Singapore News: IMFC calls for more attention on structural reforms (11 April 2014)

IMFC calls for more attention on structural reforms

As the global economic recovery turns the corner but remains fragile, policymakers should pay more attention to structural reforms that will strengthen confidence and enhance growth capacity, top world finance officials said here on Saturday.

Progress is needed for "new balance" of policies for the "new phase" of global recovery, which means greater focus on the medium term than the short run, and much greater focus on structural reforms, said Singapore Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, also chairman of the International Monetary Fund (IMF)'s policy setting committee.

Finance ministers and central bankers attending the Spring Meetings of the IMF and the World Bank "spent a lot of time discussing structural reforms" during the past two days, Tharman said at a news conference following the meeting of the International Monetary and Financial Committee (IMFC).

He noted there are concerns among the world finance officials not only about legacy of the last financial crisis, but about new financial risks, such as rapid rise in corporate leverage which is not matched by growth and investment, and continued volatility in capital flows in emerging market economies.

Tharman also emphasized the importance of the IMF quota and governance reforms, which was stalled as the U.S. Congress failed to pass necessary legislation.

In a communique following the meeting, the 24-member committee voiced deep disappointment at the continued delay in progressing the IMF quota and governance reforms agreed to in 2010, urging the United States to ratify it by the end of this year.

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde, who was also present at the news conference, said the IMF is encouraged to see that the European Central Bank has appropriate tools which can be used in due course to deal with persistent low inflation.

In response to a question of geopolitical risks, Lagarde said the Fund was engaged with Ukrainian authorities immediately upon request for assistance and has reached staff-level agreement with the country on necessary measures and financing needs.

She said Ukraine has to fulfill "prior actions" before a bailout program can be presented to the IMF board of governors for approval, hopefully by the end of April.

The IMFC usually meets twice a year, in September or October at the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings and in March or April at the Spring Meetings. The Committee discusses matters of concern affecting the global economy and also advises the IMF on the direction of its work. Endi

source from: http://www.china.org.cn/world/Off_the_Wire/2014-04/13/content_32078796.htm

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Singapore News: Singapore's air quality worsens (7 March 2014)

Singapore's air quality worsens

Singapore's air quality worsened Friday, with the Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) crossing into the moderate range. The three-hour PSI reading was 54 at 6 p.m. and 64 at 7 p.m.

Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA) said the hazy conditions experienced since late Friday afternoon could be due to hot spots to the north of Singapore, adding that a total of four hot spots were detected in Peninsular Malaysia while 35 hot spots were spotted in Sumatra.

It said the hazy conditions are expected to persist overnight.

On Thursday, NEA said that an expected change in the monsoons in the later part of this month may pose some risk of transboundary haze.

The agency said in a statement that with the expected transition from the Northeast Monsoon to the inter-monsoon period, winds in the region will turn light and variable in direction, and will pose "some risk" of transboundary haze should hot spots in Sumatra persist and the prevailing winds in our region temporarily turn westerly.

NEA added that prolonged dry weather affecting parts of the region has resulted in an escalation of hot spot activities, although the hot spot count has been low due to cloud cover and partial satellite coverage.

source from: http://www.china.org.cn/environment/2014-03/07/content_31715375.htm

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Singapore News: Oil Spillage Clean-up Operations (7 Feb 2014)

News Releases

Oil Spillage Clean-up Operations – Final Update

JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN MPA, SDC AND NEA

Singapore, 7 February 2014 - Following the collision between chemical tanker, "Lime Galaxy" and containership, "Feihe", on 29 January and collision between containership, "NYK Themis" and barge "AZ Fuzhou", on 30 January 2014, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has worked with its partners from various agencies and the industry to contain and clean up the bunker fuel oil spilled.

Containership “Feihe” spilled about 280 metric tonnes (mt) of fuel oil, while containership “NYK Themis” spilled about 400mt of fuel oil as a result of the collisions.

As of 7 February 2014, a total of 40 craft, two skimmers, two harbour busters, more than 1000 metres of containment boom and more than 400 personnel were deployed by MPA and oil spill response companies as part of the containment and clean-up efforts at sea.

Since 3 February 2014, no oil patches have been reported in our waters. MPA will continue to monitor our waters closely and carry out any necessary clean up.

Sentosa Development Corporation is completing clean-up works on the beaches of Kusu and St John’s Islands and co-operating with the National Environment Agency (NEA) to ensure the surrounding waters are free from oil pollution. The islands remain open, but the public are advised to keep away from the areas on the beaches affected by the oil spill. Signage are located on the beaches to inform and guide the public. NEA will continue to monitor these beaches and will inform the public when the currently closed parts of these beaches are re-opened.

NEA is also working closely with the National Parks Board and the Singapore Land Authority on the clean-up efforts at Pulau Semakau and will provide more updates when the operations are completed.

