Sembcorp opens its first biomass steam production plant [News]

By Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia, 24 Apr 2012.

Sembcorp Industries opened its first biomass steam production plant on Tuesday.

The company said it would use waste wood, as well as industrial and commercial waste, to produce steam for industries on Jurong Island.

Sembcorp’s solid waste collection business has been sending its wood waste to fuel this S$34 million woodchip steam production plant.

The company plans to add a second boiler, which will up the plant’s capacity to 60 tonnes of steam per hour in the second half of 2013.

Plans are also in the pipeline to build two new boilers — this time using industrial and commercial waste instead of woodchips.

These two boilers will add a further 140 tonnes of steam per hour. Read more

Green Marine Innovation Centre set up to support maritime R&D [News]

By Channel NewsAsia, 23 Apr 2012.

A Green Marine Innovation Centre (GMIC) will be set up to support the research and development of clean energy technologies with maritime applications.

The initiative will be driven by BW Ventures (BWV), the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) and the Singapore Maritime Institute (SMI).

The three organisations will work together to promote sustainable maritime-related research and development in Singapore, under a Maritime Environment and Clean Energy (MECE) Memorandum of Understanding signed on Monday. Read more

Recycling has its rewards [News]

By Amanda Lee, Today, 23 Apr 2012.

More recyclable material has been collected from Housing and Development Board (HDB) flats and landed properties, according to the country’s first online recycling rewards programme.

The programme, called Grow your Recycling Incentives Now, was launched in June in landed properties in Tanjong Pagar Group Representation Constituency (GRC) and parts of Jalan Besar GRC by Veolia Environmental Services.

The programme was rolled out a month later in HDB estates in Tampines, Pasir Ris and Changi Simei, as well as in landed properties in Pasir Ris and Changi Simei.

Residents can earn redemption points for every kilogram of recyclable material collected, which can be used to redeem for retail privileges or be donated to support charitable causes.

According to Veolia Environmental Services, the amount of recyclable material collected from the HDB flats grew by over four times, from 90 tonnes in July to 365 tonnes in January. Read more

Supermarts may start charging for plastic bags [News]

By Lee Jia Xin, The Straits Times, 23 Apr 2012.

Shoppers may need to pay for plastic bags in the future, if a proposal being studied is adopted.

The Singapore Environment Council (SEC) is studying ways to cut down on the excessive use of plastic bags here.

One of the options being considered is for supermarkets to start charging for plastic bags daily or on alternate days, The Straits Times has learnt.

The proposal involves provision shops too, and may also include food outlets and hawker stalls.

The study, which began this month, is expected to be concluded by June.

The findings are expected to be used to formulate a White Paper on the use of plastic bags in Singapore. Read more

38 blocks in Jurong East to undergo HDB’s sustainable upgrading programme [News]

By Monica Kotwani, Channel NewsAsia, 21 Apr 2012.

Some 3,200 flats in Jurong East will be going green in a makeover that aims to introduce eco-friendly features into the estate.

The Housing & Development Board (HDB) said the pilot project under its Greenprint programme will help to slash energy usage in common areas by some 30 per cent.

It is a much needed face-lift for the Jurong East Street 21 neighbourhood, using sustainable and environmentally-friendly solutions.

Under HDB’s Greenprint programme, 38 blocks of flats will be the first existing HDB neighbourhood to try out several green initiatives. The project is a key initiative under HDB’s “Roadmap to Better Living”, introduced late last year. Read more

Posh for a cause [News]

By May Yip, The Business Times, 21 Apr 2012.

The one question posed to every celebrity on the red carpet has always been – you’ve guessed it – “Who are you wearing?” But these days, entertainment reporters should be swapping the interrogative pronoun to “what”. That’s because red carpet style is slowly going green, and we’re not just talking about the season’s penchant for emerald hues.

