MSE launches GreenGov.SG as key enabler of national sustainability agenda

29 July 2021

On 12 July 2021, Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, officially launched the public sector’s new sustainability movement, GreenGov.SG. GreenGov.SG is intended to be a key enabler of the national sustainability agenda set out in the Singapore Green Plan 2030 (“Green Plan”).

The Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (“MSE”), in the press release announcing the launch (“press release”), informs that, under GreenGov.SG, the public sector will strive to attain ambitious sustainability targets in carbon abatement and resource efficiency, and be a positive influence and enabler of green efforts. More details on the targets and measures are set out in Annex A to the press release.

This article explains the three pillars of GreenGov.SG.

Pillar 1: Excel with new and more ambitious targets

  • The public sector aims to peak its carbon emissions around 2025, ahead of the national target. Additionally, the public sector aims to reduce energy and water use by 10% from the average of 2018 - 2020 levels by 2030. It will also seek to reduce the amount of waste by 30% from 2022 levels within the same time frame. 
  • The public sector will set targets for buildings, information technology, transport, and solar deployment that are more ambitious than national targets. For instance, Annex A provides that all new and existing buildings, upon undergoing a major retrofit, are to achieve Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy standards or equivalent, where feasible. 
  • The goals above will apply to public sector infrastructure and operations, such as public transport infrastructure and healthcare facilities.

Pillar 2: Enable a sustainable economy and green citizenry, by embedding sustainability in Singapore’s core business 

  • Government agencies will be required to purchase products that meet high efficiency or sustainability standards. This will apply to electrical appliances, as well as water fittings, building materials for interior use, and electric vehicles. Further details are provided in Annex A. 
  • Companies’ sustainability-related policies and practices will be factored in when evaluating government tenders, starting with event venue and accommodation, and public waste collection contracts. The Government will work towards incorporating sustainability as a consideration in procurement decisions. 
  • Sustainability features will be incorporated at public spaces such as hawker centres and community clubs to raise public awareness. The Government will also educate the community on sustainability issues through the school curriculum as well as via community programmes.

Pillar 3: Excite public officers to contribute actively to sustainability in Singapore 

  • The public sector will conduct “sharing sessions” to promote the exchange of ideas, best practices, and the latest technological solutions, so as to inspire and support public officers in championing ground-up initiatives. 
  • Campaigns will also be organised by the Government to raise awareness of sustainability issues and encourage public officers to take simple steps to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

As Singapore embarks on GreenGov.SG, the public sector will look to private sector leaders in the sustainability space, for innovations, best practices, and partnerships.

Reference materials

The following materials are available on the MSE website www.mse.gov.sg: