Have you heard of net zero? Do you know what it means?
According to the United Nations, net zero means, “cutting greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible”.
If you think that net zero is just a lofty resolution that we can procrastinate on, think again. The world needs to reach net zero by 2050 if we want to avert the worst impacts of climate change and preserve a liveable planet. That is less than three decades away!
Our planet is now about 1.1°C warmer than it was in the late 1800s. According to the Paris Agreement, global warming cannot be more than 1.5°C, hence we need to reduce emissions by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050.
Singapore’s commitment to net zero
A growing number of countries, cities, businesses, education and financial institutions are making their pledge towards achieving net-zero emissions. China, the United States, and the European Union are amongst the world’s biggest polluters. They have joined over 70 countries worldwide towards the net-zero target.
Though only a small nation, Singapore has been working resolutely towards making our contributions count in order to achieve net zero by 2050. Let’s take a look at some of the efforts we’ve put in so far.
1. Power sector
According to a Straits Times report on 22 March 2022, the power sector, which currently accounts for roughly 40% of the nation’s total greenhouse gas emissions inventory, can realistically bring this down to net zero by 2050.
The sector will employ strategies like importing more clean energy through regional power grids, developing infrastructure suitable for clean-burning hydrogen to be used as a fuel, and maximising solar panel deployment.
The iconic Supertrees in Gardens by the Bay are fine examples of renewable energy management
2. Industrial sector
Singapore’s industrial sector, particularly refineries and petrochemical plants, accounts for 45% of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
According to another Straits Times report, the Singapore government is urging this sector to cut its emissions by adopting energy-efficient technologies.
The industrial sector is a heavy polluter in Singapore
3. Transport sector
Singapore’s transport sector accounts for about 14% of the island’s total carbon emissions. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) commits to greening Singapore’s public transport by electrifying half of its bus fleet by 2030 and achieving a 100% cleaner energy bus fleet by 2040.
As for taxis, at least half of the total taxi fleet will go electric by 2030. LTA is also spearheading the drive to promote wider electric vehicle (EV) adoption among the population.
More electric buses in the pipeline
4. Building sector
Singapore’s biggest residential homes builder, HDB is the largest driver for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Singapore today.
Through its SolarNova programme, HDB aims to bring solar energy to over 8,000 housing blocks and government sites. Its 2030 target of 540 MWp could potentially generate 648 GWh of solar energy annually. This is enough to power the equivalent of 135,000 4-room HDB flats.
HDB plans to increase solar capacity to power more blocks of flats
What you can do
But it is not enough to just leave the heavy lifting to the government and businesses. Climate change is a global emergency. It requires the effort of every single human being on this planet.
We as a species have to do this if we (and our future generations) want to continue inhabiting this planet. According to the United Nations, we are currently not on track towards our 2050 net-zero goal. So, here’s what you can do to save our planet.
1. Save electricity
Electricity and heat contributed as much as 15 billion tons of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide in 2016. We have to reduce our reliance on fossil fuel and rely more on low-carbon energy providers such as wind and solar energy.
If your developer has yet to install solar panels to your property, you can play your part in combating climate change by being mindful of your electricity consumption by following these simple steps.
- Do not leave lights and other electrical appliances on unnecessarily
- Adjust the temperature of your air-conditioner to around 23 – 25°C for better cooling comfort and higher energy saving; do not leave it lower than necessary
- Whenever possible, choose to use the fan or open the windows instead of using the air-con
- Buy energy-efficient appliances
2. Use public transport or cycle
Singapore boasts one of the world’s most efficient transportation systems. Private vehicles here are more of a luxury than an absolute necessity.
Cycle for leisure, to work or even to run errands
As far as possible, choose to use public transport. Opt for a weekend car. If it’s possible, choose to car-pool or work from home. If you must drive every day, how about using an electric vehicle? Cycle if you’re going somewhere nearby. It’s not only environmentally friendly; it’s good for your health too.
3. Reduce waste
We’ve all heard of the 3R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle). The more waste we throw out, the more harm we’re doing to the environment.
If you’re a shopaholic, consider how you can reduce your spending, reuse what you have, and recycle what you don’t want anymore. Buy only what is necessary and certainly not for retail therapy! You can look fashionable without being a clothes horse. If you’re a woman, there are only that many handbags and pairs of shoes you absolutely must have.
Now you don’t need to be like Carrie Bradshaw, do you?
Singapore is a food paradise, but eat mindfully. At buffets, do not pile the food onto your plate only to throw it away later. Eat more vegetables than meat, because raising livestock for food produces large amounts of methane (a heat-trapping gas). Animal agriculture is also the cause of deforestation.
Buy in bulk and support businesses that don’t go over the top with packaging.
4. Travel less
This tip is not going to go down well with globetrotting Singaporeans. After all, there are still many more boxes to tick on that bucket list, yes?
Okay, if you must travel by plane for pleasure, how about following these tips:
- Strike a balance between nearby destinations and faraway places for your holidays
- Choose non-stop flights because a lot of fuel is burnt during takeoff and landing
- Instead of taking domestic flights, how about travelling by other modes of transport e.g. by train?
- If it’s not necessary to fly all the way to say “hi” to a family member or friend, how about connecting with them online?
Explore your own backyard… a trip to Sentosa can be just as fun!
As a parting word, remember: climate change is a global emergency. There may be many of us working towards the 2050 net-zero goal, but sadly, we are still not on target. We need to work harder if we want to avert a global climate crisis.
In this article, we’ve explained what net zero means and what we can do to achieve this. If you want to know more about buildings with energy-saving installations, schedule a visit with us or book a free consultation with our trusted and renowned representatives.
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