MPA would like to record its appreciation to the following organisations for their invaluable assistance:

Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore

Centre for Remote Imaging, Sensing and Processing (NUS)

International Tanker Owners Pollution Federation Limited

Ministry of Defence

National Environment Agency

National Parks Board

Oil Spill Response Ltd

Public Utilities Board

Republic of Singapore Air Force

Republic of Singapore Navy

Semco Salvage & Towage Pte Ltd

Sentosa Development Corporation

Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd

Singapore Salvage Engineers Pte Ltd

SMIT Singapore Pte Ltd

SPICA Services (S) Pte Ltd

Svitzer Salvage Asia Pte Ltd

Tian San Shipping Pte Ltd

Masters and crew of ships that reported sightings of oil patches

- See more at: http://app2.nea.gov.sg/corporate-functions/newsroom/news-releases/oil-spillage-clean-up-operations-final-update#sthash.zXmJYJAj.dpuf

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Singapore News: Smoking Ban Extension (14 Jan 2014)

Smoking Ban Extension

In line with the long term plan to prohibit smoking at all public places, NEA extended the smoking prohibition extension to more public places such as common areas of residential buildings, covered walkways and linkways, pedestrian overhead bridges, 5m radius from bus shelters and hospital outdoor compounds from 15 January 2013. To raise awareness of the new smoke-free areas, NEA launched an integrated campaign on TV, cinema, print, radio, outdoor, mobile and online platforms

- See more at: http://app2.nea.gov.sg/events-programmes/campaigns/smoking-ban-extension#sthash.WCDhFvsW.dpuf


Residential Estates:
All common areas including:

• Linkways from bus stops to residential blocks
• Void decks
• Corridors
• Staircases
• Stairwells
• Multi-purpose halls

- See more at: http://app2.nea.gov.sg/events-programmes/campaigns/smoking-ban-extension#sthash.WCDhFvsW.dpuf

Public Spaces

Covered walkways and linkways

All pedestrian bridges

5 metres from the edge of bus stops

Hospital outdoor compounds

- See more at: http://app2.nea.gov.sg/events-programmes/campaigns/smoking-ban-extension#sthash.WCDhFvsW.dpuf

source from: http://app2.nea.gov.sg/events-programmes/campaigns/smoking-ban-extension

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Singapore News: Inaugural ASEAN Climate Outlook Forum Launched (5 Dec 2013)

Inaugural ASEAN Climate Outlook Forum Launched

Singapore hosts first-ever regional platform for ASEAN countries to
develop consensus-based regional seasonal climate outlook

Singapore, 5 December 2013 – In a new initiative to improve understanding of climate variability and change relevant to Southeast Asia, and to develop a consensus-based seasonal climate outlook for the region, Singapore hosted the first-ever ASEAN Climate Outlook Forum (ASEAN-COF) from 3 to 5 December 2013 at the Centre for Climate for Research.  The establishment of ASEAN-COF was endorsed in July 2013 by the ASEAN Sub-Committee on Meteorology and Geophysics (SCMG), comprising the National Meteorological Services (NMS) of ASEAN member countries.

2          A total of about 40 experts from the NMS of ASEAN member countries, international experts from China, Japan, South Korea, USA and Europe as well as representatives from the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), participated in the three-day event. The meeting was supported by WMO under a project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

3          The Director-General of the Meteorological Service Singapore, Ms Wong Chin Ling, explained the significance of the forum, “This inaugural session of ASEAN-COF brings together expertise from the leading climate modelling and prediction centres around the world, and marks an important milestone in advancing regional capabilities and collaboration in the area of seasonal climate prediction. Long-range forecasts of rainfall, temperature and other weather parameters have numerous useful applications such as risk assessment of transboundary smoke haze occurrences caused by regional land and forest fires during the dry season, as well as flooding caused by heavy monsoon rains during the rainy season.”

4          The inaugural ASEAN-COF saw a fruitful exchange of ideas and plans discussed to improve long-range forecasts for the region. In particular, the participants reached a consensus on the regional climate outlook for the current Northeast Monsoon season from December to February. For southern Southeast Asia, normal to above normal rainfall is expected, while normal to below normal rainfall is expected for northern Southeast Asia during the season[1]. There was also agreement that more scientific research was needed to improve understanding of the predictability of rainfall in the region as well as the key drivers of the region’s climate, such as the El Nino and La Nina phenomena. 

5          Dr Rupa Kumar Kolli, Acting Director of Climate Prediction and Adaptation Branch of WMO said, “For more than 15 years, WMO has been supporting Regional Climate Outlook Forums which now serve more than half the world’s population with climate outlooks of up to three months ahead. Seasonal climate outlooks offer increasingly reliable and accessible decision-support tools for climate-sensitive sectors such as farming, public health, water as well as disaster risk reduction and translate advances in scientific knowledge into practical services for society. The new ASEAN Climate Outlook Forum will enable us to spread the benefits of these climate services to millions more people.”

