Policies in Sinapore:
Singapore: Area Licensing Scheme/Road User Charge
Part of the Road Traffic Act, this scheme started in 1975 to limit the traffic into the center of the city (the Central Business District) during peak hours. Licenses to enter the area had to be pre-purchased and visibly displayed on the vehicle. Violators were fined through the mail. Since then the program has been expanded. All vehicles are fitted with an in-vehicle unit using a cash card. The stored value in the cash card is automatically deducted when a vehicle enters the city or travels along the more congested expressways and major roads where the charge has been levied. Charges depend on the road/part of the road traveled, the hour of the day or day of the week of travel, and the make/model of vehicle. Singapore has plans to expand this system still further.
Date Implemented: 1975, 1998
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/ http://www.blpnet.org/learning/casebooks/uncrd/yuan.pdf
Singapore: Eco-Office Program
As such a significant portion of daily life is spent in the office, this certification program is intended to promote efficiency, reduced consumption and environmental awareness in offices. The first phase involved the distribution of eco-friendly office kits to raise awareness and cultivate environmentally friendly habits in the workplace. A website with the online office rating system was developed during the second phase.
Date Implemented: 2002
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: http://www.ecooffice.com.sg/site/about.html
Singapore: Educational and Awareness Campaigns
The government has instituted education and awareness campaigns. The National Environmental Agency provides educational materials and brochures. Green Circle promotes recycling and environmental awareness for children. More examples available at: http://app.nea.gov.sg/cms/htdocs/categorysub.asp?cid=67 and at http://app.nea.gov.sg/
Status: In Force; Government Initiative
References: http://broadband.mewr.gov.sg/3Rcity/index.html
http://app.nea.gov.sg/cms/htdocs/categorysub.asp?cid=67
Singapore: Energy Audit Scheme
The Scheme is designed to provide an impetus for industries to improve the energy efficiency of their operations. Its objective is to encourage industries that use large amounts of oil and gas to put in place a formal system for the management of energy use to improve their energy efficiency. Under the Scheme, companies can either use in-house staff or engage external energy audit specialists in carrying out their energy audits. Such audits, which are carried out every 3-5 years, would help industries to systematically identify opportunities for improving energy efficiency regularly. The companies could then take measures to improve the energy efficiency of their facilities.
Date Implemented: 2002
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: http://www.nccc.gov.sg/industry/eas.shtm
Singapore: Energy Efficiency Improvement Assistance Scheme (EASe)
The Energy Efficiency Improvement Assistance Scheme (EASe) is a co-funding scheme administered by NEA to incentivise companies in the manufacturing and building sectors to carry out detailed studies on their energy consumption and identify potential areas for energy efficiency improvement.
Date Implemented: 2005
Status: In Force; Voluntary
Funding Information: Funding would be provided for up to 50% of the qualifying cost of engaging an expert consultant or Energy Service Company (ESCO) to conduct investment grade energy appraisals and recommend specific measures that can be implemented to improve energy efficiency. Over a 5-year period, the maximum amount of funding to any single facility or building is capped at $200,000.
References: http://app.nea.gov.sg/cms/htdocs/article.asp?pid=1643
Singapore: Energy Labelling Scheme for air-conditioners and refrigerators
Date Implemented: 2007
Status: Mandatory on July 1, 2007
Singapore: Energy Recovery from Biomass in Municipal Waste
All incinerable waste not recovered, reused or recycled is sent for incineration at the waste-to-energy incineration plants operated by the National Environment Agency. The combustion of municipal waste including renewables in the waste produce heat, which is recovered to generate electricity. The electricity generated is fed into the electricity grid. The biomass in Singapore’s municipal waste are mainly wood waste, horticultural waste, food waste and paper waste.
Date Implemented: 1979
Status: In Force Government Initiative
References: http://www.iea.org/textbase/pm/?mode=re&id=1661&action=detail
http://app.nea.gov.sg/cms/htdocs/category_sub.asp?cid=75
Singapore: Energy Smart Buildings Scheme
The Energy Smart Buildings Scheme, developed by the Energy Sustainability Unit (ESU) of the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the National Environment Agency (NEA), aims to promote the active management of energy use by according recognition to buildings that are ranked in the top band of the total building cohort using an energy efficiency benchmarking system. Presently, the Scheme is ready for office buildings. The Scheme provides resources such as a national benchmarking system, an online assessment tool and technical guidance on various systems performance for building owners’ and managements’ easy adoption and use. The Scheme offers performance indicators and energy efficiency targets as management tools for performance tracking and improvements.
