Frequently-Asked-Questions on SGP2012 Three-yearly Review

Aim of the Review

1. Why are we reviewing the SGP2012?
To ensure that the Singapore Green Plan 2012 (SGP2012) remains relevant and up-to-date, we will be undertaking a mid-term review every three years. This will give us an opportunity to embrace new ideas and enhance our strategies to tackle emerging environmental challenges and issues. It is also a chance for all of us to revisit our current programmes to ensure that they remain relevant and robust.

2. What has it got to do with me?
The environment is everybody's business. The Singapore Green Plan is the voice and will of each and every Singaporean towards protecting and sustaining the environment we live in. Peoples' participation for this review exercise is most critical. At the end of the day, the kind of environment we create and live in is really in the hands of each one of us.

It is therefore crucial that our Review reaches out and gather the views of as many people as possible. We urge the public to give us their feedback and spread the word so that their family and friends can join us in this exercise too.

The Singapore Green Plan 2012 (SGP2012)

3. What is the progress of SGP2012 so far?
Various targets have been set under the SGP2012 and six Action Programme Committees (APCs) had been set up to develop and oversee the implementation of action programmes in support of these targets.

These are making good progress and to date, we are on track to meeting many of the targets. For example, we targeted to have 25% of Singapore 's water supply met by non-conventional sources. Three years on and we have already hit 12%.

For some of the targets, we have exceeded our earlier projections. For example, we have already achieved 69% of Singapore 's electricity needs through use of natural gas, higher than the 60% target set.

For some others, we may need to do more in order to reach the target set in 2012 - for example, we target to achieve 60% recycling rate by year 2012. We have done well so far in reaching 48% recycling rate, but would need to get more people on board and intensify our efforts. Hence, this review will help us re-look at where we are heading and how we are getting there in a better way.

Scope and Outreach of the Review

4. What is the scope of this review?
For this three-yearly review, the three focus groups reviewed the existing targets and action programmes under SGP2012. The focus groups also considered other public feedback and assessed if new targets and action programmes are necessary to address changing circumstances and emerging challenges. If arising from the review, there are good reasons to change some of our environmental policies and programmes, we will do so.

Outcome and Timeframe

5. What do we ultimately hope to achieve from this consultation exercise?
We hope that the public would become more aware of the environmental challenges that we face, and be more proactive to do their part so that together, we can meet these challenges and ensure that we have a sustainable environment for our future generations. We hope to also take this opportunity to further enhance our action programmes for a sustainable environment.