6          The ASEAN-COF will meet annually in the fourth quarter of every year and will focus on forecasting the Northeast Monsoon season, evaluating end user requirements and putting in place plans for these to be addressed. Another ASEAN-COF will be held in conjunction with the annual ASEAN SCMG meeting in the second quarter every year and will focus on forecasting the Southwest Monsoon season. While ASEAN-COF provides regional climate outlooks, it is the responsibility of NMSs to update and downscale them to shorter time-frames and local levels for their respective countries.          

7          ASEAN-COF is considered to be a key initiative in the context of the implementation of the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS) in Southeast Asia. For more information on the GFCS, refer to the website www.gfcs-climate.org.                                                                

- See more at: http://app2.nea.gov.sg/corporate-functions/newsroom/news-releases/inaugural-asean-climate-outlook-forum-launched#sthash.wAdz5sNM.dpuf

sourece from : http://app2.nea.gov.sg/corporate-functions/newsroom/news-releases/inaugural-asean-climate-outlook-forum-launched

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Publications: Corporate community investment impact measurement in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore by CSR Asia Research (Jun 2013)

Corporate community investment impact measurement in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore

This report provides an insight to the Corporate Community Investment (CCI) activities of eighty of the largest listed companies in Hong Kong, Indonesia Malaysia and Singapore. The focus of the research was to analyse whether the sample group of companies were reporting on CCI impact. This report was presented at the CSR Asia Corporate Community Investment – Measuring Impact Forum, Singapore June 2013.

Link to download the full document: http://www.csr-asia.com/report/CCI-report.pdf
For more information: http://www.csr-asia.com/publications.php

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Singaporean Updates: PUB sets new benchmark for Water Efficiency in the Non-domestic Sector with Enhanced Water Efficient Building Certification (4 Sep 2013)

PUB sets new benchmark for Water Efficiency in the Non-domestic Sector with Enhanced Water Efficient Building Certification

PUB and SPRING Singapore to provide funding for the non-domestic sector to be more water efficient

The national water agency, PUB recognised 23 recipients in the Industry, Building and School sectors for their exemplary performance in water efficiency. These recipients are the first to be recognised under the enhanced certification of Water Efficient Building (WEB) and received their certificates from Ms Grace Fu, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs, at a certificate presentation ceremony today.

The WEB Certification, which began in 2004, has now added two new tiers of certification: the Gold and Silver Categories. Three organisations received the Gold and 20 took the Silver Certification. The certifications are valid for a period of 3 years. 

Bagging the Gold Certification in the Industry Sector are Systems on Silicon Manufacturing Company Pte Ltd (SSMC) and Philips Lumileds Singapore. For the Building Sector, the Environment Building was certified. These are also the pioneer batch of organisations which have been certified to Singapore Standard SS 577:2012 Water Efficiency Management Systems (WEMS), jointly launched this March by the Singapore Standards Council, which is managed under the aegis of SPRING Singapore, and PUB. 

Recipients under the Silver Category have also shown much commitment by putting in place monitoring systems to track and minimise water wastage and leakage.

“While Singapore has put in place a strategy for sustainable water supply today, water remains a precious resource and every individual and organisation should continue to use water wisely. The proportion of water demand by the non-domestic sector may grow from the current 55% to about 70% in 50 years’ time. We are pleased  that leading organisations in non-domestic sector has responded to our call to instil water conservation practices into their management and business processes,” said Mr Chong Hou Chun, Director of Water Supply Department, PUB.

Mr Chong added: “To further encourage and help the non-domestic sector with their water efficiency efforts, SPRING Singapore and PUB are expanding the scope of the Capability Development Grant and Water Efficiency Fund, respectively.”

Winning Gold

Systems on Silicon Manufacturing Company Pte Ltd (SSMC), a wafer fabrication plant, has recycled 68% of their used water through various water efficiency initiatives, making them one of the highest water savers in their sector.    

“Water Efficient Building (GOLD) certification provides opportunities for SSMC to achieve sound water efficiency performance in a systematic manner.  Water conservation work is not seen as a cost to SSMC. With the great partnership we have with PUB towards sustainable development, it is our belief that we should fulfill our commitment to give back to society as much as we can,“ said Mr Jagadish CV, CEO of SSMC. 

Philips Lumileds Singapore manufactures high-power LEDs which requires large amount of water.  They have put in place a water efficiency management system and have  recycled 43 % of their used water.

“Philips Lumileds believes in finding ways to balance environmental impact and economic growth. We are delighted to be certified to Singapore Standard SS 577:2012 Water Efficiency Management Systems and to receive the Water Efficient Building Gold certificate. PUB has been a close working partner in helping us meet our water efficiency goals,”  said Mr James Day, Manufacturing Director Philips Lumileds Singapore.

The Environment Building has put in place a structured process to track and monitor water efficiency performance. They have achieved the top 10% water efficiency performance compared with similar sized  buildings.

Funding Schemes

SPRING Singapore is collaborating with PUB to promote the adoption of Water Efficiency Management Systems (WEMS) among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Funding will now be available under SPRING’s Capability Development Grant to support SMEs that wish to adopt SS 577:2012, by subsidising their project implementation costs for manpower, consultancy and certification.