Date Implemented: 2005
Status: In Force
References: http://www.nccc.gov.sg/energysmart/office.shtm?pid=2536
Singapore: Energy Standards of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA)
Energy conservation standards have been incorporated into building codes. They mandate, for example, that Overall Thermal Transfer Value (OTTV) not exceed 45 W/m2 to reduce heat transfer into a building. These regulations were made stricter in 2001 with the introduction of Envelope Thermal Transfer Value (ETTV), a new and more accurate formulation of heat transfer into a building under local weather conditions. The new compliance value is 35 Watts per unit area of heat gain by the building instead of 45 Watt as prescribed in the current regulations.
Date Implemented: 1979
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
Singapore: Environmental Pollution Control Act
This policy consolidates all the environmental regulations and related measures. Regarding climate change, it regulates the emissions from any industrial or commercial plant or household. It limits the air pollutants that can be released and the activities that cause air pollution.
Date Implemented: 1999
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/
Singapore: Financial disincentives to car ownership
The Ministry of Finance has levied a steep import duty on vehicles. The Land Transport Authority collects a heavy registration fee and an additional registration fee (ARF) for each vehicle registered in Singapore, as well as the annual Road Tax, which increases proportionate to the size of the vehicle’s engine, penalizing owners of larger capacity, higher polluting engines.
Date Implemented: 1970s
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: A Case Study on Urban Transportation Development and Management in Singapore
Singapore: Fuel cell testbedding projects
The fuel cell vehicle demonstration project from DaimlerChrysler was launched in 2001, in conjunction with the installation of hydrogen refueling stations by BP. The vehicles finally arrived in May 04 and the leasees of the vehicles were also announced: BP, Conrad Centennial Singapore, DaimlerChrysler, Michelin and NEA. The BP station will be the first refueling station in Asia co-located with an existing petrol station.
Five cities will be involved in this project, namely Berlin, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Singapore and Tokyo.
Date Implemented: 2001
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: http://www.nccc.gov.sg/renewables/testbedding.shtm
Singapore: Fuel Economy Labeling Scheme
The Label, displayed prominently on the upper right corner of the windshield of all participating show room models, provides information on fuel economy of vehicles measured under standardized (UN ECE R101 (urban cycle)) test conditions. The Label allows consumers to compare vehicles’ performance and make informed decisions.
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: http://www.sec.org.sg/greenlabelhtm/greenlableframeset.htm
Singapore: Green Labeling Scheme (SGLS)
Products deemed environmentally friendly according to the criteria specified by the scheme are awarded the Green Label endorsement. This distinction helps consumers identify and select environmentally friendly products when they make their purchases. The Scheme also includes the Singapore Energy Efficiency Labeling Scheme where four checks on the label designate the level of energy efficiency and savings in annual power consumption.
Date Implemented: 1992
Status: In Force; Voluntary
Funding Information: Product owners who wish to join the labeling scheme must pay a $300 fee per product/model for the first 3 years and a $200 for each subsequent renewal of the 3yr endorsement.
References: http://www.sec.org.sg/greenlabelhtm/greenlableframeset.htm
Singapore: Green Mark Scheme
Initiative to move Singapore’s construction industry towards more environment-friendly buildings. It is intended to raise environmental awareness among developers, designers and builders when they start project conceptualisation and design, as well as during construction. It provides a comprehensive framework for assessing building performance and environmental friendliness. Buildings are awarded the BCA Green Mark based on five key criteria: Energy Efficiency, Water Efficiency, Site/Project Development & Management (Building Management & Operation for existing buildings), Good Indoor Environmental Quality & Environmental Protection, Innovation.
Under the Green Mark assessment system, points are awarded for incorporating environment-friendly features which are better than normal practice. The assessment identifies designs where specific targets are met. Meeting one or more indicates that the building is likely to be more environmental friendly than buildings where the issues have not been addressed. The total number of points obtained provides an indication of the environmental friendliness of the building design.
Date Implemented: 2005
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: http://www.bca.gov.sg/GreenMark/greenmarkbuildings.html
Singapore: Green Plan 2012
SGP 2012 describes Singapore’s goals, objectives, targets and plans for sustainable and green development through 2012. The plan focuses on reducing waste, increasing recycling programs, curbing air polluting emissions, increasing and diversifying water resources and safeguarding public health.
Date Implemented: 2002
Targets: Singapore’s goals in the SGP 2012 include achieving and maintaining a “good” rating for the Pollutant Standards Index range for 85% of the year, and staying within the ‘moderate’ range for the remaining 15%, meeting 60% of Singapore’s electricity needs with natural gas (objective achieved in 2003) and enhancing public transportation as an attractive alternative to private cars.
