhance efforts across all sectors. A carbon price would send appropriate price signals to encourage changes in energy consumption, provide market incentives for the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and low-carbon solutions, and stimulate growth in green industries. However, a carbon price will incur costs, including affecting our competitiveness, and its overall impact will have to be studied.

In addition, we will invest in research and development to study new technologies that can boost energy efficiency in the longer term (see Chapter 4 for more details). 

INTRODUCTION

With limited access to alternative energy options, Singapore meets most of our electricity needs through the combustion of fossil fuels, which generates carbon emissions. In 2012, electricity generation accounted for 43 per cent of Singapore’s GHG emissions. Meeting our growing electricity needs, while minimising our carbon emissions, will be a challenge. We have already switched from using fuel oil for electricity generation and now use natural gas – the cleanest form of fossil fuel – for 95.3 per cent^[4] of our electricity. This has reduced our Grid Emission Factor^[5] (GEF), or the amount of CO₂ emitted per unit of electricity produced,  by 15 per cent^[6]between 2010 and 2015. Increasing the efficiency of our power generation processes will help further reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy security, improve cost competitiveness, and promote environmental sustainability.

MORE EFFICIENT POWER 

GENERATION TECHNOLOGIES

Power generation systems, such as 

Combined Cycle Gas Turbines (CCGT), are expected to increase in efficiency over time due to advancements in technology. Higher efficiencies translate into lower costs of production of electricity. The 

Energy Market Authority (EMA) will work with power generation companies to encourage them to adopt more efficient technologies.

This will lower their production costs, reduce carbon emissions and keep prices competitive for electricity consumers.

CO- AND TRI-GENERATION

Some companies in Singapore have taken the lead in deploying co- and tri-generation technologies, which are highly efficient.  

One example is the tri-generation plant at GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines in Tuas, which can supply 

1.8MW of electrical power, hot water, steam, and chilled water. This investment, which has a payback period of about five years, has helped GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines achieve annual savings of about 35.8TJ or $1.4 million.

ExxonMobil Asia Pacific has also adopted high-efficiency co-generation plants. A new 84MW plant will be completed in 2017, which will generate both electricity and steam, and reduce carbon emissions by about 140 kilotons per year. It will bring ExxonMobil’s total capacity to over 440MW across three  co-generation facilities in Singapore.

28          CLIMATE ACTION PLAN                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS IN POWER GENERATION

INCREASING RENEWABLE 

ENERGY: SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) SYSTEMS

In Singapore, solar energy is the most promising renewable energy option. Although Singapore’s small land area and high urban density constrain its use of renewable energy, the growth of solar PV installations in the country has been significant: from 2MWp in 2009 to  60MWp in 2015.

This is largely due to the cost of solar energy falling by about 60 per cent over the last five years²⁹. In 2015, the cost of solar electricity in many new installations was below prevailing electricity tariffs. 

Singapore plans to raise the adoption of solar power in our system to 350MWp by 2020, representing about 5 per cent of peak electricity demand. A key initiative aimed at developing the solar industry in Singapore is the SolarNova programme. Falling prices and continued market demand are expected to accelerate the adoption of solar energy. Agencies like BCA, EMA, EDB,  and NEA will study ways to support this development and sustain the momentum generated by the SolarNova programme, through encouraging the deployment of solar PV systems on buildings, continued investments in solar R&D, policy enhancements, and engagement efforts with various sectors to promote solar adoption.

29       Source: Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS)

30       The Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE) is widely used to evaluate the cost of electricity generation of different technologies over the plant’s lifetime; it includes initial construction costs, costs of operation and maintenance, cost of fuel, and the (opportunity) cost of capital.

31       Source: SERIS

32       Source: Energy Market Authority

Solar energy generation is intermittent as it is affected by variable factors such as cloud cover. To support an increasing share of intermittent electricity generation, Singapore will invest in research efforts in solar forecasting, energy storage, and smart grids. 

Solar PV systems have been installed by several government agencies. PUB Waterworks, and plans to install more at Changi Water Reclamation Plant, and Bedok Waterworks and WaterHub by 2017. PUB has also commenced a feasibility study to determine the solar PV deployment potential at its reservoirs and facilities. Findings from this study will help determine the usable space for solar PV deployment and guide PUB’s future efforts in 

has installed them at Choa Chu Kang                                 this area.