PUB will supplement this effort by expanding the scope of its Water Efficiency Fund with added financial support to cover consultancy and certification costs for other customers including non-SMEs. Please refer to Annex 2 for details.

Since March 2013, PUB has also increased its funding under the Water Efficiency Fund from 50% to 90% to help customers get certified under the Gold/Silver WEB Certification. Customers can tap on this fund to install a private metering system in different areas within their premises. This can help them better monitor their water usage and conduct water audits.  

Industries, buildings and schools who are interested to find out more on WEB Gold/Silver Certification can contact PUB at pub_conserve@pub.gov.sg

About Water Conservation
Through the Four National Taps (local catchment water, imported water, highly-purified reclaimed water known as NEWater, and desalinated water), PUB has put in place a robust and sustainable water supply for Singapore. However, installing the infrastructure to supply water is only one half of the equation. As the population and economy continue to grow, Singapore needs to ensure that the demand for water does not rise at an unsustainable rate.

Currently, Singapore’s water demand is currently about 400 million gallons a day (mgd), with domestic water consumption accounting for about 45% of total water use, and non-domestic consumption accounting for the remaining 55%. By 2060, total demand could almost double, with 70% coming from the non-domestic sector.

PUB has successfully reduced the per capita domestic water consumption from 165 litres per day in 2003 to 152 litres per day in 2012. PUB targets to further reduce per capita domestic water consumption to 147 litres per day by 2020 and 140 litres per day by 2030.     

About PUBPUB is a statutory board under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. It is the water agency that manages Singapore’s water supply, water catchment and used water in an integrated way.

About PUB’s tagline: Water for All: Conserve, Value, Enjoy PUB has ensured a diversified and sustainable supply of water for Singapore with the Four National Taps (local catchment water, imported water, NEWater, desalinated water).

To provide water for all, PUB calls on all to play our part to conserve water, keep our water catchments and waterways clean and build a relationship with water so we can enjoy our water resources.  If we all play our part, we can have enough water for all our needs – for industry, for living, for life. 

Find out more about us
Visit our website at www.pub.gov.sg
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PUBsg
Follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PUBsingapore
For our latest event photos, visit www.flickr.com/PUBsg or www.pinterest.com/PUBsg
Download our mobile app: MyWaters for iOS, Android or Windows Phone

PUB, the national water agency recognised 23 recipients in the non-domestic sector for their exemplary performance in water efficiency. These recipients are the first to be recognised under the Water Efficient Building (Gold/Silver) Certification and received their certificates today from Ms Grace Fu, Minister, Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Second Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The three Water Efficient Building (Gold) Certification winners. (From left: Mr Collin Tan, SSMC; Mr James Day, Philips Lumineds Singapore and Mr Terence Siew, Environment Building)

Refer to Annex 1 and Annex 2 for details.

4 September 2013

For more information: http://www.pub.gov.sg/mpublications/Pages/PressReleases.aspx

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Singaporean Updates: New ‘Singapore Standard’ Provides Guidelines To Help Caterers Prevent And Reduce Food-Borne Hazards (16 Aug 2013)

News Releases

New ‘Singapore Standard’ Provides Guidelines To Help Caterers Prevent And Reduce Food-Borne Hazards

Singapore Standard to provide comprehensive guidance to caterers on how to implement a Food Safety Management System in a cost-effective manner

JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN NEA, SINGAPORE STANDARDS COUNCIL  AND SINGAPORE MANUFACTURING FEDERATION

Singapore, 16 August 2013 – The National Environment Agency (NEA) today announced a new Singapore Standard on food safety management for food service establishments. This follows NEA’s earlier announcement at the 2013 Committee of Supply (COS) debates of new measures to ensure the hygienic preparation of food by caterers[1].

2          Developed by NEA and the Food Standards Committee[2], the Singapore Standard will provide comprehensive guidance to caterers on how to put in place a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) in a cost-effective manner. A properly implemented FSMS can help caterers to systematically identify, prevent and reduce food-borne hazards at every stage of the food storage, preparation, cooking, and delivery process. Hygiene lapses and non-compliance with proper food safety practices can be easily identified and corrected as the system requires documentation of processes during operations and regular auditing by supervisory staff.

3          NEA has also worked with the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) to provide caterers with training to design and implement an FSMS plan suitable for their operations. Caterers will be required to have at least one staff, preferably in-charge of day-to-day operations, undergo training in FSMS planning and execution. The two-day training programme which consists of theory and on-site assessment at the caterer’s premises will help each caterer develop an FSMS plan tailored to its operations. Course fees are subsidised up to 90% for SMEs. WDA-accredited training companies will run the course starting from January 2014.

4          NEA’s hygiene officers will check on the proper practice of the FSMS regime during our inspections of caterers. Officers will focus on the pre-requisite programmes, for example, a daily regime to monitor food handlers’ practices during food preparation, screening of staff to ensure those who are unwell are not handling food and cross-contamination prevention procedures and critical food hazard control points identified in the FSMS such as proper temperature of stored and cooked food.

