The public sector accelerates its efforts to shrink its carbon footprint and align with Singapore’s green goals.
Progress Towards Sustainability
SINGAPORE – The public sector reduced carbon emissions by 6.8% in 2023 compared to 2020, marking progress in Singapore’s journey toward environmental sustainability. This builds on the 5.3% reduction achieved in 2022.
The emissions data, detailed in the second GreenGov report released on 18 November 2024, revealed that government agencies emitted approximately 3.6 million tonnes of greenhouse gases during FY2023 (April 2023 to March 2024). The baseline year, 2020, was when emissions tracking began.
The Singapore Government aims for the public sector to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045—five years ahead of the national target.
Key Findings
The report highlights sustainability strategies and outcomes in energy, water, waste, and emissions:
Lower Carbon Emissions: The decrease in Scope 1 emissions, attributed to reduced waste-to-energy plant emissions, outweighed a slight rise in Scope 2 emissions, caused by expanded infrastructure in healthcare and transport.
Waste Management: The public sector disposed of 218.7 million kg of waste in FY2023, a 1.3% increase from FY2022, due to higher footfall post-pandemic. However, waste per occupant dropped by 9.1%, thanks to enhanced recycling and reduction efforts.
Energy Use: Electricity consumption rose by 1% from the pre-pandemic baseline due to new facilities, including the Thomson-East Coast Line and healthcare hubs.
Water Usage: Water consumption fell by 1.4% compared to the baseline, attributed to conservation efforts in utilities plants and public facilities.
Green Initiatives Underway
Launched under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, the Green Government initiative aims to reduce energy and water usage by 10% and cut waste disposal by 30% by 2030.
Transparency has also improved, with historical emissions data for several ministries included in the report. Melissa Low, a research fellow at the NUS Centre for Nature-based Climate Solutions, lauded these developments, noting that “transparency is a journey and there is always room for improvement.”
Collaborative Efforts for a Sustainable Future
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu emphasized the need for collective action:
“The public sector’s efforts alone are not enough. Everyone—corporates, community groups, and individuals—must contribute to building a sustainable Singapore for tomorrow.”
Singapore’s public sector remains steadfast in its commitment to environmental sustainability, driving innovation and partnerships to meet its ambitious net-zero target.