References: EIA Country Analysis Brief: Singapore, http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/singapor.html; SGP 2012
Singapore: Green Plan 2012 (2006 edition)
The Singapore Green Plan is a 10-year national blueprint to build a sustainable environment for generations to come. The SGP2012 is Singapore’s 10-year blueprint towards environmental sustainability, it encompasses six focus areas: Air and Climate Change, Water, Waste Management, Nature, Public Health and International Environmental Relations.
Date Implemented: 2005, updated 2005
Status: In Force; Framework policy
Targets: 1. Reduce the ambient Particulate Matter 2.5 level to within an average of 15 µg /Nm 3 by 2014;
2. Improve carbon intensity (i.e. carbon dioxide emission per GDP dollar) by 25% from 1990 level by 2012;
3. Reduce Singapore ‘s per capita domestic water consumption from 162 litres per day in 2004 to 155 litres per day by 2012; and
4.
Partner the 3P sectors to generate greater awareness of the importance
of conserving, valuing and enjoying water and develop a sense of shared
ownership of our water resources.
Action programme committees
consisting of representatives from the 3P (People, Private, Public)
sectors have been set up to implement the initiatives under the updated
SGP2012.
References: http://www.mewr.gov.sg/sgp2012/index_2006.htm
Singapore: Incentives for switching to Euro IV compliant vehicles
Through the end of 2005, Euro IV taxis get an ARF Rebate of 100% of the open market values, and 80% after that (through Sept 2006). Through Sept 2006, all Euro IV buses and commercial vehicles are ARF exempt.
Date Implemented: 2004
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: NEWS RELEASE NO: 26/2005
http://app.nea.gov.sg/cms/htdocs/article.asp?pid=2553
Singapore: Income Tax Act
To encourage companies to replace old, energy-consuming equipment with more energy efficient ones and to invest in energy-saving equipment, including solar equipment, Singapore has developed a one-year accelerated depreciation allowance for energy efficient equipment and technology. Provisions in the Income Tax Act promote efficiency by allowing expenditure to improve efficiency to be deducted as an expenditure rather than as a capital expenditure that has to be depreciated over time.
Date Implemented: 1996
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
http://statutes.agc.gov.sg
Singapore: Increased efforts to use natural gas
Since natural gas is cleaner than fuel oil, Singapore has taken several steps to increase electricity production from natural gas rather than from fuel oil. It has supported companies in entering import agreements with Malaysia and with the Indonesian state-owned company, Pertamina, to supply natural gas imports. It is also interested in building an LNG import terminal to allow it to further diversify its supply.
Date Implemented: 1992
Status: In Force; Government Initiative
Milestones: In 2002, the government set 2012 as the target date for 60% of the country’s electricity to be generated from natural gas. Natural gas generated electricity reached 60% by 2003.
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC; EIA Country Analysis Brief: Singapore, http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/singapor.html
Singapore: Innovation for Environmental Sustainability (IES) / Environmental Test- bedding Initiative (Ennovate)
All Singapore-registered companies are eligible to apply. The proposed project must meet the following criteria: Strong elements of ‘innovation’ and ‘early adoption’, the outcome of the pilot should assist Singapore to meet the goal of environmental sustainability, project must not have commenced at the time of application, project should not exceed 3 years in duration.
The projects may be classified in the following categories:
a. Projects that enhance the Ministry’s capabilities.
b. Projects for the development of environmental technologies and products for commercialisation purposes
c. Projects with the primary aim to improve environmental performance of a company.
Date Implemented: 2003
Status: Ended; Framework Policies
Funding Information: IES Fund Grants are provided to cover a percentage of the qualifying cost of the project at three levels of funding. Various levels of support for different components of allowable cost are offered, viz :
Ø Full Funding if projects result in technologies that could be employed directly by NEA and which the Ministry needs to have intellectual proprietary rights to the final technologies/products.
Ø Partial Funding if projects result in technologies and products that have industry-wide benefits.
Ø Partial Funding if projects result in technologies and products that benefit only the company.
Maximum S$2million for each project.
References: http://www.iea.org/textbase/pm/?mode=re&id=1664&action=detail
Singapore: Investment Allowance Scheme
The government offers a tax exemption equal to a specified proportion of an investment made towards modernizing equipment for increased energy efficiency/productivity by 20% or more.
Date Implemented: revised 2005
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
http://www.scal.com.sg/index.cfm?GPID=255
Singapore: Joint Research
The National Environmental Agency carries out joint research and development projects with tertiary institutions.
Date Implemented: 1991
Status: In Force; Voluntary
Funding Information: Projects are usually carried out on an equal cost-sharing basis.