5          NEA will continue to work with the Association of Catering Professionals to support the catering industry’s efforts to improve their food safety management procedures and practices to meet the new requirements. The industry has been consulted on the new FSMS requirement and will be updated on the training component including course fees and course dates by October 2013.

 6          Mr Derek Ho, Director-General of Public Health at NEA said, “The FSMS will help caterers to prevent and reduce common critical hazards likely to occur in the preparation and service of food and beverages.  However, proper implementation of FSMS can be challenging and this is where the Singapore Standard is designed to help. With these guidelines, caterers can easily identify all the critical food hazard risks in their day to day operations and put in place the necessary control measures.”

7          Mr Ho added, “Importantly, the FSMS allows caterers to have closer supervision of daily food safety practices and to correct deviations promptly, addressing weak links in their system which will help to prevent incidents of food poisoning.” 

8         “Increasing public expectation and awareness of the issue of food safety has heightened the need for companies to adopt food safety management systems to ensure that food prepared and served is safe for consumption. The interaction among food practitioners, industry experts at SMF-SDO and regulatory authorities has helped to shape the Singapore Standard and ensure its relevance to the F&B industry,” added Mr Tan Khieng Sin, Chairman of Food Standards Committee.

9          “The launch of Singapore Standard 583: 2013 Guidelines on Food Safety Management for Food Service Establishments is a significant development on food safety management. We must always remain vigilant to ensure that food safety standards are met. The Food Standards Committee has put in much effort to develop the guidelines. The new requirements by NEA will lead to the widespread practice of food safety standards at every step of the catering process, benefiting many consumers”, said Mr Tay Jih-Hsin, Chairman of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation Standards Development Organisation (SMF-SDO).

---

[1] NEA announced at the 2013 COS debates that from 1 June 2014, new caterers will need to have in place a Food Safety Management System (FSMS) within three months of getting an NEA licence to operate a catering business. Existing catering licensees are required to submit an FSMS plan three months before their next licence renewal date, starting with licences expiring from 1 September 2014.

[2] Managed by the Singapore Manufacturing Federation Standards Development Organisation (SMF-SDO), the Food Standards Committee comes under the purview of the Singapore Standards Council.

~~ End ~~

For more information, please contact

Call Centre: 1800-CALL NEA (1800-2255 632)
Email: Contact_NEA@nea.gov.sg

For more information: 
http://app2.nea.gov.sg/corporate-functions/newsroom/news-releases/new-singapore-standard-provides-guidelines-to-help-caterers-prevent-and-reduce-food-borne-hazards

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Singaporean Updates: PUB, IES and professional bodies launch new initiatives to promote sustainable stormwater management by PUB and IES (31 May 2013)

PUB, IES and professional bodies launch new initiatives to promote sustainable stormwater management

Handbook on Managing Urban Runoff and ABC Waters Professional Registry offer the industry resource kit and design expertise for effective stormwater management systems

PUB, the national water agency and industry bodies – The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES), Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) and Singapore Institute of Landscape Architects (SILA) – jointly launched two initiatives today. Both initiatives are aimed at providing developers and industry professionals with resources in the design and development of effective stormwater management systems.

The first initiative by PUB and IES is the Handbook on Managing Urban Runoff, which gives an overview of Singapore’s holistic approach in stormwater management, and showcases examples of “Source” and Receptor” measures which developers could implement in their projects.

The second initiative by PUB, IES, SIA and SILA is the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Professional Registry. This Registry will offer developers who wish to incorporate ABC Waters design features in their projects with a pool of experts who are trained and qualified to provide professional advice on the design, implementation and maintenance of such features.

Handbook on Managing Urban Runoff
Jointly developed by PUB and IES, the Handbook on Managing Urban Runoff follows PUB’s recent announcement on the revisions to the Code of Practice on Surface Water Drainage¹ (COP), and is intended to help developers, architects and engineers better understand the holistic Source-Pathway-Receptor approach to stormwater management and address the technical considerations of the “Source” and “Receptor” measures.
          
The handbook showcases various concepts and case studies of on-site stormwater management and flood protection practices, as well as ABC Waters design features and structural detention and retention features that can be adopted to slow down surface runoff and reduce the peak flow of stormwater into the public drainage system.

Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) Professional Registry
The launch of the ABC Waters Professional Registry follows the introduction of the ABC Waters Professional Programme in September 2011. Organised by IES, and supported by SIA, SILA, National Parks Boards (NParks), Housing Development Board (HDB), Land Transport Authority (LTA) and PUB, the Programme aims to strengthen industry knowledge and capability, and develop a pool of experts in ABC Waters design.

The ABC Waters Professional Programme comprises four core modules and four elective modules. Participants who meet the registration criteria of IES, SIA and SILA, and complete all four core modules and any two elective modules of the ABC Waters Professional Programme are eligible to be registered as an ABC Waters Professional.  To date, IES has conducted three runs of the programme with over 220 professionals who have attended at least one module of the Programme. Out of these, 40 participants have completed four core and two elective modules.

