Climate Science Experts Network launched [News]

By Channel NewsAsia, 3 Feb 2012.

A new platform to engage local and overseas researchers on climate research has been launched. It is called the Climate Science Experts Network (CSEN).

The Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS) said the network will complement the work of its Centre for Climate Research Singapore (CCRS).

Director-General of the MSS, Wong Chin Ling, said together, both bodies can build up Singapore’s expertise in climate science and help national preparedness for climate change.

In his address to the inaugural meeting of the network, Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Water Resources, Desmond Kuek, spoke of the need to bridge science and policy more effectively.

He said the ideal situation is for all experts, whether in universities or government, to work together.

More than 20 researchers attended the meeting which was held this week at the CCRS based in Paya Lebar.

Source: Channel NewsAsia

More green roofs installed in buildings [News]

By Ng Puay Leng, Channel NewsAsia, 31 Jan 2012.

More commercial buildings are installing green roofs to help reduce the rainwater flowing into canals and drains.

According to companies that install green roofs, they have seen demand double in the last three years.

Green roofs help to collect excess rainwater during intense rainfalls.

The green structures also help to reduce temperatures within buildings and in heavily built-up areas.

Some buildings in Singapore already have such green roofs as part of their design.

This is an example of what Singapore’s water agency PUB has recommended to mitigate floods. Read more

Map outlines climate danger for Singapore [News]

By Jessica Cheam, The Straits Times, 31 Jan 2012.

A global average temperature rise of 4 degC could have a severe impact on Singapore, including flooding, coastal land loss and heat-related deaths.

That is according to a new map launched here yesterday by the Hadley Centre of the United Kingdom’s Met Office, one of the leading centres for climate prediction. The map shows the potential impact of climate change in South-east Asia.

Under the scenario, global average sea levels could rise by up to 80cm by the end of the century, translating to a local sea-level rise of about 65cm.

‘For a small country with a high population density and surrounded by sea, this could have implications for flooding, coastal land loss and salt water intrusion of groundwater aquifers,’ said the centre. Read more

Two local firms on list of “Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations” [News]

By Sim Ping Khuan, Channel NewsAsia, 27 Jan 2012.

Two Singapore-based companies have been recognised on the list of the “Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations” by Corporate Knights Inc., a Canadian research company focused on corporate sustainability.

Real estate developers City Developments and CapitaLand are ranked 62nd and 87th respectively.

The number one ranked company for 2012 is Danish drugmaker, Novo Nordisk.

The “Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations” list includes companies from 22 countries and encompasses all sectors of the economy.

The companies are assessed in their performance in managing environmental, corporate governance and social issues.

Source: Channel NewsAsia

Going green drive going strong [News]

By Uma Shankari, The Business Times, 26 Jan 2012.

Iconic building projects are important for any city as they showcase the city’s achievements and capabilities, said Tai Lee Siang, president of the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC).

‘For Singapore to stand out, it is important to have iconic green building projects as we scale the ranks to become a beacon of green and sustainable development in Asia,’ Mr Tai told BT.

‘They define the city’s values, convey its desired image and serve as inspiration for innovation among urban planners and even the community at large.’

Singapore has seen a number of iconic green projects come up of late – including the The Gardens by the Bay, which is aimed at providing Singaporeans with a verdant environment in which to live, work and play. Mr Tai said that The Gardens embody the principles of environmental sustainability. Among its key features are cooled conservatories which will house plants from the Mediterranean and Tropical Montane regions. Read more

Shangri-La stops selling shark’s fin [News]

By The Straits Times, 18 Jan 2012.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts yesterday announced that it was stopping the sale of shark’s fin at its 72 properties worldwide, with immediate effect.

The Hong Kong-based chain will also halt the sale of bluefin tuna and Chilean sea bass by the end of the year. But banquet bookings made before yesterday will be honoured, it said.

The announcement came two weeks after FairPrice and Carrefour supermarket chains said they would halt the sale of shark’s fin, joining Cold Storage, which stopped the practice last September.

Among hotels, the Fairmont Singapore was one of the first to stop serving shark’s fin completely. It has also removed Chilean sea bass and bluefin tuna – which are also overfished – from its menu. Read more

NUS running electric vehicle trial [News]

By Royston Sim, The Straits Times, 14 Jan 2012.

The National University of Singapore will launch a trial this year to study whether one-seater electric vehicles can enhance travel around its campuses.

Participants will use the Toyota COMS – a single-seater micro electric vehicle (EV) resembling a golf buggy – to shuttle between the NUS Kent Ridge campus and University Town (NUS UTown).

The year-long study will test the viability of using such vehicles to provide ‘personal mobility on demand’ at NUS.

The trial is led by Professor Chua Kee Chaing, who said it is likely to start by April with a fleet of 10 vehicles – provided free by trial partner Toyota Tsusho (Singapore). Read more

15 more maritime firms to go green [News]

By Lynn Kan, The Business Times, 13 Jan 2012.

A new crop of 15 major maritime sector companies yesterday signalled their commitment to clean and green shipping practices under the Singapore Green Pledge initiative.

The newest signatories are mainly classification societies such as Germanischer Lloyd and American Bureau of Shipping; and shipping lines such as NYK Bulkship and ST Shipping & Transport.

They take the total number of Singapore Green Pledge signatories up to 27.

The new participants put pen to paper just before the Singapore Maritime Foundation’s New Year cocktail began.

The Green Pledge is a voluntary scheme started by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) in April 2011 for offshore and marine companies to signal their commitment to the environment in their business operations. Read more

Investors address climate change risks [News]

By Lesley Teoh, The Business Times, 13 Jan 2012.

Institutional investors are increasingly aware of the investment risks and opportunities afforded by climate change, a Mercer survey has found.

More than 50 per cent of respondents to the survey decided to include climate change considerations in their future risk management and strategic asset allocation processes.

This reflects the growing awareness of investors of the threats posed by global warming to their assets, and is of particular importance given the lack of global consensus on climate change issues, which has stalled the implementation of a new climate policy.

‘A new binding (climate change) agreement is not expected to be in place until 2020,’ said Mercer’s Asia- Pacific head of responsible investment Helga Birgden. ‘For its part, Mercer will continue to offer forward- looking, strategic advice and solutions to help our clients address long-term risks and opportunities associated with climate change.’ Read more

Cheap and quick green roofs [News]

By Jessica Cheam, The Straits Times, 13 Jan 2012.

Rooftop rain gardens are relatively inexpensive and can hold large amounts of water. And if the authorities accept a recommendation by an expert panel on floods to mandate that all buildings have these green roofs, they can be quick to install, too.

The 12-man panel, tasked by the Government to look into solving Singapore’s flooding woes in the long run, has recommended that building owners be required by law to build green roofs. These rooftop gardens, traditionally installed to beautify the skyline and reduce the heat around a building, can help absorb rainwater and reduce the speed of water flow.

Local contractors The Straits Times interviewed yesterday said these gardens would cost from $20,000 to $180,000, depending on their size. Read more

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