Individuals and Homes

Calculate Your Carbon Footprint Calculate Your Carbon Footprint

You can take individual action on climate change and the best way to start is to understand the size of your carbon footprint, which is the amount of carbon emissions that result directly... 

Monitor Your Electricity Consumption at Home Monitor Your Electricity Consumption at Home

Your utility bill shows the electricity consumption (in kWh) of your house over the past six months and also indicates the national average consumption for your house type. If your... 

Use Your Air-Conditioner and Refrigerator Wisely Use Your Air-Conditioner and Refrigerator Wisely

A typical Singapore household spends about 50% of its electricity bills on the air-conditioner and refrigerator. If you want to reduce energy at home and save money, the best way is... 

Choose Energy Efficient Appliances and Lighting Choose Energy Efficient Appliances and Lighting

Energy efficient appliances and lighting can help you to save energy and money. One household study by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) shows 35% monthly energy savings when... 

Find Ways to Reduce Unnecessary Energy Usage Find Ways to Reduce Unnecessary Energy Usage

Look around your house and find ways to reduce unnecessary energy usage. Here are some tips: 1. Switch off your electronic appliances such as the television and DVD player at the power... 

Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Your Waste Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Your Waste

You can practise the 3 Rs in your daily lives – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (in order of sequence). The sequence is important, as source reduction is usually the best way to minimise... 

Reduce Your Water Consumption Reduce Your Water Consumption

Energy is required for potable water and wastewater treatment and transport, so reducing the amount of water consumed and discharged will help to lower the energy needed. Here are some... 

Be Conscious of the Food You Eat Be Conscious of the Food You Eat

The food we eat could have travelled long distances and be produced in an unsustainable way. We need to be conscious of what we eat – how our food is grown and produced. But the... 

Green Your Transport Green Your Transport

According to the National Climate Change Strategy report, transportation accounts for 19% of Singapore’s total carbon emissions in 2005. You can play a part to reduce your carbon... 

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Businesses and Organisations

Measure Your Organisation’s Carbon Footprint or Greenhouse Gas Inventory Measure Your Organisation’s Carbon Footprint or Greenhouse Gas Inventory

For an organisation, the term carbon footprint or greenhouse gas inventory includes the carbon emissions and other greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated directly from the organisation’s activities or use of fuels, and also indirectly from the use of electricity and from the use and disposal of materials, products... 

Conduct an Energy Survey to Identify Energy Saving Opportunities Conduct an Energy Survey to Identify Energy Saving Opportunities

An energy survey is a simple assessment of the energy use in your organisation and the aim is to identify and correct bad energy habits and practices. Start by forming a small team to conduct the energy survey, appointing an energy manager as the team leader and recruiting staff from different departments as team members. The... 

Use Government Fundings for Energy Audits and Energy Efficient Technologies Use Government Fundings for Energy Audits and Energy Efficient Technologies

There are several funding and incentive schemes provided by the National Environment Agency (NEA) to help companies reduce their costs in engaging ESCOs or investing in energy saving equipment and technologies. If companies lack the expertise to manage their energy consumption, they can engage an Energy Services Company... 

Reduce the Impact of Your Organisation’s Waste, Water and Transport Management Reduce the Impact of Your Organisation’s Waste, Water and Transport Management

Besides considering the direct energy usage by your business, you should also look at waste, water and transport management as these activities also contribute to carbon emissions. Find out how your business manages waste, water and transport in your daily operations, and take steps to reduce the impact of these activities. . Waste... 

Adopt Green IT and Green Computing Practices Adopt Green IT and Green Computing Practices

Green IT or green computing usually refers to making the data centre and other IT system or equipment more energy efficient, and to reduce the environmental impacts associated with IT, such as recycling of computing equipment. You can adopt the following Green IT practices on energy efficiency in your organisation’s... 

Consider Green Buildings and Green Mark Consider Green Buildings and Green Mark

The buildings sector contributes about 16% of Singapore’s carbon emissions. To reduce the carbon footprint and energy consumption of buildings, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is helping companies to build new green buildings or upgrade their existing buildings to greener buildings. The BCA Green Mark... 

