How to integrate green development into our bloodline?, "Garden City" Singapore Green Development | Singapore

Being in Singapore makes it easy to be surrounded by greenery. Whether it's the vast green spaces and parks that can be seen everywhere, the lush trees on the streets, or the "sky gardens" on the rooftops and middle terraces of buildings, it's almost forgotten that this is one of the countries with the highest population density in the world. In fact, Singapore's "green" is not only limited to its appearance, but also integrated into its bloodline. How does Singapore promote national sustainable development and create a greener "garden city" in order to achieve net zero emissions before 2050? Recently, along with a delegation of Chinese journalists, reporters went to Singapore to explore the situation.

How can green buildings achieve net zero emissions?

Walking through the streets and alleys of Singapore, vibrant "green" is everywhere, but entering the office building of DBS Bank in the Newton area of Singapore, one can better experience the "green" inside the building.

The Singapore DBS Bank office building with zero net emissions, as shown in the picture, is a four story, 30-year-old building that originally consumed nearly 845000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. After renovation, the power consumption of the building has been reduced by 70%. In order to meet the remaining energy needs of the building, double-sided solar panels are also installed on the roof to the maximum extent possible, providing the necessary electricity for the building, in order to achieve net zero emissions.

How to achieve net zero emissions in a building that can accommodate 400 employees? Following Prescott Gallard, Director of Sustainability, Corporate Real Estate Strategy and Management at DBS Bank, the reporter saw the ubiquitous concept of green energy conservation.

Firstly, it is important to minimize energy consumption and maximize the building's ability to generate renewable energy. To this end, 10% of the space in the building has been transformed into naturally ventilated rooms without air conditioning, more energy-efficient air cooling systems have been installed, and induction air conditioning and lighting systems have been used in the meeting rooms.

Secondly, it is advisable to make the most of the energy and materials in nature, such as using ambient temperature to heat water in drinking fountains, and using solar panels on rooftops to generate electricity. The unique "bamboo wall" design of the office building is not only for aesthetics, but also to help with ventilation and cooling, with better results than chemical coatings. The plants planted on the exterior walls can also provide shelter for some endangered butterflies and birds in the local area.

The renovation project of this net zero emission building started in 2021, with some of the renovation costs provided by the Singapore Construction Authority, which is under the Ministry of National Development of Singapore, to support green building innovation.

"In Singapore, 20% of carbon emissions come from buildings, so making buildings greener will make a greater contribution to achieving zero carbon emissions," said Lee Chi sheng, Minister of National Development of Singapore.

Singapore's lush green architecture, photographed by Qiu Wenhan

It is reported that in order to reduce carbon emissions from buildings, the Singapore Construction Authority has launched the "Green Building Master Blueprint", setting the goal of making at least 80% of Singapore's buildings green by 2030. The blueprint encourages government departments, enterprises, developers, and the public to each fulfill their respective responsibilities. Some companies have played an important role in this, such as DBS Bank in Singapore, which even exceeded its emission reduction targets after receiving government incentives.

How does Singapore handle garbage?

Leaving the lush green island of Singapore by boat, Shimagou Island, about eight kilometers south, is also thriving. Although Shimagao Island is a landfill site, it is different from the imagined dirt and chaos. Not only can there be no odor on the island, but it also grows lush mangrove forests, where seabirds and fish thrive.

With population growth, how to properly handle household waste is also a major challenge facing Singapore. In 1995, Singapore began the construction of a landfill on Singapore Island, covering an area of 350 hectares. Every day, the incoming landfill material will be dumped into the pre sealed water area. The embankments built around the island are covered with impermeable membranes and marine clay to prevent harmful substances from infiltrating into the sea.

Singapore Shima Takao Island landfill, photo taken by Qiu Wenhan

Based on the principle of "reduction, recycling, and reuse" in Singapore's garbage disposal, only about 10% of all garbage comes to Singapore's Singapore Island.

According to the National Environment Agency of Singapore, Singapore will generate approximately 20000 tons of waste per day in 2022, of which approximately 41% will be sent to waste incineration plants for incineration. During the incineration process, not only does the volume of solid waste decrease, but thermal energy can also generate electricity. Finally, only the ashes and other non incinerable waste generated by incineration will be sent to Shimagao Island for landfill. Overall, Singapore's daily garbage recycling rate reaches 57%.

However, at the current rate, it is expected that Shimagao Island will still be filled by 2035. How to extend this deadline? The Singapore government is working hard to stimulate the enthusiasm of the people and businesses to reduce waste from the source.

Singapore's Minister of Sustainable Development and Environment, Fu Haiyan, told reporters that after the government formulates green policy guidelines and takes a leading role, it still needs the cooperation of the public and enterprises. "Without public participation, it is impossible to achieve the goals.".

Taking garbage classification as an example, in order to achieve the goals of reducing landfill volume by 20% and 30% by 2026 and 2030, the Singapore government is implementing plastic restriction measures such as shopping bag fees. On the other hand, it is also promoting sustainable concepts and encouraging citizens to change their living habits and become green citizens who reduce waste. The Singapore government also urges manufacturers to take responsibility for waste recycling. Currently, electrical companies are required to be responsible for the recycling of electronic waste, and in the future, beverage can companies will also be required to follow up.

China Singapore cooperation promotes sustainable development

In fact, whether advocating for sustainable living or improving energy efficiency and adopting green energy solutions, they are all emphasized as key points in Singapore's 2030 Green Development Blueprint.

This blueprint was developed by the Singapore Ministry of National Development, Ministry of Sustainable Development and Environment, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ministry of Transport, and Ministry of Education. It mainly includes five pillars: building cities in nature, building a resilient future, energy reset, green economy, and sustainable living.

From the introduction of various policies by the government, conveying clear signals, setting precise plans and goals for various industries, to promoting cooperation between the public and enterprises to achieve goals, Singapore's series of layered and flexible development plans are promoting a nationwide sustainable development movement, creating green and livable homes for Singaporeans, developing a green economy, and even enhancing national competitiveness.

Currently, not only Singapore, sustainable development has become a top priority for countries around the world, and international cooperation is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals globally. China and Singapore have already cooperated in common areas to jointly address global challenges such as climate change.

In recent years, the two countries have been promoting cooperation in areas such as green energy and green finance. Both sides have also developed cities with energy efficiency and climate resilience through multiple government cooperation pilot projects such as the China Singapore Tianjin Ecological City, which will also help China achieve its "dual carbon" goals.

Li Zhisheng also pointed out that Singapore was one of the earliest supporters of the the Belt and Road Initiative. In the future, there will be more opportunities and opportunities in the green "the Belt and Road". The cooperation projects between China and Singapore are replicable and promotable, and will also bring more green solutions to the "the Belt and Road".