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GGBP Case Study Series Singapore

Related Chapter: Policy design and implementation

Case developed by: Peter King

Country: Singapore

Sector(s): Cross-cutting

Key words: Cities, , air, climate, recycling, transport

Singapore has established a series of long-term goals and 10-year plans to reconcile rapid and environmental sustainability. It has pursued its vision of being a clean, green city using targeted policy portfolios and strong spatial planning.

Context The first Singapore Green Plan was released in 1992 by the then Ministry of the Environment, Singapore is one of the 's leading followed in 2002 by a new 10-year national plan, commercial hubs, with the fourth-biggest developing a national approach of integrated financial center and one of the five busiest planning and close attention to detail. In 2009, . Singapore has made the rapid transition the Ministry of the Environment and Water from a developing to a in five Resources and the Ministry of National decades by prioritizing the twin goals of Development (MND) released the Sustainable developing a competitive economy and pursuing Singapore Blueprint (SSB), which outlined five- environmental sustainability. Both are important year plans to make Singapore a liveable and in order to attract investors and enhance quality lively city-, and key strategies for of life. Singapore is resource-constrained, and Singapore’s sustainable development in the long imports most of its food, water, and natural term. resources. As an city-state, it has its own Singapore is also pursuing green growth actively. share of existing environmental challenges, The National Climate Change Strategy 2012 particularly with air quality levels, in part places emphasis on green growth opportunities. because of regional transboundary haze. Singapore is developing a Cleantech hub, and is harnessing opportunities in clean and green

energy (e.g. solar), waste and water outlined in the Land Transport Master Plan technologies, urban management, green 2013. The plans outline measures to increase information and communications technology, connectivity, improve transport services, and and clean mobility, among others. create a more inclusive and liveable community.

For Singapore to continue to grow and prosper, Singapore has a broad mix of regulations and it must continue to upgrade the ambition and standards, pricing systems, technology of its approach to sustainability. demonstration projects, consumer awareness programs, information management, and other

policies across environmental issues, including air quality, climate change, energy efficiency, water, waste, nature conservation, and public Approach health.

In 2008 Singapore set up an Inter-Ministerial The policy portfolios generally consist of a Committee on Sustainable Development range of instruments and measures that target a (IMCSD), co-chaired by the Minister for number of goals, including: National Development and the Minister for the . Air quality – regulatory measures for Environment and Water Resources. The stationary and mobile sources of pollutants; Sustainable Singapore Blueprint which was co-regulation of pollutants by government, introduced in the following year sets out industry, and consumers; sustainable development goals to 2030. The SSB outlines strategies to achieve twin objectives of . Transport – (a form economic growth and a good living of congestion charging in central city areas), environment. It includes ambitious targets for cycling networks and pathways, vehicle quota energy efficiency; water consumption; local air system (i.e. the auctioning of certificates of quality; use of public transportation; green and entitlement for vehicle ownership), and a blue spaces, including park space and water dense and integrated public transport system catchment areas; and green buildings. USD1 consisting of the mass rapid transit system billion was committed by the government over and bus network; five years from 2009 to support initiatives under . Climate change – demonstration projects on the SSB. The SSB is currently under review and (e.g. testing of various the next SSB document will be released by the solar technologies in public housing end of 2014. precincts), research and development (R&D) investments and establishment of research Singapore’s land use plans for the next 40-50 institutes dedicated to energy research, years are outlined in a concept plan, which is climate studies and research, risk assessment, reviewed every decade. This long-term plan is and adaptation planning; then translated into a master plan, which guides development over the next 10-15 years. . Energy efficiency – promotion of energy Singapore is currently also preparing an efficiency, setting minimum standards, 80 underground master plan to build percent of buildings in Singapore to achieve transportation links, shops, and other facilities Green Mark certification by 2030; under the existing surface developments so as . Water – sourcing water from local to ensure room for growth in the future. catchments; recycling and desalination of Singapore’s long-term transportation plans are