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Issues and Policies

Singapore to Become a Smart Energy Economy Singapore to Become a Smart Energy Economy

The Economic Strategies Committee (ESC) was formed in May 2009 to “develop strategies for Singapore to build capabilities and maximise opportunities as a global city in a new world environment, so as to achieve sustained and inclusive growth.” The ESC is chaired by Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Minister for Finance, and comprises members from the government, the labour movement, the private sector as well as academia. The ESC submitted the report of its key recommendations to the Prime Minister in Feb 2010. In its report, the ESC highlighted 7 key strategies, one of which is for Singapore... [Read more]

Singapore to Reduce Carbon Emissions by 16% Below 2020 Business-As-Usual Levels Singapore to Reduce Carbon Emissions by 16% Below 2020 Business-As-Usual Levels

Before the Copenhagen Conference On 2 December 2009, the Singapore government announced that Singapore will reduce its carbon emissions by 16% below 2020 business-as-usual levels, provided that: Singapore will only commit to this if there is a legally binding global deal that obliges all countries to cut emissions, and if other countries offer significant pledges - Senior Minister S. Jayakumar This announcement was made in light of the UN Climate Change Conference 2009 (COP15) in Copenhagen, Denmark, which was held from December 7-18, 2009. Read more about the 16% cut and the government’s... [Read more]

Singapore’s National Policies on Energy and Climate Change Singapore’s National Policies on Energy and Climate Change

This summary aims to provide a brief overview of Singapore’s national policies on energy and climate change, and is divided into the following sections: National Policy Reports Energy Policy Group Singapore’s Economic Focus Energy Supply Clean Energy Carbon Intensity and Energy Efficiency 1. National Policy Reports The Singapore government’s policies on energy and climate change can be found in three national reports: National Energy Policy Report (published Nov 2007) National Climate Change Strategy (published Mar 2008) Sustainable Development Blueprint (published Apr 2009) These... [Read more]

Singapore’s Carbon Dioxide Emissions Per Capita and Carbon Intensity Singapore’s Carbon Dioxide Emissions Per Capita and Carbon Intensity

Is Singapore carbon intensive and a big contributor of carbon dioxide per capita in the world? How do we compare with other developed countries? Let’s take a look at Singapore’s total carbon dioxide emissions, carbon dioxide emissions per capita, and carbon intensity. 1. Carbon Dioxide Emissions According to the National Climate Change Strategy, the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Singapore are generated from the following sectors (in 2005): Singapore’s total absolute CO2 emissions and CO2 emissions per capita from 1990 to 2007 is shown in the graph below, based on statistics from... [Read more]

Overview of the Energy Situation in Singapore Overview of the Energy Situation in Singapore

This is an overview of the energy situation in Singapore in terms of Electricity Consumption; Energy Consumption; Energy Intensity; Discrepancy Between Energy Statistics; and Energy Efficiency Policies. 1. Electricity Consumption According to the National Energy Policy Report, the power generation sector accounts for 51% of the fuel consumption in Singapore and the fuel is used to generate electricity for the following sectors (in 2005): There are currently eight electricity generation licensees operating in Singapore, regulated by the Energy Market Authority: Senoko Power Ltd (3300 MW) PowerSeraya... [Read more]

Singapore Guide to Government Funding and Incentives for the Environment Singapore Guide to Government Funding and Incentives for the Environment

(The updated version of this article can be found at Green Business Times, includes 2 new funding) Singapore is well-known as a clean and green city with the government striving for environmental sustainability while growing the economy. The government has also identified Environmental and Water Technologies (EWT) including Clean Energy as strategic areas where Singapore has a competitive edge and which could generate future economic growth. To accelerate the growth of the environmental industry and to maintain Singapore’s image as a clean and green city, the government has initiated several... [Read more]

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Blog

Balik Kampung @ Bottle Tree Park on 10.10.10

Ground-Up Initiative (GUI) is organising Balik Kampung @ Bottle Tree Park on 10.10.10 to bring together multiple organizations to promote and educate the public on the importance of reducing our carbon emissions. Learn how to start your actions locally so as to reduce CO2 emissions from your lifestyle, while not forgetting to have fun and party as we celebrate your efforts in making a difference for the climate. Come enjoy carbon-free time with your friends and family, accompanied with good food and an array of interesting activities like outdoor... [Read more]

SMARTricity Asia Congress 2010

Date: 28 – 30 Sep 2010 Venue: Shanghai, China Smart grid technology really takes off in Asia in 2010 as a number of governments have launched initiatives to develop the technology and infrastructure needed to upgrade their antiquated electrical grid systems. However, drivers and roadmaps behind those initiatives are quite diversified. China, India and Russia etc are pursuing a sound, secure and energy-efficient electrical T&D networks to meet the surging electricity demand of tommorrow, while Japan, South Korea and Australia etc... [Read more]

Photovoltaic System & Grid Integration Forum 2010

Date: 9 – 10 Nov 2010 JFPS Group will hold the “Photovoltaic System & Grid Integration Forum 2010” on November 9-10,2010. This forum will have PV grid integration discussions on “Policy & Market Development” and “Technology R&D and Application”. Expected 200+ Attendees will come from government officials, power groups, PV system integrators, PV cell and module manufacturers, PV products testing and certification service providers, PV components manufacturers and related PV materials and equipments manufacturers. The... [Read more]