An ABC Waters Professional will design, oversee the construction of, and develop a maintenance plan for ABC Waters design features in a development.  He will also endorse the concept design, design calculations and detailed design of the ABC Waters design features in a development. On an annual basis he will inspect and endorse a Certificate of Inspection on ABC Waters design features, declaring that the ABC Waters design features have been inspected, and are maintained satisfactorily and functioning well.

“There is tremendous potential for developers to tap on ABC Waters design features to enhance aesthetics of the built environment, ensure that cleaner waters flow to our reservoirs, and slow down surface runoff. Likewise, having appropriate structural systems to manage stormwater is critical to protect the developments and mitigate the effects of any possible floods. It is just as important that these features and systems achieve their intended functions – by ensuring that at the development level, they are properly designed, constructed and maintained. In this respect, I am grateful for the strong support from the professional bodies in developing this registry and handbook. These are invaluable resources that the industry could tap on to create sustainable stormwater management systems,” said Mr Chew Men Leong, Chief Executive, PUB.

“IES is happy to collaborate with PUB to develop the Handbook on Managing Urban Runoff, which will help the industry when implementing elements or features onsite to reduce peak flows.  In the long-term, it is hoped that our water resources and water features will benefit from expert attention and be sustainably integrated into our lives for all to enjoy,” said Professor Chou Siaw Kiang, President of IES.

Information on the registered ABC Waters Professionals will be published and updated on the respective websites of IES, SIA and SILA. The Handbook on Managing Urban Runoff is available for download at www.pub.gov.sg.

¹PUB is revising the Code of Practice on Surface Water Drainage as part of its holistic stormwater management strategy. The changes include a new requirement for developers to implement on-site measures to slow down surface runoff and reduce the peak flow of stormwater into the public drainage system, as well as administrative amendments made to some existing clauses to enhance their implementation. These revisions will take effect from 1 June 2013, with a six-month grace period for the implementation of the new clause on reducing peak flow and endorsement of plans by ABC Waters Professionals. http://www.pub.gov.sg/mpublications/Pages/PressReleases.aspx?ItemId=368

Click here for Annex A & B.

For more information: http://www.pub.gov.sg/mpublications/Pages/PressReleases.aspx

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New Books: Sustainable Environment : Balancing Growth With The Environment published by Published by Cengage Learning Asia (May 2013)

Sustainable Environment : Balancing Growth With The Environment

Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) 
Ministry of National Development, Singapore 
National Environment Agency (NEA) 
Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Singapore 

Published by Cengage Learning Asia 
Copyright 2013
ISBN 13: 9789814510189


Description :

Sustainable Environment: Balancing Growth with the Environment - In spite of rapid urbanisation and industrialisation, Singapore has enjoyed a high quality ‘Clean and Green’ environment. This was achieved by maintaining an intricate balance between development and sustainability. Over time, the balancing act has turned into an economic advantage and a virtuous cycle. This study presents a historical account of the environmental and economic policy objectives, including the trade-offs required and the implementation of adaptive environmental policy to meet changing economic demands. Two main ideas emerge as crucial. First, Singapore did not adopt the conventional ‘develop first, clean up later’ approach. It viewed a clean and green Singapore as a differentiating strategy to its international competitiveness, creating jobs, and providing security for its people. Second, environment values were observed early, as severe natural resource constraints confronted policy-makers at every turn. To ensure resource efficiency and frugality in the use of its environmental capital, policy-makers made use of the market, by putting in place pricing policies, along with strict regulatory controls. Use of technology and policy innovation were also vital. This study is framed along two key dilemmas – the need for economic growth versus environmental preservation, and the realisation of short-term versus long term-benefits.

The Singapore Urban Systems Studies Booklet Series draws on original Urban Systems Studies research by the Centre for Liveable Cities, Singapore (CLC) into Singapore’s development over the last half-century. The series is organised around domains such as water, transport, housing, planning, industry and the environment. Developed in close collaboration with relevant government agencies and drawing on exclusive interviews with pioneer leaders, these practitioner-centric booklets present a succinct overview and key principles of Singapore’s development model.


KEY FEATURES

• Uses the CLC Framework for Liveable and Sustainable Cities to examine how Singapore has responded to a complex urban challenge and remained at the forefront of urban development
  
• Traces the evolution of environmental policies in adapting to changing economic landscape through making deliberate tradeoffs, tough decisions and compromises on the environment to achieve sustainability
  
• Provides insights into the economic tools and mechanisms used to ensure resource efficiency correct externalities on environment and enhance economic competitiveness
  
• Examines policy foundations and paths that drove and enabled Singapore to turn its environment into a competitive advantage
  
• Includes primary material including interviews with the country’s urban pioneer and leaders

MARKET AUDIENCE
Professionals in urban sustainability, environmental planning and management and other related practitioners in Singapore and other cities. Members of the public interested in the development and history of modern Singapore, especially its environmental policies.