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water; improvement of water efficiency coordination of Singapore’s domestic and through water efficient homes program; international policies, plans and initiatives on mandatory submission of water efficiency climate change. management plans for large water users; Singapore has many initiatives and programs to application of international water standards; climate change, which are reflected in provision of education for those living in its National Climate Change Strategy 2012 water catchment areas; and long document, including: marginal pricing to encourage water conservation, reflecting the scarcity value of . Carbon Emissions-based Vehicle Scheme to water; encourage the adoption of low-emission . Waste – incineration; encouragement of vehicles; participation in recycling; promotion of . Fuel Economy Labelling Scheme to enable innovative technologies to recycle and customers to make more informed decisions reduce waste; support for on their vehicle purchase; recycling; and voluntary Singapore Packaging . Mandatory Energy Labelling Scheme for Agreement; household appliances, namely air . Nature conservation reforestation and conditioners and refrigerators in 2008, outreach program for ; nature clothes dryers in 2009, and televisions in recreational master plan; and 10 percent of 2014; land committed as green space, of which . Minimum Energy Performance Standards half is gazetted nature reserves; (MEPS) for refrigerators and air conditioners . Provision of green and blue spaces – in 2011, and clothes dryers in 2014; enhancement of Singapore’s physical . Tighter MEPS for household air conditioners environment through the provision of and refrigerators (2013); greenery and green spaces as well as cleaning and opening up water bodies for recreational . The Energy Conservation Act, which activities; requires energy-intensive companies in the industry and transport sectors to appoint . Public health – improvement of the energy managers, monitor and report their cleanliness and hygiene of public places; energy use and , control of vector-borne diseases; prohibition and submit energy efficiency improvement of smoking in public places; public education; plans; monitoring and improving indoor air quality; and researching healthy indoor environment. . Reform in fuel mix to make the shift away from to natural gas for power Singapore’s emphasis on sustainability includes (about 90 percent of electricity is efforts to address climate change, and a whole- generated from natural gas); of-government approach is taken. The Inter- Ministerial Committee on Climate Change is . R&D in innovation of energy technologies, chaired by Singapore’s . such as at the Energy Innovation Programme The Committee is supported by the National Office, the Energy National Innovation Climate Change Secretariat, which was Challenge, the Solar Energy Research established in 2010, as a dedicated set-up under Institute of Singapore, and the Energy the Prime Minister’s Office to ensure effective Research Institute at the Technological University;

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. Master Plan, which comprises . Energy Efficiency National Partnership regulatory requirements for minimum (EENP); environmental sustainability standards in . Public Sector Taking the Lead in buildings, the development of green rating Environmental Sustainability (PSTLES). tools, incentive schemes, research programs,

capability development road maps and outreach efforts, and climate change studies to understand potential effects and impacts on the physical environment of Singapore. Outcomes

Singapore has also provided test bed and The 2005 review of the 1992 Green Plan found demonstration platforms to support companies that targets on air and water quality, waste, and research institutes to validate new recycling, and conservation had been met. The technologies in a real-world setting (e.g., evidence suggests that the portfolio of policies Cleantech Park for green companies, and practices in place have made Singapore Eco-Town to test residential solutions, electric substantially greener than when it was first vehicle test bed, etc.). The first zero energy established. For example, the building in South-East retrofitted from an was so severely polluted in the early 1900s that existing building is one such example. a clean-up program was required; this Singapore also has several incentive schemes started in 1977. The river is so clean now that it and programs to promote energy efficiency: forms part of the Marina Reservoir providing domestic water supplies to the city (MEWR, . Design for Efficiency Scheme (DfE); 2013). . Energy Efficiency Improvement Assistance Scheme (EASe); Other major achievements have been the mass . Grant for Energy Efficiency Technologies public transit system, which encourages (GREET) scheme and Investment Allowance commuters to take public transport instead of for Energy Efficiency Projects; turning to private cars. . Energy Efficiency Financing program; This is reflected by a 63 percent public . Encouragement of new co-generation plants transport peak period mode share, which in energy intensive sectors; increased from 59 percent in 2008 to 63 . Green Mark Incentive Scheme for Existing percent in 2012. There is a target to increase Buildings; this to 75 percent public transport mode share . Green Mark Gross Floor Area Incentive by 2030. This reduces congestion on roads, Scheme; improves air quality, and maximizes land use by . Green Mark Incentive Scheme – Design minimizing the need for roads. Energy efficiency, Prototype; carbon intensity, and waste management are . MND Research Fund for the Built also improving, substantially improving the Environment; quality of life in Singapore (BCA, 2009). . Building Retrofit Energy Efficiency Financing (BREEF) scheme; These positive impacts are recognized by . SME Energy Efficiency Initiative; international ratings. For example, the . Consumer and small business education Economist Intelligence Unit’s Asian Green City programs; Index Study in 2011 ranked Singapore as Asia’s greenest , particularly for its

