Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, Singapore

Date Published: 29 May 2010

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good afternoon.

Introduction

Climate change is a global challenge that requires a global solution by all countries. Singapore has pledged to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 16% from the 2020 business-as-usual scenario, provided a global agreement is reached and put in place.

The 4th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change or IPCC was released in 2007 and one of the key findings is that from 1850 until now, the warmest years occurred in 11 of the 12 years from 1995 to 2006.

The IPCC projects that global temperatures could rise by between 1.1ºC and 6.4ºC by the end of the 21st century.

We need to understand how Singapore could be affected by climate change in order to determine what we need to do locally to adjust to or prepare for these changes. With this mind, the National Environment Agency (NEA) commissioned the Tropical Marine Science Institute of NUS to conduct the first nationwide Climate Change Study in 2007 to look into the long-term effects of climate change on Singapore. Phase 1 of the study covering the physical impact of climate change on areas such as sea level and temperature has been completed.

The NEA has prepared a brochure (download pdf) to inform the public on climate change, and highlight the measures that will be taken in Singapore to adapt to the effects of climate change. The brochure will be made available to you today and subsequently to schools and the general public. A public seminar will be organized in due course to share more details on the methodology and approach taken for the Study.

Climate science is a complex and evolving subject. We will continue to build up our knowledge and improve our understanding of the subject as more information and data become available and we will regularly review the need for more adaptation measures.

A key part of our strategy to achieve our 16% target is to be energy efficient. Being energy efficient not only helps to mitigate climate change, but saves us dollars and cents. In fact, making slight adjustment to our habits and choosing more energy-efficient appliances can help us save money at home. For example, you can save $580 per year if you use the fan instead of the air-conditioner! Another money-saving tip: buying an air-conditioner with 4 ticks instead of one with zero ticks can save about $350 per year.

In order to help the consumers make energy efficient choices and save money, my ministry mandated energy labeling for air-conditioners and refrigerators in January 2008 so that consumers would have ready information on the energy consumption and relative efficiency of various models in the market.

Increased Sales of Energy Efficient Appliances

Since labeling was made mandatory, retailers have been offering more energy efficient appliances. Over the last six months, the number of energy efficient (3-tick and 4-tick) air-conditioners offered by Voluntary Agreement retailers increased to 49%, while energy-efficient refrigerator models rose to 67%. Air-conditioners with 0-tick decreased from 9% to 6%.

To create more awareness on the ways households can save energy, NEA launched the 10% Energy Challenge campaign in April 2008. A survey conducted by NEA showed that the percentage of Singaporeans practicing energy saving tips increased from 74% in 2007 to 83% in 2008.

Voluntary Agreement (VA)

To further promote energy efficient appliances to the public, a Voluntary Agreement (VA) on energy efficient appliances was launched between NEA, the Housing Development Board (HDB), the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and 16 retailers and suppliers of air-conditioners, refrigerators and clothes dryers in September last year.

Under this agreement, signatories pledged to increase the proportion of energy efficient 3 and 4-tick models that they offered for sale to at least 50% of all appliances in the first six months, and further increasing to 60% within the next six months. They also pledged not to offer models with no ticks for sale. In turn, NEA also provides training and promotional materials to help signatories educate their customers and promote energy efficient appliances.

I am glad to note that signatories of the Voluntary Agreement are making progress towards these targets. Achieving these targets not only helps appliance vendors serve their customers better, but will also ready them to meet the upcoming introduction of minimum energy performance standards for air-conditioners and refrigerators in mid-2011.

March 2010 was the six-month mark of the Voluntary Agreement, and I would like to take this opportunity to announce and congratulate the companies that have achieved the six-month target. One retailer and nine suppliers have met the six-month targets for all appliances.

They are Best Denki, Bosch, CASA representing the brands Bloomberg, Elba and EF, Daikin, Electrolux, Miele, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, Samsung and Toshiba. The other signatories have made some progress and are committed to meeting the 1-year target.

