Island nation leads the green world
Can 5 million people on an island possibly be sustainable? Singapore is up for the challenge. While Americans look for the private sector to lead in sustainable solutions, this island nation is a vibrant picture of government taking the lead.
The Green City Index, sponsored by Siemans, is known for giving a nod to places like Copenhagen and Oslo. In 2016 it named Singapore “Asia’s Greenest City. “
Singapore’s success has led to its Center for Livable Cities, which shares knowledge on sustainable living with policy makers across the globe.
In 2015 Singapore formalized its action plan for the next two decades. It includes a dense rail network and bus system, as well as incentives to cycle, walk or share electric cars. Also part of the scheme is reduced consumption and a priority on alternative energy, and federal laws that encourage sustainable architecture. It includes an end goal for Singapore to be the world’s first Zero-Waste Nation.
The ambitious federal plan has created a theme of “living labs” for other communities to follow. For instance, CH2M uses Singapore’s example to customize and localize water solutions for other Asian cities.
40 percent of Singapore’s water is recovered from water treated by advanced membrane technologies and UV disinfection. Desalinated ocean water is also on tap to meet the demand for fresh water.
Beyond necessary resources, Singapore promotes biodiversity and recreation on its rivers and lakes. Meanwhile, as its population and economy grow, so does its tree canopy, due in part to a rule that construction replace displaced vegetation.
How does a government go green? Executive Director of the Center for Livable Cities, Khoo Teng Chye, says, “Environmental protection was not assumed to be at odds with economic development. The government saw that it was an integral part of city planning.”
How simple is that?
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