SOLARNOVA

The SolarNova programme led by EDB and HDB promotes and aggregates solar demand across government agencies. It aims to build up and support the solar ecosystem in Singapore, in fields such as manufacturing, project development, system integration, and financing so as to encourage greater adoption of solar energy. 

In December 2015, the first SolarNova tender was awarded, covering 76MWp of solar PV panels on 831 HDB blocks and eight government facilities. The bids received offered significant savings off prevailing electricity tariff rates. 

HDB will structure and call for solar leasing tenders of around 30 to 50MW approximately every nine to 12 months on behalf of various government agencies.

FLOATING SOLAR PV 

Solar panels installed atop HDB blocks

Due to Singapore’s limited land space, most of the solar panels in the country are installed on rooftops. Floating PV is an innovation that allows solar panels to be installed on water bodies, such as reservoirs, to further increase our solar capacity. 

PUB and EDB are test-bedding a floating solar PV system on Tengeh Reservoir which can generate up to 3.3GWh of electricity per annum, equivalent to the average annual energy consumption of 750 HDB households. At a cost of $11 million, the project will also assess the impact of solar PV deployment on reservoir evaporation, biodiversity and water quality.

30          CLIMATE ACTION PLAN                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       REDUCING CARBON EMISSIONS IN POWER GENERATION

100 PER CENT RENEWABLE ENERGY IN SINGAPORE

On November 16, 2015, Apple announced that it would power 100 per cent of its Singapore operations with renewable energy, starting from January 2016 – a first for a company in Singapore. 

The Offsite Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between Apple and Sunseap, the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, will allow Apple to attribute the power it consumes to electricity generated from solar panels installed on more than 800 buildings in Singapore, including some on its own facilities. 

INCREASING EFFICIENCY OF WASTE-TO-ENERGY PLANTS

Incinerating waste is more environmentally-friendly than landfilling. The latter generates much higher emissions³³, including methane gas, which is a more potent GHG than CO₂. In Singapore, waste that is not recycled is incinerated in Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plants, in a process that also produces energy. This reduces waste volume by 90 per cent and generates enough electricity to meet up to 3 per cent³⁴ of Singapore’s total electricity demand. The generation of electricity from waste reduces the amount of fossil fuel used to generate electricity in our power plants.

NEA will work with companies developing new WTE plants to help them harness new technologies that optimise resource and energy recovery. For example, the new WTE plant under construction in Tuas will be Singapore’s largest, with the ability to incinerate 3,600 tonnes of waste per day and generate 120MW of electricity. This is about 80 per cent more electricity per tonne of waste than current WTE plants. This will reduce dependence on conventional fossil fuel power plants and reduce carbon emissions.

The incineration of industrial and commercial waste at utility plants can also generate electricity, steam, and other by-products. 

This increases energy recovery from waste and reduces carbon emissions. Sembcorp Industries’  new utility plant, expected to start operation on Jurong Island at the end  of 2016, will generate steam from waste in an efficient, environmentally-friendly manner to meet the steam demand of surrounding facilities. 

NEA will also maximise resource and energy recovery in its new Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF), which will be completed in 2024. It will be co-located with PUB’s Tuas Water Reclamation Plant to further optimise efficiency. The IWMF will generate electricity for the water reclamation plant, while the latter will provide the IWMF with treated used water for cooling and washing.

LOOKING AHEAD

Singapore will continue to study technologies that can increase the efficiency of power generation and support increased adoption of alternative energy. Singapore conducted a nuclear energy pre-feasibility study, which concluded that current nuclear energy technologies were not yet suitable for deployment in Singapore. We will continue to monitor the progress of nuclear technologies and build capabilities to understand nuclear science and technology. The next chapter provides an overview of Singapore’s energy and low-carbon research initiatives. 

33       According to the IPCC, compared to landfilling, waste incineration avoids most GHG generation, resulting in only minor emissions of CO₂.  Source: IPCC AR4 WG3, 10.3.4 CO₂ from waste incineration

34       In 2015, a total of 1,265,567MWh of energy, or about 2.5 per cent of electricity generated, was produced from incineration.