In addition, I am pleased to announce a new award, the “10% Energy Challenge Champion” award. This award is for Voluntary Agreement suppliers whose energy efficient models comprise more than 80% of its product mix, and retailers who have met the 6-month target and are actively promoting energy efficient products.

I am also happy to report that VA signatories are selling more energy efficient models. Ten of the 12 signatories selling air-conditioners saw an increase in sales of energy efficient models of up to 22% over last 6 months. Three signatories selling refrigerators achieved more than 95% in sales of energy efficient models while another 8 signatories observed a sales increase of up to 19% during the same period.

We are glad that these companies are leading the way in transforming the retail market into one that promotes energy efficient appliances and educating consumers to be more discriminating in the purchase of appliances.

Energy Challenge Fair 2010

Under the banner of the 10% Energy Challenge, we have also organized an Energy Challenge Month, which is taking place in May this year. During this month, community events focusing on promoting energy efficiency and conservation are taking place around the island, culminating in the Energy Challenge Fair 2010. The Energy Challenge Fair is a platform for the public to find all sorts of energy-saving products in one place and enjoy special discounts, while making a difference to the environment. For the first time, we are co-organising the Energy Challenge Fair with the Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) and co-locating it with the Singapore Book Fair 2010. This is also the biggest Energy Challenge Fair we have organized to date and we hope that it would grow into a flagship event for vendors, retailers and the public in the years to come.

Today, we will also be launching the Energy Challenge catalogue which showcases energy efficient models of air-conditioners, refrigerators and clothes dryers brought in by the signatories of the Voluntary Agreement. This will help potential buyers of appliances identify the energy efficient models and compare specifications all in one place. The Energy Challenge catalogue is also available online at the e2singapore website and at this fair.

Conclusion

Let us all continue to play our part in becoming more energy efficient in our lifestyle, and not only save money, but also make an important contribution to climate change. As consumers, by choosing energy efficient appliances over the less efficient ones, we can also help influence vendors and retailers to bring more efficient models to our market.

I wish everyone a pleasant and enjoyable afternoon.