Green Mobility 2010

Date: 11 – 12 Nov 2010 Various forces are converging to make green mobility a reality in the not-too-distant future. The Green Mobility 2010 conference in Shanghai provides an interactive gathering for all the decision-makers, and will cover all critical issues of advanced vehicles including energy resources, batteries, vehicles and infrastructure, with discussions around policy initiatives, energy diversity, technology aspects, and commercialization. Visit the conference website for details and registration. SHARETHIS.addEntry({... [Read more]

Clean Technology Investment World Asia 2010

Venue: Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong With Asia emerging as a leading clean technology investment hub, Clean Technology World Asia is launched to connect capital with clean technology innovations across major sectors in Asia. It’s a platform where investors, financiers, energy users, governments, clean technology innovators and business leaders convene to identify investment opportunities, raise capital, access licensing rights to new innovative technologies and form strategic partnerships. Visit the website for more info and registration. SHARETHIS.addEntry({... [Read more]

Go Green with SMRT Quiz

SMRT launched its third Go Green with SMRT public transport education campaign on World Environment Day with the campaign message: Take public transport for cleaner air, better health. The campaign, which runs till 30 September 2010, highlights the benefits of taking the train and bus – better air quality, reduction in carbon emissions and lower carbon footprint per passenger kilometre. In conjunction with the campaign, Low Carbon Singapore is organising a quiz for our readers. Answer any one of the three questions below and you stand to win... [Read more]

Go Green with SMRT – Be Spotted and Win

Go Green with SMRT is a public education campaign by SMRT designed to raise awareness of environmental issues and to promote public transport as a green mode of travel. The campaign also rewards commuters for choosing public transport by giving away free travel passes. SMRT is organising a ‘Be Spotted and Win’ promotion this month. Make your own “I’m Going Green with SMRT” badge and wear it to show your support. Be spotted wearing the badge by SMRT’s mascot Greenie at selected dates and MRT stations and you can... [Read more]

Reply Email by ESI on Fred Singer’s Article

This is the reply to our earlier email: Dear Mr Tay, Thank you for your interest in ESI’s work and for sending us this email. One of ESI’s values, as indicated on our website (http://www.esi.nus.edu.sg/portal/AboutUs/VisionMissionandValues/tabid/168/Default.aspx) is: “We are objective – ESI will cut through biases and attempt to balance the wide spectrum of views.” The website also states: “The global energy landscape is one that is changing rapidly. The threat of a worldwide depletion of fossil fuels, the impact of climate change,... [Read more]

Email to the Energy Studies Institute on Fred Singer’s Article

Dear Ms Jan Lui I have always enjoyed the good quality energy insights and views from ESI’s events and publications. However, in the March issue of the ESI Bulletin, I was surprised to find an article on “Global Warming: Man-Made or Natural?” by S. Fred Singer, which debunks man-made global warming and includes statements such as: “human activities are not influencing the global climate in a perceptible way”; “increases in the CO2 level caused by man are insignificant to climate change”; and “imaginary... [Read more]

Green Future Solutions Starts mywaterbottle Campaign to Encourage the Use of Refillable Water Bottles and Reduce Single-Use Bottled Water

Green Future Solutions started its first green campaign called mywaterbottle on 22 April 2010, Earth Day. mywaterbottle is a non-profit campaign to encourage more Singaporeans to use their own refillable water bottles, instead of buying or taking single-use bottled water. mywaterbottle Goals mywaterbottle aims to achieve the following goals: 1. Create awareness on the environmental impacts of single-use bottled water and encourage people to use refillable water bottles. 2. Show that tap water is safe to drink and tastes just as good as bottled water. 3.... [Read more]

Winds of Change – East Asia’s Sustainable Energy Future

Speakers: Vijay Jagannathan, Sector Manager (Infrastructure), East Asia and Pacific (EAP) Region of the World Bank; Wang Xiaodong, Senior Energy Specialist, East Asia & Pacific (EAP) region of the World Bank Venue: Seminar Room 3-5, Level 3, Manasseh Meyer, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, 469C Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259772 Synopsis: According to a recent estimate by the US Energy Information administration, Asia accounts for 40 percent of the world’s CO2 emissions. And as major Asian economies are now growing at more than four times... [Read more]

