Public forum held to discuss sustainable development

Ca-Mie De Souza, Channel NewsAsia 6 Nov 08;

SINGAPORE: National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said investing in the sustainable development of Singapore is a long-term issue that needs to be tackled, even during these times of economic uncertainty.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday after a public forum on achieving a sustainable Singapore, he said he is confident that the Inter-Ministerial Committee looking into this issue will be able to convince the Finance Ministry to provide the funding to support this long-term effort.

Set up in February this year, the Inter-Ministerial Committee is co-chaired by Mr Mah and Environment and Water Resources Minister Yaacob Ibrahim.

The committee includes members such as Finance Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Transport Minister Raymond Lim, and Minister of State for Trade and Industry S. Iswaran.

More than 200 people turned up for the public forum which discussed topics like boosting energy efficiency and tapping on solar electricity. The spirited discussion had participants calling for more greenery in housing areas and new building designs that let in light.

Panellists said the current green building technology can offer potential savings of 30 to 50 per cent. While Singapore will invest in research and in the test-bedding of alternative renewable energy, the key is still energy efficiency.

Mr Mah said just based on lifestyle changes, Singapore can achieve 30 to 40 per cent savings in its energy usage.

Public forums, together with discussions among ministries and the private sector, will help form the blueprint for sustainable development in Singapore for the next ten to 15 years.

The public had posted their suggestions and comments between July and October at www.sustainablesingapore.gov.sg.

The road map is expected to be out by February and will be tabled during the Budget debate next year.


- CNA/so