	Date Published: 29 May 2010 Distinguished Guests Ladies and Gentlemen Good afternoon. Introduction Climate change is a global challenge that requires a global solution by all countries. Singapore has pledged to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 16% from the 2020 business-as-usual scenario, provided a global agreement is reached and put in place. The 4th Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change or IPCC was released in 2007 and one of the key findings is that from 1850 until now, the warmest years occurred in 11 of the 12 years from 1995 to 2006. The IPCC projects that global temperatures could rise by between 1.1ºC and 6.4ºC by the end of the 21st century. We need to understand how Singapore could be affected by climate change in order to determine what we need to do locally to adjust to or prepare for these changes. With this mind, the National Environment Agency (NEA) commissioned the Tropical Marine Science Institute of NUS to conduct the first nationwide Climate Change Study in 2007 to look into the long-term effects of climate change on Singapore. Phase 1 of the study covering the physical impact of climate change on areas such as sea level and temperature has been completed. The NEA has prepared a brochure (download pdf) to inform the public on climate change, and highlight the measures that will be taken in Singapore to adapt to the effects of climate change. The brochure will be made available to you today and subsequently to schools and the general public. A public seminar will be organized in due course to share more details on the methodology and approach taken for the Study. Climate science is a complex and evolving subject. We will continue to build up our knowledge and improve our understanding of the subject as more information and data become available and we will regularly review the need for more adaptation measures. A key part of our strategy to achieve our 16% target is to be energy efficient. Being energy efficient not only helps to mitigate climate change, but saves us dollars and cents. In fact, making slight adjustment to our habits and choosing more energy-efficient appliances can help us save money at home. For example, you can save $580 per year if you use the fan instead of the air-conditioner! Another money-saving tip: buying an air-conditioner with 4 ticks instead of one with zero ticks can save about $350 per year. In order to help the consumers make energy efficient choices and save money, my ministry mandated energy labeling for air-conditioners and refrigerators in January 2008 so that consumers would have ready information on the energy consumption and relative efficiency of various models in the market. Increased Sales of Energy Efficient Appliances Since labeling was made mandatory, retailers have been offering more energy efficient appliances. Over the last six months, the number of energy efficient (3-tick and 4-tick) air-conditioners offered by Voluntary Agreement retailers increased to 49%, while energy-efficient refrigerator models rose to 67%. Air-conditioners with 0-tick decreased from 9% to 6%. To create more awareness on the ways households can save energy, NEA launched the 10% Energy Challenge campaign in April 2008. A survey conducted by NEA showed that the percentage of Singaporeans practicing energy saving tips increased from 74% in 2007 to 83% in 2008. Voluntary Agreement (VA) To further promote energy efficient appliances to the public, a Voluntary Agreement (VA) on energy efficient appliances was launched between NEA, the Housing Development Board (HDB), the Energy Market Authority (EMA) and 16 retailers and suppliers of air-conditioners, refrigerators and clothes dryers in September last year. Under this agreement, signatories pledged to increase the proportion of energy efficient 3 and 4-tick models that they offered for sale to at least 50% of all appliances in the first six months, and further increasing to 60% within the next six months. They also pledged not to offer models with no ticks for sale. In turn, NEA also provides training and promotional materials to help signatories educate their customers and promote energy efficient appliances. I am glad to note that signatories of the Voluntary Agreement are making progress towards these targets. Achieving these targets not only helps appliance vendors serve their customers better, but will also ready them to meet the upcoming introduction of minimum energy performance standards for air-conditioners and refrigerators in mid-2011. March 2010 was the six-month mark of the Voluntary Agreement, and I would like to take this opportunity to announce and congratulate the companies that have achieved the six-month target. One retailer and nine suppliers have met the six-month targets for all appliances. They are Best Denki, Bosch, CASA representing the brands Bloomberg, Elba and EF, Daikin, Electrolux, Miele, Mitsubishi Electric, Panasonic, Samsung and Toshiba. The other signatories have made some progress and are committed to meeting the 1-year target. In addition, I am pleased to announce a new award, the “10% Energy Challenge Champion” award. This award is for Voluntary Agreement suppliers whose energy efficient models comprise more than 80% of its product mix, and retailers who have met the 6-month target and are actively promoting energy efficient products. I am also happy to report that VA signatories are selling more energy efficient models. Ten of the 12 signatories selling air-conditioners saw an increase in sales of energy efficient models of up to 22% over last 6 months. Three signatories selling refrigerators achieved more than 95% in sales of energy efficient models while another 8 signatories observed a sales increase of up to 19% during the same period. We are glad that these companies are leading the way in transforming the retail market into one that promotes energy efficient appliances and educating consumers to be more discriminating in the purchase of appliances. Energy Challenge Fair 2010 Under the banner of the 10% Energy Challenge, we have also organized an Energy Challenge Month, which is taking place in May this year. During this month, community events focusing on promoting energy efficiency and conservation are taking place around the island, culminating in the Energy Challenge Fair 2010. The Energy Challenge Fair is a platform for the public to find all sorts of energy-saving products in one place and enjoy special discounts, while making a difference to the environment. For the first time, we are co-organising the Energy Challenge Fair with the Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) and co-locating it with the Singapore Book Fair 2010. This is also the biggest Energy Challenge Fair we have organized to date and we hope that it would grow into a flagship event for vendors, retailers and the public in the years to come. Today, we will also be launching the Energy Challenge catalogue which showcases energy efficient models of air-conditioners, refrigerators and clothes dryers brought in by the signatories of the Voluntary Agreement. This will help potential buyers of appliances identify the energy efficient models and compare specifications all in one place. The Energy Challenge catalogue is also available online at the e2singapore website and at this fair. Conclusion Let us all continue to play our part in becoming more energy efficient in our lifestyle, and not only save money, but also make an important contribution to climate change. As consumers, by choosing energy efficient appliances over the less efficient ones, we can also help influence vendors and retailers to bring more efficient models to our market. I wish everyone a pleasant and enjoyable afternoon.