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Green Plans in Action: Singapore: Measuring Success
Ambient Air Quality
Although heavily industrialized and densely populated, Singapore's ambient air quality is among the best in the world, comparing well with that of major cities around the world. The National Environmental Agency's (NEA) pollution control strategies have been effective; their Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) is within the 'Good' range of criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency for 320 days, or 88% of 2005, with 'Moderate' readings the remaining 12%. This is well within the target set by the Singapore Green Plan 2012 (More#1). Stringent controls on emissions through strict vigilance and monitoring stations throughout the island track concentrations of pollutants (More#2). To further protect future generations, a National Energy Efficiency Committee was set up in 2001 to promote efficient energy use by industry, homes, commercial buildings and vehicles.
Public Health Standards
As stated in the Singapore Green Plan 2012, "A country's sustainability does not depend only on what it has - it depends also on what it does not." Although its high population density is conducive to rapid spread of disease, many vector- and food-borne diseases commonly found in tropical countries are rare in Singapore. High public health standards are a result of vigilant monitoring, continual improvement of vector control methods, and educational promotion of cleanliness and good toilet behavior to increase community ownership of healthy hygiene. The World Health Organization declared Singapore malaria-free in 1982. Infant mortality rates (IMR) are a sign of a country's health care system, and Singapore's IMR has declined to 2.2/1000 births. Childhood diseases such as poliomyelitis and diptheria are non-existent. To ensure continued excellent public health standards, disease surveillance and response systems have been set up, laboratories upgraded to identify dangerous infectious diseases and viruses swiftly, and food is monitored to pre-empt international health problems from reaching Singapore.
Towards Zero Waste
Singapore's aim of zero waste in the long-term is supported by solid waste management strategies. The waste cycle in Singapore includes: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Incinerate. Singapore has made positive strides in controlling waste with disposed amounts dropping from 7,600 tons/day in 2000 to 7,000 tons/day in 2006, even as the population increased by 474,400. (More#1) Through national campaigns and initiatives, recycling rates rose from 40% to 49% between 2000 and 2005, with an aim to achieve 60% by 2012. (More#2) Incineration at one of four plants on the island disposes of 90.9% of the total waste; 57% of this waste is from residences, food centers and markets; the remaining 43% is from commercial and industrial enterprises. Non-incinerable waste and incineration ash are disposed of at Semakau Landfill, an offshore dumping ground. (More#3) Singapore is hoping to extend the current lifespan of Semakau Landfill from 40 years to 50 years through accelerating the greening of industry and the private sector. This can be accomplished by striving toward zero landfill and 'closing the loop' of waste by influencing producers to choose materials that minimize the waste volume and facilitate recycling.
Green Corridors
The National Parks Board has gradually created green corridors in various parts of Singapore, known as the Park Connector System. An island-wide network of park connectors is currently being implement. Singapore has recently embarked on a campaign to provide 245 ha (600 acres) of 'park connectors' by 2010Ñgreen corridors that will eventually connect every park and reserve on the island. The corridors will contain bike paths and hiking trails, affording residents more options for enjoying nature and getting around the city.
Congestion-Charging Schemes
Singapore is the first city in the world to adopt an electronic toll collection system. Electronic Road Pricing (ERP) is a toll collection scheme implemented by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) in 1998 to manage traffic congestion by road pricing. (More...) Although understandably unpopular among most road users, the ERP system has helped shift road usage patterns. The LTA reported road traffic decreased by nearly 25,000 vehicles during peak hours, with average road speeds increasing about 20%, and greater carpooling. However, traffic bottlenecks along smaller roads have increased. In addition, a downtown and rush hour Congestion-Charging System imposes a US $3-6 daily user fee on anyone driving in the downtown area, and channels the proceeds into an excellent transit system. The US $3 morning rush hour entry fee cut the number of cars entering the city by 44%, and solo trips by 60%, helping traffic move up to 20% faster.
Dengue Fever Epidemics
In Singapore, dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever (DF/DHF) are the main epidemics of diseases occuring almost yearly. Epidemics of dengue fever are reported more frequently and in an explosive manner as a result of increasing global mobility. (More#1) Mosquito surveillance and control is accorded priority because mosquito-borne diseases are the major vector-borne diseases in Singapore. Singapore's method of dealing with dengue is being held as an example for other countries to tackle the problem. Breeding grounds are destroyed immediately upon detection. (More#2) As a result, about 3,100 dengue cases were reported in Singapore in 2006, dropping significantly from 14,200 in 2005. The number of homes found to be breeding mosquitoes dropped to just 18 in every 10,000 homes in 2006, compared to 53 in 2005, the report said. The National Environment Agency (NEA) explained that the severity of an outbreak would depend on several factors. These include rising temperatures which is what Singapore is experiencing now. More mosquito larvae will develop faster in hot weather so the dengue virus will also multiply at a higher rate.
Investment Allowance Scheme
To encourage companies to invest in energy efficient equipment, Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB) administers an Investment Allowance (IA) Scheme that is a capital allowance on qualifying equipment costs, allowing a deduction against all chargeable income. The IA can be awarded if the capital expenditure results in more efficient energy utilization.
Energy Efficiency
As energy costs increase, Singapore is achieving greater efficiency in energy utilization, amidst high demands for utilities, such as air conditioning, through two specific schemes. The Energy Service Company (ESCO) Accreditation Scheme is a service that develops, installs and helps finance projects designed to improve energy efficiency and reduce maintenance costs for facilities. The Energy Efficiency Improvement Assistance Scheme (EASe) conducts energy appraisals for companies that cannot afford in-house energy management expertise. Under EASe, NEA co-funds up to 50% of the cost of energy appraisals for buildings and industrial facilities. (More...)
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