References: http://app.nea.gov.sg/cms/htdocs/category_sub.asp?cid=43
Singapore: Liberalizing the Energy Sector
The Public Utilities Board, which had been responsible for generation, transmission and supply of electricity to consumers, was reconstituted and became a regulator for the electricity industry, protecting consumer interests namely in terms of reliability and pricing. The restructuring promoted increased efficiency and innovation within the growing industry. Highly efficient Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) and co-generation technologies are gaining favor in the new investment climate - plants running on less efficient technologies are being relegated to stand-by mode while CCGT plants remain in operation.
Date Implemented: 1995
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
Singapore: Local Enterprise Finance Scheme (LEFS)
This incentive is intended to help local enterprises defray the cost of modernizing and upgrading their operations, including making them more energy efficient. It awards fixed interest rate loans (Maximum of $15 million) to local enterprises for factory upgrades and other operational improvements.
Status: In Force; Voluntary
Funding Information: Scheme is administered by SPRING Singapore and offered through 16 participating financial institutions, including DBS Bank Limited, The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Indian Bank, Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation Limited, United Overseas Bank Limited, Singapura Finance Limited, International Factors (Singapore) Limited, GE Commercial Financing (Singapore) Ltd
References: http://www.spring.gov.sg
Singapore: Local Enterprise Technical Assistance Scheme (LETAS)
This incentive is intended to help local enterprises defray the cost of modernizing and upgrading their operations, including making them more energy efficient. It allows them to employ external expertise for the process. They can get financial grants of up to 70% of the cost of the consultancy (S$40,000 MAX)
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
http://www.spring.gov.sg
Singapore: Mandatory Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel
From Dec 1, 2005, ultra-low sulfur diesel will be mandatory in order to prepare the country to adopt the Euro IV emission standards for diesel vehicles in October 2006.
Date Implemented: 2005
Status: Mandatory
References: National Environment Agency
http://app.nea.gov.sg/cms/htdocs/article.asp?pid=2553
Singapore: One-year accelerated depreciation allowance for energy efficient equipment and technology
This tax incentive scheme is provided under the Income Tax Act. The objective of the scheme is to encourage companies to replace old, energy-consuming equipment with more energy efficient ones and to invest in energy-saving equipment. Inefficient equipment not only incurs high operating costs as it consumes more energy but also has a negative impact on the environment as a result of higher emission of pollutants to the environment.
Status: In Force; Government Initiative
References: http://www.nccc.gov.sg/incentive/home.shtm
Singapore: Parks and Trees Act
This Act designates areas as national parks and nature reserves which are set aside and protected from any sort of commercial activity.
Date Implemented: 2005
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/
Singapore: Rapid Transit System Act
This Act outlines the framework for the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of rapid transit systems.
Date Implemented: 1995
Status: In Force; Framework Policy/Government Initiative
Milestones: As of the end of 1999, there were 3,000 buses and 83 kilometers of MRT lines. Combined they total 3 million trips per day. A new LRT system was opened in late 1999.. By 2005, another 65 kilometers of MRT/LRT lines will have been built.
References: National Communication to the UNFCCC
http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/
Singapore: Road Traffic Act
This Act sets out the regulations related to road traffic, and the use of vehicles in Singapore. It specifies that it is illegal to drive any vehicle that does not meet the minimum standards proscribed in this Act, and designates the categories of vehicles, and the taxes on them.
Date Implemented: 1961; revised 1970, 1985, 1994, 1997, 2004
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: http://statutes.agc.gov.sg/
http://sunsite.nus.edu.sg/apcel/dbase/singapore/reports.html#app1
Singapore: Vehicle quota system
This legislation limits car ownership in Singapore and thereby limits the number of cars allowed on the road. Ownership requires a certificate of entitlement (valid for 10 years) and the quota system is based on categories of vehicles differentiated by engine size.
Date Implemented: 1990
Status: In Force; Mandatory
References: A Case Study on Urban Transportation Development and Management in Singapore
Singapore: Weekend Car Scheme
Before the implementation of the Road Pricing Scheme, the government introduced the Weekend Car (WEC) Scheme to provide further incentive to reduce vehicle use. A WEC owner received rebates on the net ARF, and import duty and quota premium (up to a maximum of S$15,000), and paid only 30 per cent of the normal road tax. In return, he could only use his WEC during off-peak hours. Owners were given 5 special day licenses for urgent use during other hours (at $20/day) when they paid their annual road tax.
Date Implemented: 1991
Status: In Force; Voluntary
References: A Case Study on Urban Transportation Development and Management in Singapore