Government of Singapore
Singapore-
Population 5535000
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Area 719.0km 2
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GDP 390 BillionSGD
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Targets by N/A N/Aemission
Singapore aims to reduce transport emissions by encouraging greater use of public transport and reducing vehicular emissions.
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Singapore‘s overall waste management strategy is to reduce waste through the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). There are plans to increase its recycling rate from 60% in 2014 to 70% by 2030. The remaining waste is incinerated in waste-to-energy plants which contribute about 2–3% of the electricity generated in Singapore.
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The government's efforts to raise public awareness and promote action on climate change are complemented by businesses, organisations and youth groups that have initiated similar programmes. In schools, climate change is discussed in subjects such as general paper, economics, geography and the sciences. School excursions are organised to visit power stations, incineration plants, meteorological stations and green buildings. The annual Clean & Green Singapore campaign encourages Singaporeans to care for and protect the environment by adopting environmental friendly lifestyles. The National Environment Agency's 10% Energy Challenge programme prompts Singaporeans to cut back on their energy consumption and adopt energy-efficient practices.
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The households sector accounts for about 16% of the total electricity consumption in Singapore. To improve energy efficiency in homes, Singapore implemented the Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme (MELS) for household appliances in 2008. To date, energy labelling has been mandated for air-conditioners, refrigerators, clothes dryers, and televisions.
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Among the alternative energy options available, solar energy offers the most promising opportunity for Singapore. We expect solar energy to be economically comparable to electricity derived from fossil fuels as the cost of solar technology decreases. Active investment in R&D to improve efficiency and lower costs is currently being undertaken. The Economic Development Board has launched the SolarNova Programme to accelerate local solar deployment through promoting and aggregating solar demand across government agencies, which will also create new opportunities for Singapore-based companies in the industry.
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- Industrial
Singapore aims to encourage 75% of trips during both the morning and evening peak hours to be made by public transport by 2030. This will help to reduce emissions as public transport is the most energy efficient mode of travel. The capacity of the rail network will be increased from 182km in 2013 to 360km by 2030, and the public bus fleet will be increased by 20%, equivalent to 800 new buses, over the next 5 years from 2013. To curb emissions from private vehicles, Singapore has a stringent vehicle ownership systems, and a pay-as-you-use charge on vehicles driving through congested areas.
Read More Read LessThe Singapore government has implemented a Green Building Masterplan and launched the Green Mark Scheme – a rating scheme to evaluate buildings for their environmental impact and performance.
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- Commercial
- Industrial
The Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme (MELS) was introduced in 2008 to help households make more informed decisions when purchasing electrical appliances. MELS allows consumers to compare the energy efficiency performance and calculate lifecycle costs of different product models. The Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) was implemented in 2011 to prohibit the sale of the most energy inefficient appliance models. The MEPS scheme covers household refrigerators, air-conditioners and clothes dryers, and will be extended to other household appliances in future. The minimum efficiency standards for air-conditioners and refrigerators will be were further tightened in 2013.
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As a major seaport, Singapore is committed to ensure that the shipping industry develops in an environmentally-responsible and sustainable manner. In 2011, a $100 million Maritime Singapore Green Initiative was launched to provide incentives to companies that adopt clean and green shipping practices over and above the minimum required by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Conventions.
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Singapore’s climate change strategy is shaped by an ongoing consultative and inclusive engagement with partners from the people, public and private sectors. For example, the government undertook a public consultation exercise in early 2015 to solicit views from citizens on Singapore’s plans to reduce emissions and promote green growth.
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Singapore’s waste management strategy aims to reduce emissions from waste through the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle), and by incinerating the remaining refuse in waste-to-energy plants. Incineration is preferable to land filling, since the direct burial of waste produces methane, a greenhouse gas. We aim to improve our recycling rate of 61% in 2013 to 70% by 2030. We also seek to reduce direct methane emissions from wastewater sludge through incineration. Desalinated water is one of Singapore's water supply sources and we have been investing in R&D to improve the energy efficiency of the desalination process.
Read More Read LessIndustry is the largest energy-consuming sector in Singapore. Improving industrial energy efficiency is thus a key part of Singapore's efforts to reduce emissions.
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- Industrial
- Industrial processes and product use (IPPU)
- Other Emissions
The Singapore government is facilitating energy efficient investments by helping companies identify commercially viable energy efficiency improvements and helping to defray upfront costs through co-funding. We are considering innovative ways to encourage energy efficiency improvements, including the Energy Performance Contracting model. The Energy Conservation Act which came into force in April 2013 mandates large users of energy to appoint an energy manager, monitor and report their energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and submit plans for energy efficiency improvement. The government also launched the Energy Efficiency National Partnership programme, a voluntary partnership programme that supports companies’ energy efficiency efforts.
Read More Read Less- Industrial
- Industrial processes and product use (IPPU)
The Green Mark Scheme was launched to encourage developers and owners to build and maintain greener buildings. Green Mark standards require buildings undergoing major retrofitting works to achieve a 28% energy efficiency improvement from 2005 building codes. From 2013, the Building Control Act requires all existing buildings with a gross floor area of 15,000 m² or more to achieve the minimum Green Mark standard when they install or replace a chiller system. Several incentive schemes were also introduced for existing buildings to improve energy efficiency. Singapore has a target of greening 80% of our building stock by 2030.
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Singapore introduced a Fuel Economy Labelling Scheme in 2003 to raise awareness of fuel efficiency in cars and to encourage motor traders to bring in more fuel-efficient vehicles. In 2013, the Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle (CEV) scheme was introduced. Under the CEVS, all new and imported used cars and taxis will be banded into categories based on their CO2/km performance data. Low-emission cars will be given incentives, while cars on the other end of the spectrum will incur a penalty in the form of a registration surcharge. This will encourage more consumers and taxi companies to choose lower-emission vehicle models.
