Introduction

Having energy efficient buildings is in the Government’s long-term interest as it not only reduces carbon dioxide emissions, but also reduces expenditure on energy.  The Public Sector will take a leadership role by improving the energy efficiency in its buildings.

Beyond improving building energy performance, all agencies are also encouraged to adopt environmentally sustainable procurement and practices that are cost beneficial in their offices, e.g. participate in the Eco-Office rating framework developed by the Singapore Environment Council (SEC), take into account fuel efficiency when procuring vehicles.

Through this initiative, the Public Sector aims to demonstrate the associated environmental and economic benefits and set an example for the private sector.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) was one of the earliest organisations to obtain the Project: Eco-Office certification. The Environment Building along Scotts Road had also received the ASEAN Energy Award in 2007 for energy efficient design. The building houses the NEA, Public Utilities Board and the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.

Conducting Energy Appraisals

Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, announced in 2007 that all large air-conditioned Government office buildings, as well as polytechnics and ITEs, with air-conditioned area greater than 15,000m² would engage accredited ESCOs to carry out energy appraisals to improve their energy efficiency by March 2010.

As of end 2007, 8 public sector buildings have completed energy audits and implemented energy saving recommendations such as optimisation of air-conditioning and ventilation systems or improved lighting efficiency, reaping $2.6m in total annual savings.  Another 9 buildings have also completed their energy audits, with another $1.2m in total annual savings to be reaped if these buildings adopted all the identified measures.  Read more in success stories.

Agencies are encouraged to finance and implement their energy efficiency improvements through performance contracting.