For more information:
http://www.cengageasia.com/cos/o.x?ptid=438&c=/tla_cws/catalog&func=view&id=3338

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Singaporean Updates: PUB Adopts Holistic Approach to Stormwater Management (22 Apr 2013)

Press Releases
PUB Adopts Holistic Approach to Stormwater Management

Revisions include a new requirement for developers to incorporate on-site measures to manage peak runoff

PUB has announced revisions to the Code of Practice on Surface Water Drainage as part of its holistic stormwater management strategy for Singapore. The changes include a new requirement for developers to implement on-site measures to slow down surface runoff and reduce the peak flow of stormwater into the public drainage system. Beside this new clause, there are also administrative amendments made to some existing clauses to enhance their implementation. These revisions will take effect from 1 June 2013, with a six-month grace period for the implementation of the new clause on reduction of peak flow.

As Singapore faces more intense rainfall, there is a need to look beyond the public drainage infrastructure to reduce flood risks. To increase flood resilience, PUB adopts a holistic ‘source-pathway-receptor’ approach that addresses not just the pathway (drains and canals) which the stormwater travels, but also controlling stormwater at where it falls onto the ground, (i.e. “Source” measures) and at the areas where floods may occur (i.e. “Receptor” measures).

The revisions to the Code of Practice on Surface Water Drainage are part of this holistic approach, where developers can play a role to reduce flood risks and increase protection for their developments. Various stakeholders groups – including public agencies, professional bodies, and major developers – were consulted on the proposed amendments. The proposed amendments were refined following this industry consultation.

The new clause applies to all new industrial, institutional, commercial and residential development and redevelopment projects, of land size 0.2 hectares or more. Developers are required to incorporate stormwater detention measures, also known as “Source” measures, within the development sites to slow down surface runoff and reduce the peak flow of stormwater into the public drainage system.

Mr Tan Nguan Sen, PUB’s director for catchment and waterways, said “PUB will continue to implement ‘pathway’ measures by deepening and widening drains but we have to recognise that there is a limit to this measure given competing demands for land use. A more sustainable approach is to combine these with ‘source’ measures and this is where developers can play a role to temporarily hold excess stormwater and reduce the flow into the public drains during intense storms.”

In a highly urbanised environment like Singapore, many developments are largely made up of impervious surfaces such as roofs, parking lots, streets and sidewalks that do not allow stormwater to infiltrate into the ground, hence generating increased runoff that enters the drainage system. During intense storms, peak runoff may exceed the design capacity of the public drains, resulting in flash floods. “Source” measures provide temporary storage of stormwater on-site and release it at a controlled rate to the public drains after the storm has subsided.

The “Source” measures that developers could employ include detention tanks, retention ponds, green roofs, as well as Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) design features such as bio-retention swales, rain gardens and wetlands. Generally for a 0.2-hectare site, less than 1% of the development site, which translates to just about the foot-print of one parking lot, would have to be set aside for a one-metre deep detention tank.  This footprint could be reduced if a deeper tank is used, or a combination of detention tank and green features are used. For larger development sites, there is more flexibility as developers can look beyond the individual block level and make use of shared amenity spaces such as playgrounds or carparks at a precinct level.  For example, the detention tank can be underneath a playground instead of under a building.

The Code of Practice on Surface Water Drainage also spells out “Receptor” measures such as minimum platform and crest protection levels, which new developments and redevelopment sites are required to adopt. And only if the levels cannot be met due to site constraints like being located in a low lying or conservation area, will an alternative design approach for flood protection such as flood barriers, be considered. “Receptor” measures are important as these help protect the buildings from being affected in the event of flash floods.

“The collective efforts by PUB and developers will strengthen Singapore’s long-term resilience against climate change by introducing flexibility within the existing drainage system to meet the challenges of more intense rainfall and increasing urbanisation”, added Mr Tan.

To help developers, architects and engineers better understand the holistic approach to stormwater management and address the technical considerations of the “Source” and “Receptor” measures, PUB has developed a handbook on managing urban runoff.  The handbook will explain the concepts of on-site stormwater management and flood protection, as well as showcase features that can be implemented on-site to reduce peak flows, detain stormwater within the development, and at the same time enhance the aesthetics of the built environment.

PUB will conduct a series of technical seminars for Qualified Persons to enhance their understanding and implementation of the COP revisions. There will also be seminars for Town Councils, Management Committee Strata Titles (MCSTs) and managing agents on the maintenance of “Source” measures.

Please click here to view Annexes I and II.

About PUBPUB is a statutory board under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. It is the water agency that manages Singapore’s water supply, water catchment and used water in an integrated way.

About PUB’s tagline: Water for All: Conserve, Value, Enjoy PUB has ensured a diversified and sustainable supply of water for Singapore with the Four National Taps (local catchment water, imported water, NEWater, desalinated water).
To provide water for all, PUB calls on all to play our part to conserve water, keep our water catchments and waterways clean and build a relationship with water so we can enjoy our water resources.  If we all play our part, we can have enough water for all our needs – for industry, for living, for life. 