Read More Read LessSince 2000, Singapore has increased the percentage of natural gas used in electricity generation from 19% to 80%. By so doing, we have cut the amount of carbon we release into the atmosphere. In order to diversify our supply of natural gas and take advantage of global gas markets, Singapore has buillt a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal on Jurong Island.
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Singapore has identified the clean energy industry as a strategic growth area and implemented a comprehensive blueprint to develop the industry. It has secured several key investments in high-value manufacturing, engineering, biofuels, R&D and regional headquarters activities. The most notable is the growing cluster of companies manufacturing and conducting R&D on solar technologies.
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- Commercial
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- Transport
- Waste
In anticipation of rising sea levels in the future, the minimum reclamation levels for newly reclaimed land have been raised by 1m (to 2.25m) from the previous 1.25m. The Singapore Government has also embarked on a Coastal Adaptation Study to develop long term coastal protection strategies for Singapore.
Read More Read LessThe National Environment Agency is collaborating with the Ministry of Health to study the relationship between climatic factors – such as temperature, humidity and rainfall – and public health risks such as dengue fever, as well as heat disorders and respiratory illnesses. They are also identifying measures to manage the effects of such risks.
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Singapore has invested S$2 billion into our drainage infrastructure over the last 30 years. As a result, flood-prone areas have been reduced from 3,200ha in the 1970s to 49ha as of 2012. Our national water agency, PUB, continues to implement drainage improvement programmes to strengthen Singapore's flood resilience. A 2011 review of drainage design and flood protection measures by an expert panel recommended additional measures. PUB also announced in 2013 that it is adopting a holistic "source-pathway-receptor" approach to mitigate and manage flood risks. This includes strengthening the drainage infrastructure and introducing measures to better control stormwater at source.
Read More Read LessTo safeguard Singapore’s biodiversity against the potential impacts of climate change such as changing rainfall patterns, higher average temperatures and rising sea levels, work to protect existing species, increase connectivity of various green areas across Singapore, and enhance the resilience of ecosystems is underway. This includes measures to restore forest and mangrove areas, diversify plant species, intensify planting and increase connectivity between green areas.
Read More Read Less- Terrestrial ecosystems and ecological infrastructure
Singapore is situated in a region where vector-borne diseases, such as dengue, are endemic. There may be a link between rising temperatures
and the incidence of such diseases. Frequent and severe episodes of warm weather could also lead to increased occurrences of heat stress and discomfort. The National Environment Agency is collaborating with the Ministry of Health to study the relationship between climatic factors and public health risks such as dengue fever, and heat disorders and respiratory diseases.
- Human health
Climate change could affect Singapore's water supply as increasing rainfall intensity could lead to flooding, while dry weather will reduce the reliability of our water supply. Singapore's national water agency, PUB, has developed a diversified and robust water supply through the Four National Taps (local catchment water, imported water from Malaysia, NEWater and desalinated water) to ensure a sustainable water supply. NEWater and desalinated water is expected to meet about 70% of Singapore’s water demand by 2030, and up to 80% by 2060. Water conservation, through public outreach and other measures, is also an important complementary strategy to ensure Singapore's long-term water sustainability.
Read More Read LessExtensive roadside tree planting has contributed to the relatively cooler temperatures in the heart of the city. Over 300 parks and the network of green park connectors provide relief from the hot urban tropical climate. Water demand will also be lowered when temperatures are kept lower. In our continued endeavour to keep Singapore green, tree management and maintenance will be further enhanced. The current health checks on Singapore's trees will be conducted more thoroughly and frequently, while more suitable species which are less vulnerable to storms and strong winds will be planted along the streets.
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Work is in progress to enhance resilience against coastal erosion and inundation associated with rising sea levels coupled with short-lived, extreme meteorological events. For instance, since 2011, the finished level for new land reclamation projects has been raised from 3 metres to 4 metres above sea level. This is effectively about 2 metres above the highest recorded tide level.
Read More Read Less- Coastal zone systems
- Mobility
- Urban risks associated with housing
Singapore is developing clusters in research areas to study the different aspects of climate change-related impact and vulnerabilities. The Centre for Climate Research Singapore (CCRS) was established in 2013 to build up local capability in climate science and climate modelling. CCRS will tap on the relevant experts and institutions. This will build up Singapore's expertise in climate science, to help augment national preparedness for climate change and inform policy decisions.
Read More Read Less- Human health
Optimal land use planning and urban design can help create cooler and more comfortable environment for people, counteracting some of the effects of rising temperatures. Singapore is studying our urban temperature profile and the energy consumption of buildings to understand how temperature increase and wind changes will affect us. The Urban Redevelopment Authority is working on a Climatic Mapping Study to understand how the built environment and urban greenery could affect micro-climatic conditions. The study will also identify hot spots and cooler areas in Singapore, and provide recommendations on the planning and design of public spaces and buildings.
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The First National Climate Change Study was conducted in 2007 to examine the long-term effects of climate change on Singapore. The findings of the study showed that the mean sea level around Singapore could rise by up to 0.65m and temperatures could increase by up to 4.2°C in 2100. A second National Climate Change Study has been commissioned to update the projected impact on Singapore based on the findings of the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5).
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As a country that imports over 90% of its food supply, Singapore is vulnerable to fluctuations in food supply and prices. The Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority (AVA) ensures that Singapore maintains a resilient supply of safe food by diversifying Singapore's overseas food sources while at the same time increasing local food production.
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The government is studying the effects of rising temperature in a highly urbanised environment like Singapore’s, and identifying measures to ameliorate these effects.
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- Land use regulations
- Mobility
- Urban risks associated with housing
Initiative