INTRODUCTION

Singapore has several strengths – research institutions, skilled talent, a business-friendly environment, and abundant test-bedding platforms – that create a vibrant ecosystem to facilitate the development of innovative, lowcarbon solutions. It also allows us to demonstrate and scale up technologies for larger markets. As early as 2007, Singapore identified clean technology as a key growth cluster. Our green economy has about 60,000 jobs and contributes about $6.2 billion of GDP.

INVESTING IN RESEARCH, 

DEVELOPMENT AND 

DEMONSTRATION (RD&D)

Singapore continues to invest heavily in research, development, and demonstration (RD&D) to address our climate and sustainability challenges, and to create solutions that can be exported globally. Under the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) Research, 

Innovation, and Enterprise (RIE) 2020 Plan, $0.9 billion will be invested in the Urban Solutions and Sustainability domain from 2016 to 2020 to tackle Singapore’s energy, water, land, and liveability challenges. The plan seeks to further improve our built and natural environment to offer an even higher quality of life for all Singaporeans, despite resource constraints and the challenges of climate change.

An NTU driverless electric shuttle as part of the Smart 

Mobility Test Bed

DEVELOPING SINGAPORE’S RESEARCH CAPABILITIES 

Singapore’s ecosystem of research institutes constantly pushes the envelope in several low-carbon scientific and engineering disciplines. This includes Energy R&D centres like the Experimental 

Power Grid Centre (EPGC) and the 

Energy Studies Institute (ESI); international research and innovation hubs housed 

in the Campus for Research and Technological Enterprise (CREATE) such as the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) and Cambridge Centre for Carbon Reduction in Chemical Technology (C4T); as well as several water and environmental research institutes. Our institutes have established collaborations with leading international research and innovation centres to tap on the world’s top expertise.

DEVELOPING AND DEPLOYING LOW-CARBON TECHNOLOGY

LOOKING AHEAD

The low-carbon technologies being developed and test-bedded in Singapore will help us address our own energy and climate challenges, while also being useful to other cities with similar challenges. We will continue to encourage and support efforts by businesses and researchers to develop these technologies, and build Singapore as a regional cleantech hub. The use and export of low-carbon solutions will create high-value, meaningful jobs for Singaporeans, and drive the growth of our green economy.

This worldwide focus on “ environmental sustainability, and the resulting quest for solutions, has led to the rapid growth of two sectors which present promising business opportunities for Singapore companies. The first is remanufacturing. The second sector is clean technology. “

Mr S Iswaran,

Minister For Trade and Industry (Industry) at the Opening of the Advanced Remanufacturing 

Technology Centre and JTC CleanTech Two @ 

CleanTech Park on January 28, 2015

INTRODUCTION

Singapore is taking steps to encourage collective climate action both locally and internationally, by building knowledge and awareness, promoting action, and supporting international cooperation.

BUILDING KNOWLEDGE AND AWARENESS

The National Climate Change Secretariat 

(NCCS) conducted a survey in early 2016 to gauge public perception and awareness of climate change among Singaporeans. Six out of 10 surveyed felt that climate change was a pressing problem for Singapore, with almost nine out of 10 concerned about the effects of climate change on future generations.

Although most respondents realise that addressing climate change should be a collective effort, they felt strongly that it should be driven by the government. Moreover, over a third of respondents believed that their individual actions would not make a difference to climate change. As such, more is being done to promote climate-friendly actions and behaviour.

Bringing Climate Change to Schools

Schools are a key platform for educating the young on climate change issues. These are discussed during formal curriculum time, and students participate in complementary programmes including the NCCS-commissioned drama performance Stop Melting My Home, which teaches primary school students the causes and effects of climate change. Role-playing games allow older students to learn about more complex issues such as international climate negotiations. 

In addition, many schools have adopted waste recycling and energy conservation practices, which complement classroom teaching by illustrating how climatefriendly practices make a difference. 

Public Communication

NCCS has introduced various public education initiatives on the importance of climate change action. 

Cinema screenings of short videos, as well as comic strips in newspapers, are just two of the platforms used to engage  

One of the comic strips published in the mass media to educate the public on energy-efficient appliances

and educate the public on climate  change issues.

Climate Change Climate Challenge, a permanent exhibition at the Singapore Science Centre, explains the science behind climate change through  interactive exhibits. These include the “Climate Machine”, which replicates the carbon cycle. 