Earth Hour – The Asymmetry Principle vs The Rebound Effect

Earth Hour Singapore is back again and takes place this Saturday, 27 March 2010. Individuals, organisations and businesses are encouraged to switch off their lights for one hour from 8.30pm to 9.30pm, or longer. Earth Hour is organised by WWF and is “a call to stand up, to take responsibility, to get involved and lead the way towards a sustainable future.” The switching off of lights is a symbolic act for everyone to take responsibility and fight climate change. Find out more about what you can do and pledge your support for Earth Hour. Earth... [Read more]

Panel Discussion on the Smart Energy Economy

The panel discussion on the Economic Strategies Committee’s (ESC) recent recommendations for a Smart Energy Economy, was held this morning at NUS. The panelists include: Prof. Linda Yuen-Ching Lim: Professor of Strategy at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan Dr. Natasha Hamilton-Hart: Associate Professor and Deputy Head in the Southeast Asian Studies Programme of the National University of Singapore Dr. Tilak Doshi: Chief Economist and Principal Fellow at the Energy Studies Institute Dr. Cheng-Guan Michael Quah:... [Read more]

Committee of Supply Debate 2010: Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources

Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, and Dr Amy Khor, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, gave their speeches during the Committee of Supply Debate under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR). Here are some key points that they raised: At Copenhagen, Singapore supported the Accord, and has since written to the UNFCCC Secretariat to associate ourselves formally with the Accord as a good basis for advancing negotiations towards reaching a legally binding... [Read more]

Committee of Supply Debate 2010: Ministry of National Development

Ms Grace Fu, Senior Minister of State for National Development gave her speech during the Committee of Supply Debate under the Ministry of National Development (MND). The speech addresses policies related to green buildings in Singapore: Greening Our Buildings 19 Mr Cedric Foo has asked how HDB estates can be more sustainable. Our existing HDB estates have designs which facilitate cross-ventilation and natural lighting. For new estates, we will continue to incorporate environmentally friendly features and green technologies. For example, HDB is... [Read more]

Committee of Supply Debate 2010: Ministry of Trade and Industry

Mr S Iswaran, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, gave his speech during the Committee of Supply Debate under the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI). The speech addresses questions related to Singapore’s energy policy, and can be downloaded from the MTI website. Here are some key points that he raised: Our goal is to make Singapore a Smart Energy Economy with an energy ecosystem that is secure, sustainable and competitive. Our strategy to meet the global energy challenges rests on two key thrusts: diversification and competitive... [Read more]

Reframing the Climate Change Narrative

Venue: Seminar Room 3-1, Level 3, Manasseh Meyer, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, 469C Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259772 Speaker: Prof Arvind Subramanian, Senior Fellow, Peterson Institute for International Economics Senior Fellow, Center for Global Development Senior Research Professor, Johns Hopkins University and Um Woochong, Deputy Director General, Regional and Sustainable Development Department Asian Development Bank Synopsis: Thus far, international negotiations under the auspices of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate... [Read more]

Methodological Approaches for Cost-Effective Carbon Trading

Venue: MEWR Theatrette, #4-00, Environment Building, 40 Scotts Road, Singapore 228231 Speaker: Sébastien Raoux, Ph.D., J.D., Esq., President & CEO, Transcarbon International Corporation In this presentation, Dr. Raoux will review the essential elements of carbon trading methodologies and cover topics such as additionality, anti-gaming and capping procedures, the calculation of baseline and project emissions, and monitoring methodologies. He will pay particular attention to the issue of accuracy and uncertainty in the determination of emissions... [Read more]

A Smart Energy Economy: Panel Discussion on ESC’s Recommendations on Energy Resilience and Sustainable Growth

Venue: National University of Singapore, The Auditorium, University Hall, Lee Kong Chian Wing, Level 2, 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119077 Join the panel discussion on the Economic Strategies Committee’s (ESC) recent recommendations on Energy Resilience and Sustainable Growth, moderated by Jessica Cheam, Correspondent, Straits Times, Money Desk. The panelists include: Prof. Linda Yuen-Ching Lim: Professor of Strategy at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan Dr. Natasha Hamilton-Hart: Associate Professor... [Read more]

The Water-Energy Nexus: Saving Water and Energy in Rice Production

Venue: ESI Conference Room, 29 Heng Mui Keng Terrace, Block A #10-01, Singapore 119620 Speaker: Dr. Bas Bouman, International Rice Research Institute, Los Banos, Philippines The water-energy nexus is an understudied field. To oversimplify the issue, water is needed to produce en-ergy and energy is required to process and move water. Given this reality, there is a positive co-relation be-tween water and energy and thus, by default, between water consumption and greenhouse emissions. Con-sequently, efforts to decrease water consumption globally must... [Read more]

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