Energy efficiency is the first step toward achieving sustainability in buildings and it is still the best way to both cut energy use and greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions at the same time. Singapore has committed to reduction in carbon emissions by 7% – 11% by 2020, compared to the current level. The efforts to achieve that goal is reflected through energy efficiency that this city-state undergoes across different sectors.

The Manufacturing Sector

The National Environment Agency in Singapore has been driving energy efficiency practices through their Energy Conservation Act (ACT), which mandates all energy-intensive companies in the industry sector to implement energy management practices.

As of now, there are 168 companies that are complying with the ECA as energy-intensive facilities – this number accounts for more than 80% of the total energy used in the country. In terms of support, Sustainable Development Capital Limited (SDCL) Asia has been assigned by Singapore Economic Development Board to run the SGD 200 million investment programme in energy efficiency upgrades in the manufacturing sector.

The Buildings sector

Singapore Building and Construction Authority (BCA) along with Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) have been driving energy efficiency practices in building segment through the Green Mark incentivization and certification. 

Singapore’s master plan includes its ambition to achieve transform 80% of all building stock into green buildings by 2030. As of today, almost 2,500 buildings in the country are already Green Mark-certified.

Anh Tuan