Government websites, such as NEA’s 

Energy Efficient Singapore microsite (www.e2singapore.gov.sg), make information about climate change and energy efficiency readily available to the public. To engage the online community, the Climate Change SG Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ClimateChangeSG) was launched by NCCS in 2012. These programmes have been effective, and continue to be a crucial part of the government’s outreach plans. 

Children trying out the Climate Machine at the

Climate Change Climate Challenge exhibition

43

NURTURING THE 

NEXT GENERATION OF GREEN LEADERS

Nan Hua High School adopts a multi-pronged approach to raise awareness on environmental issues and energy conservation. All Secondary two and three students in the school undergo a programme on sustainability and environmental education. The students also have opportunities to perform investigative science projects on a smart meter that was installed to monitor electricity usage in selected classrooms. The school also involves its staff and students in reducing electricity consumption.

Nan Hua organises the National Environment Quiz every year to expand knowledge of environment and climate change issues among primary and secondary school students. Its students also volunteer regularly at community events to promote environmental awareness.

Nan Hua High School organises an Earth Hour event with West Coast Community Centre annually to promote climate change action amongst residents.

Private Sector and Community Efforts

Ground-up initiatives by businesses, environmental NGOs and community groups complement the government’s outreach efforts. Ricoh Asia Pacific Pte Ltd, for example, organises an annual Eco Action Day to encourage businesses and individuals to be environmentally friendly, while utility company Singapore Power promotes energy efficiency through mobile exhibitions and activity tool kits. On the consumer front, the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) creates awareness about environmentally friendly products through its Singapore Green Labelling Scheme. The government will continue to provide resources and support to encourage more of such ground-up efforts.

PROMOTING ACTION

Beyond education and awareness, sustained behavioural change is essential for climate change action. Support from the government for funding and capacity building is available to groups and individuals who wish to promote climate change action, offer solutions, or inspire change within their own local communities.

Advocacy Movements

NGOs actively bring the green movement to the public. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) organises an annual Earth Hour campaign, which encourages the public to switch off non-essential lights for one hour as a symbol of commitment to environmental sustainability. The WWF Singapore office further encourages schools, businesses and community  groups to organise satellite events to  mark Earth Hour. 

Community groups also work hard to get residents in their neighbourhoods to reduce their own carbon emissions. The South West Community Development Council, for example, has distributed starter kits to community clubs to encourage their residents to adopt energy-efficient practices.

NEA organises the annual Youth for the Environment Day which provides opportunities for students to participate in environmental programmes, and demonstrate their passion and commitment towards global and local environmental issues. 

Competitions as Advocacy Platforms

Competitions are also used to advocate greater climate change action. The annual National Climate Change Competition organised by NCCS provides a platform for students and members of the public to express their thoughts on climate change through  short videos. The winning entries are  then broadcast on social media and  at public events.

Power generation company Senoko 

Energy has similarly launched the Senoko Sustainability Challenge to encourage youths to develop solutions for a more sustainable future. 

Crowdsourcing Ideas                                                                         Sustainability Networks

Public consultations and hackathons are         Businesses in Singapore have formed two platforms the government has used    networks that promote responsible to gather views and suggestions from                and sustainable practices. The Global individuals who are passionate about          Compact Network Singapore, for climate change and sustainability issues,             example, encourages member companies and who want to contribute ideas or to align their operations and strategies solutions to these challenges.              with the United Nations Global Compact’s environmental principles. The Network For example, a public consultation               manages a resource portal, Enabling CSR exercise conducted by NCCS between    Journeys, which helps companies kick-start January and May 2015 resulted in over             their sustainability journeys. 

1,000 comments and suggestions on 

Singapore’s efforts to reduce carbon                Within civil society, non-profit emissions in the post-2020 period. This environmental groups such as Green was a strong signal of support for climate               Drinks Singapore regularly bring change action and the government’s    together like-minded businesses, climate change initiatives.                  activists, academics, and government 

representatives to discuss climate change In 2013, EMA and Singapore Power            and sustainability issues.

co-sponsored an Energy Efficiency for 

Everyone (E³) Hackathon. The event, which   Supporting Ground-Up Initiatives aimed to encourage sustainable energy 

consumption and energy efficiency,                  The government offers grants to provide attracted more than 80 participants.    ^{support for sustainability-minded} individuals and groups. 

