|
Green Plans in Action: Singapore: Measuring Success: Background
Ambient Air Quality
#1
The Singapore Green Plan 2012 has set a target for ambient air PSI readings to be in the 'Good' range for 85% of the year and the remaining days to be in the 'Moderate' range.
#2
Concentrations of five pollutants under strict monitoring control include:
- sulphur dioxide - exposures of high levels can impair respiratory functions, aggravate bronchitis and decrease the ability of our lungs to clear foreign particles. Industries and power plants are the key emitters of sulphur dioxide in Singapore.
- carbon monoxide - are low in Singapore and have remained stable
- nitrogen dioxide and ozone levels - are low in Singapore and have remained reasonably stable over the years.
- Lead - a common pollutant in some cities but no longer an issue in Singapore since leaded petrol was completely phased out by 1998. Today, only a negligible amount of lead is released by industries.
- PM10 - (Particulate Matter of 10 microns in size=1/5 the thickness of human hair) they are readily suspended in the air and easily breathed in capable of causing respiratory symptoms, decreased lung functions, asthma, and premature death. In Singapore, the main sources of PM10 are exhaust fumes from motor vehicles, power generation plants, industrial processes and transboundary pollution. With the exception of Smoke Haze Events in 1994 and 1997, the average levels of PM10 in Singapore have remained stable and below US EPA standards.
Towards Zero Waste
#1
A key thrust is the vital move upstream to reduce waste generation at its source. The National Environment Agency (NEA) is working with industry partners and associations to promote reduction of packaging waste, and waste from food factories and industrial estates. The NEA is considering the introduction of a voluntary scheme for producers and retailers so that excess packaging material, such as multiple layers of plastic wrapping, will be minimized.
#2
Through campaigns such as Recycling Day, and Clean and Green Week, people's awareness about recycling is growing, and by December 2005, 56% of all Singapore households had taken part in the National Recycling Programme initiated in 2001. The National Environmental Agency (NEA) works closely with NGOs like the Singapore Environment Council (SEC), and with industry associations such as Waste Management and Recycling Association of Singapore to bring partners and sponsors on board. In addition, the NEA set up initiatives like the $20 million Innovation for Environmental Sustainability (IES) scheme to fund the testing of technologies with commercial value. For example, technology was developed to recycle wood waste into recycled pallets and corner boards with IES funding. Another company introduced a One Stop Plastic Recycling Operation to buy back post-consumer plastic wastes, winning the Enterprise 50 Awards in 2005 for recognition of innovation and enterprise.
#3
Semaku Landfill
About 8km from mainland Singapore, Semaku Landfill has a capacity of 63 million cubic meters, and was created by enclosing the mangrove-clad island of Pulau Semakau and a small adjacent island with a rock-armored sand bund. The bund is lined with a thick plastic industrial membrane and layer of marine clay to prevent refuse from causing leaching into the sea. During construction, environmental and conservation measures were taken to preserve existing mangroves while growing new ones to replace those affected by development. The air is fresh and wildlife is thriving; biodiversity surveys have revealed a rich variety of flora and fauna on the island. There are educational trips to the landfill, and the public can book fishing trips through the Sport Fishing Association of Singapore, or join Nature Society Singapore's bird watching sessions.
Congestion-Charging Schemes
The Electronic Road Pricing scheme consists of ERP gantries located at all roads linking into Singapore's central business district - areas within the Central Area such as the Downtown Core. They may also be located along the expressways and arterial roads with heavy traffic to discourage usage during peak hours. A device known as an In-vehicle Unit (IU) is affixed on the lower Right-Hand corner of the front windscreen within sight of the driver, in which a stored-value card, the CashCard, is inserted for payment of the road usage charges. It is mandatory for all Singaporean vehicles to be fitted with an IU if they wish to use the priced roads. Foreigners driving foreign-registered cars on priced roads, during the ERP operating hours, could choose to either rent an IU or pay a daily flat fee of S$5. Sensors installed on the gantries communicate with the IU via a dedicated short-range communication system, and the deducted amount is displayed to the driver on an LCD screen of the IU. The deducted amount is dependent on the time and location, and no ERP charge is imposed during off-peak hours.
Dengue Fever Epidemics
#1
Dengue is an ecological disease which is an integral part of urbanization because of an increase in the breeding habitats of the vector. Dramatic increases in the mobility of people facilitated by rapid transport is increasing the risk of spreading the disease. The mosquito that spreads dengue fever, Aedes aegypti, is a domesticated species that breeds in man-made containers and waste where water accumulates. Dengue is primarily a man-made health problem and prevention of dengue is the key to effective control.
#2
Potential breeding grounds are also removed to remove possible future breeding places. In areas where adult mosquitoes are detected, or where recent cases of DF/DHF have occurred, thermal fogging is applied. Augmenting the operation of physical destruction of mosquitoes is the use of legislation. Under the law, any persons found breeding mosquitoes can be prosecuted in Singapore. The member countries of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in the Asia-Pacific Region are committed to stepping up control efforts to reverse the rising trend of dengue and minimize its adverse health, economic and social impact. To discuss partnerships for dengue prevention and control across Asia and the Pacific, a meeting of core group members, organized by WHO and the Government of Singapore, took place in February 2007 in Singapore.
Energy Efficiency
For each dollar spent on an energy audit, $5-10 is recovered in annual savings in energy costs. Energy efficiency investments have been identified to have an average payback period of less than 3 years.
|