Find out more about usVisit our website at:  www.pub.gov.sg
Like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/PUBsg
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22 Apr 2013 

For more information:  http://www.pub.gov.sg/mpublications/Pages/PressReleases.aspx

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Singaporean Updates: PUB explores groundwater in western and southern Singapore (26 Apr 2013)

Press Releases

PUB explores groundwater in western and southern Singapore

The 3-year study entails the exploration of potential new sources of water, through specialised surveying techniques and development of a groundwater flow model.

National water agency PUB has called a tender for consultancy services to study the potential of tapping aquifers¹ and other underground water sources in the western and southern part of the island, in an area known as the Jurong Formation.

Titled “Groundwater resource assessment in Jurong Formation”, this three year study will be awarded in July 2013. The study comprises three key areas: 

a. Development of groundwater flow model of Jurong Formation
b. Field Investigation Programme
c. Validation Study

Over the last 50 years, through integrated water management, and investments in R&D, PUB has put in place a long-term water supply strategy called the Four National Taps. The Four National Taps comprise local catchment water, imported water, ultra-clean, high-grade reclaimed water branded as NEWater, and desalinated water. The Four National Taps has ensured a robust and sustainable water supply for Singapore.

Singapore’s water demand currently stands at approximately 400 million gallons a day (mgd), and is projected to almost double by 2060. With competing demands for land for other uses such as housing, industries and other services, it will be increasingly challenging to build new reservoirs to meet our water needs.

To enhance the long term sustainability of Singapore’s water resources, PUB is always on the lookout for new water sources. There are potential solutions in the form of naturally occurring aquifers and groundwater.

“Through this study, we are exploring the presence of deep aquifers within Singapore’s geology and if it is possible for us to tap on this water source,” said Mr Harry Seah, PUB’s Chief Technology Officer. “However, the extraction of groundwater will only be carried out if the risks of groundwater extraction can be adequately managed with no impact on existing buildings and infrastructure, which will be verified by the groundwater models to be developed through this work.” he added.  

Despite its small size, Singapore’s geology is thought to be complex, spanning rocks hundreds of millions of years in age to more recent soils and sediments. At the surface, the Bukit Timah Granite is seen in the central and northern regions, sedimentary rocks of the Jurong Formation are seen in the western and southern regions, and Old Alluvium is seen in the eastern region. Based on knowledge of other rock formations worldwide, and from observations made during engineering work, it may be possible that the Jurong Formation could host a deep, confined aquifer which could be less prone to surface pollution or subsidence.

Singapore’s geological setting indicates that there are other groundwater prospects, each with their specific advantages and challenges. This includes unconfined aquifers in the Old Alluvium, fractured rock in the Bukit Timah Granite, and confined aquifers in other rock formations of Singapore.  

Besides Singapore’s main island, PUB has embarked on a study to verify the feasibility of extracting groundwater from reclaimed land in Jurong Island. The R&D project entails assessing the potential yield and quality of groundwater, and the necessary groundwater management measures to prevent any land subsidence due to groundwater extraction. The The project has been awarded and has commenced in April 2013.

PUB is in the midst of finalising the appointment of an international Expert Panel on Hydrogeology to give guidance and direction on its underground water exploration endeavours. “This is Singapore’s first foray in the search for deep aquifers. Besides extensive examination of our underground geology, we also want to learn from and tap on the expertise of overseas experts who have vast experience studying and carrying out groundwater exploration work in other countries,” said Mr Seah.

The Expert Panel will convene at least once a year to discuss and provide advice on the two groundwater projects and any other related matters on hydrogeology.

¹Aquifers may occur at various depths and can be broadly divided into two categories:  confined and unconfined aquifers. A ‘confined’ aquifer is typically deeper and separated from the surface by a low-permeability layer. In communities that use groundwater, because of the relative ease of access, ‘unconfined’ aquifers closer to the surface are typically used for water supply and irrigation.  Water quantity from unconfined aquifers is highly dependent on local rainfall. The over extraction of groundwater beyond sustainable yield may lead to problems such as seawater intrusion or even ground settlement caused by a significant lowering of the water table.

Click here for annex.

About PUBPUB is a statutory board under the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. It is the water agency that manages Singapore’s water supply, water catchment and used water in an integrated way.

About PUB’s tagline: Water for All: Conserve, Value, Enjoy PUB has ensured a diversified and sustainable supply of water for Singapore with the Four National Taps (local catchment water, imported water, NEWater, desalinated water).

To provide water for all, PUB calls on all to play our part to conserve water, keep our water catchments and waterways clean and build a relationship with water so we can enjoy our water resources.  If we all play our part, we can have enough water for all our needs – for industry, for living, for life. 

Find out more about usVisit our website at: www.pub.gov.sg
Like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/PUBsg
Follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/PUBsingapore
For our latest photographs, visit: http://www.flickr.com/PUBsg
Download our iPhone app from Apple’s App Store: MyWaters

26 Apr 2013

Source: http://www.pub.gov.sg/mpublications/Pages/PressReleases.aspx?ItemId=370

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