NCCS presenting Singapore’s climate change strategy at a Green Drinks Singapore session in 2015

In particular, NEA provides project funding through its 3P Partnership Fund to encourage organisations and companies to develop innovative and sustainable environmental initiatives. 

Local companies, such as City Developments Limited (CDL), also champion sustainability projects as part of their CSR efforts. CDL has adopted schools through NEA’s Corporate and School Partnership Programme to promote environmental awareness amongst students. The company also supports the SEC on Project: Eco-Office, which promotes the adoption of eco-friendly practices at the workplace.

Training Advocacy

The government provides training and mentorship opportunities for individuals and groups who actively promote climate change action. NEA trains students to lead environmental causes in their schools, and in the larger community. Through the Youth Environment Envoys programme, youths are regularly invited to workshops to better understand the issues that shape Singapore’s environmental landscape and to equip them with skills to implement outreach projects.

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) nurtures youth advocates to improve their knowledge of the green built environment through the Build it Green (BiG) Club. BiG members are given opportunities to visit exemplary Green Mark buildings to understand how green building design and technologies work, and to learn about green building policies through talks and workshops.

Recognition for Sustainability

The government, together with NGOs and business associations, recognises those who have championed or led environmental advocacy efforts within their communities and workplaces. These awards include the Energy Efficiency National Partnership Awards organised by NEA, EMA and EDB, BCA’s Green Mark Awards, SEC’s 

Singapore Environmental Achievement 

Awards and the BCA-SGBC Green Building Individual Award. Such awards showcase environmental best practices and encourage more parties to join the growing movement of sustainability practitioners.

SUPPORTING 

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

Singapore works closely with other countries to tackle climate change. We regularly share our experiences, best practices and technical knowledge on climate change and green growth issues with other countries at international conferences and technical cooperation programmes. 

Under the Singapore Cooperation 

Programme, we have trained over 10,700 officials from developing countries on clean energy, emissions reductions, and broader sustainability and environmental issues. 

To share our experience and facilitate discussions on climate change, Singapore hosts the biennial World Cities Summit, Clean Enviro Summit, Singapore Green 

Building Week and the Singapore International Water Week. These events are platforms for policy makers and stakeholders in city planning and water management to examine urban challenges, identify shared solutions and share best practices. 

The Singapore and UK governments jointly organised a Green Growth Business Forum (GGBF) in 2014, which generated insight and dialogue on accelerating green growth in the region. A second GGBF will be held in 2016.

In addition, Singapore is an observer city in the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), a global network³⁶ focused on driving action that reduces GHG emissions and climate risks. We have also been granted permanent observer status in the Arctic Council. Singapore participates in discussions and shares best practices on climate change with other members of these organisations.

LOOKING AHEAD 

Singapore’s efforts to address climate change require the support and participation of individuals, as well as the public and private sectors. The government will continue to build climate awareness, and provide resources for all stakeholders to work in concert with national policies and measures to mitigate climate change. We will also continue to contribute to international efforts to strengthen collaboration and action on climate change. 

CONCLUSION

TAKE ACTION TODAY FOR A 

CARBON-EFFICIENT SINGAPORE

We need to take action today to reduce GHG emissions to address climate change. Everyone has a part to play to help Singapore stabilise our emissions and reduce our emissions intensity. 

We will do this through the strategies outlined in the Climate Action Plan – improving energy efficiency in our industry, buildings, transport, household, and water and waste sectors and generating power more cleanly and efficiently. Most of the measures will reduce energy costs for businesses and households, and bring economic benefits, especially in the longer term. There may also be co-benefits such as a cleaner environment. Individuals, businesses and the government must work together to review existing practices, make the necessary adjustments, and strive for a more carbon-efficient Singapore.

Climate change also offers substantial opportunities for green growth. The government will continue to work with the research and business communities to grow the environmental and clean technology industries. We will continue to invest significantly in R&D and testbedding to develop and deploy innovative technologies to address climate change, for example, in the areas of clean energy, energy efficiency, green buildings, and clean transportation. This will create good jobs for Singaporeans, and improve our quality of life and living environment.

Our carbon mitigation efforts, together with steps taken to adapt to climate change, will ensure that Singapore remains a sustainable, vibrant and liveable city for current and future generations.

Park users enjoying a day out at Punggol Waterway Park, one of four parks linked by the North Eastern Riverine Loop of Singapore’s Park 

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