Thanks to Livia Firth, eco-campaigner and wife of the Oscar-winning Colin Firth, celebrities have been sporting strange but sustainable materials on the glitziest red carpets. Mrs Firth launched a Green Carpet Challenge in 2009 to encourage designers to create one-off red carpet looks for her celeb friends. She herself wore, not miles of gossamer-light tulle or – heaven forbid – fur to this year’s Golden Globes, but an Armani gown made from recycled plastic bottles. Read more

App Solutions For The Environment [Press Releases]

Singapore, 20 April 2012 – Members of the public will now be able to better monitor their energy consumption and adjust their usage to save energy and money. The National Environment Agency (NEA) has developed two new mobile applications (apps) – “NEA Energy Audit” and “Life Cycle Cost Calculator” – to help the public track energy consumption and calculate the overall energy costs over an appliance’s lifespan. In addition, an Android version of NEA’s popular “myENV” has also been released.

These new apps were launched at today’s Youth for the Environment Day at Dunman High School, graced by Guest of Honour – Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources.

These efforts aim to use technology to enhance NEA’s public outreach by sharing environmental information on mobile and social media platforms. By leveraging technology to keep the public informed, they can be empowered to practise good environmental habits. For instance, the new energy efficiency apps will help people save on energy consumption and money. Members of the public can also contribute positively to the environment by reducing energy usage, thereby helping to mitigate climate change. Read more

Singapore takes the lead for global cities to find new integrated solutions [Press Releases]

Singapore, 20 April 2012: Singapore is taking the lead in encouraging cities to find new integrated solutions in resolving pressing urbanisation challenges around the world. For the first time, the World Cities Summit, the Singapore International Water Week and the inaugural CleanEnviro Summit Singapore will be held together from 1 to 5 July 2012. Beyond covering the latest urbanisation challenges and solutions, this expanded platform will see more in-depth discussions on water and waste management strategies and technologies as well.

The three events will offer world leaders a unique opportunity to discuss and chart new directions and solutions for more liveable and sustainable cities of the future. Some 15,000 high-level delegates are expected to attend, with prominent Mayors, government and industry leaders speaking on wide-ranging topics like investing in cities, smart cities of the future, water planning for sustainable and liveable cities, and urbanisation trends and challenges in the next 20 years. Cutting-edge technologies and best practice models will be showcased on water, waste, urban planning, with integrated solutions perspectives. New business partnerships may be formed with the three events enabling government officials and industry solution providers to discuss financing models and new business ventures. Read more

Are corporates in Asia ready for the green economy? [News]

By Rachel Kelly, Channel NewsAsia, 19 April 2012.

McDonald’s may not be the usual brand that would be associated with sustainability. But this week, it is celebrating 90 groundbreaking advancements in environmental practices around the world.

Online giants Facebook, Google and Yahoo! have also received merit from Greenpeace for their sustainability efforts in a report released this week called “How clean is your cloud?”

Businesses around the world are adapting the way they operate to include product sustainability. But the question is, are corporates in Asia ready for the green economy?

A so-called “green building” can save 10 per cent in operating expenses, 17 per cent in energy consumption, and the capital value of commercial buildings could increase by about two per cent from such sustainable initiatives – cost savings which appear to make business sense. Read more

The French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore engages its member companies to join hands for a more sustainable economy [Press Releases]

Singapore – 16 April 2012: 32 French and Singapore companies (annex A) came together to commit their businesses to sustainability practices by signing a “Sustainability Charter” on 13 April 2012.

This Charter initiated by the Sustainability Committee of the French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore (FCCS) is a commitment at local level to promote sustainability, share with other organisations and undertake projects in Singapore and in the region.

On 13 April, a panel of experts presented their views on “Engaging together for Sustainability: Green, inclusive and responsible economy”. More than 150 people participated to the launch event that gathered companies, entrepreneurs, representatives of government and NGOs. This forum aimed at presenting pathways of collaboration among business partners for a sustainable and responsible value chain and highlighting multi-stakeholders strategic partnerships in Asia towards green economy. Read more

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