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ambitious environmental targets and its efficient Limitations approach to achieving them. . Singapore lacks a hinterland – its small land area has to support the spectrum of activities in a country – beyond transport, housing, offices, shops and industries, land is also Lessons required for reservoirs and water catchment areas, as well as security needs. Success factors . Singapore is a small, alternative-energy disadvantaged city-state. Given its small size One feature that has enabled Singapore’s and dense urban landscape, there are success is the use of a comprehensive mix of challenges in using alternative energy sources regulations, financial incentives, demonstration such as solar energy on a wide scale. These programs, capacity building, and consumer limitations also mean that Singapore has to education and awareness. `’s economic policies become highly efficient in its land, energy and are designed to promote sustained and inclusive water use. economic growth, driven by productivity and innovation, to create good-quality jobs and support higher standards of living for . Flexible labor policies and a sound business infrastructure allow Singapore to capture global opportunities in new growth References areas. Social policy is based on the principle of self-reliance, with significant investments in Singapore Building and Construction Authority education and training, which also facilitate (BCA). 2009. “Second Green Building employment relevance. Home ownership is also Masterplan: 80% of Buildings will be Green by a priority, with support given to enable 2030.” Media Release, Building and Singaporeans to afford public housing. Construction Authority. plays an important role as a layer of support, with government assistance targeted at those Ministry of the Environment and Water who face greatest difficulty. Fiscal and tax Resources (MEWR). 2006. Singapore Green Plan policies are designed to ensure sound public 2012 (2006 edition). finances, provide a conducive and stable http://unpan1.un.org/intradoc/groups/public/doc economic environment for businesses, enhance uments/apcity/unpan026598.pdf economic competitiveness, and support economic growth. At the same time, the Ministry of the Environment and Water government ensures that the fiscal system as a Resources (MEWR) and Ministry of National whole is progressive, with more support going Development (MND). Sustainable Singapore towards the needy and more contributed by the Blueprint. 2009. higher-income earners. In addition, Singapore https://www.nccs.gov.sg/sites/nccs/files/Sustainab has been effective in applying a rigorous approach le_Spore_Blueprint.pdf to developing tailored solutions for each environmental goal. Finally, Singapore's clean and National Climate Change Secretariat Strategy green image has been a critical marketing tool in Group, Prime Minister’s office. 2012. National attracting international investment. Climate Change Strategy 2012.

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https://www.nccs.gov.sg/nccs-2012/docs/NCCS- Conference 2013 . Singapore: Singapore Building 2012-Publication.pdf and Construction Authority. http://www.bca.gov.sg/GreenMark/others/BGree Singapore Urban Development Authority. Land n_4_2013.pdf Use Master Plan. 2013. https://www.ura.gov.sg/uol/master- Singapore Building and Construction Authority. plan.aspx?p1=View-Master-Plan# 2009. Second Green Building Master Plan.

Singapore Land Transport Authority. Land http://www.bca.gov.sg/greenMark/others/gbmp2. Transport Master Plan. pdf 2013. https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/dam/ltawe b/corp/PublicationsResearch/files/ReportNewsle Intelligence Unit,. 2012. The tter/LTMP2013Report.pdf Green City Index: A summary of the Green City Index research series. Siemens AG. Singapore National Water Agency. Our Water, http://81.47.175.201/ETMS/rankings/2012_Europ Our Future. 2013. ean_Green_City_Index_sum_report.pdf https://www.pub.gov.sg/Documents/PUBOurWa terOurFuture.pdf *Special contribution was made by the National Climate Change Secretariat of the Government Singapore Building and Construction Authority. of Singapore to this case study for review and 2013. "Snippets of 3rd Green." Edited by providing references. Tian Chong and Kian Seng. Build Green Special Edition: International Green Building

Disclaimer

This case is a summary of research input to the Green Growth in Practice: Lessons from Country Experiences report published by GGBP in 2014. The views and information expressed in this case study are not necessarily endorsed by the GGBP sponsors or organizations of the authors.

July 2014

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