Category Archives: Sustainability

Sustainability

Singapore Supermarkets to Charge for Plastic Bags from July 3 2023

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Starting from July 3, 2023, large supermarket operators in Singapore will be required to charge customers at least 5 cents per plastic bag. This is part of the government’s efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastics and promote a more sustainable environment.

The following supermarkets will be charging for plastic bags:

  • NTUC FairPrice
  • Cold Storage
  • Giant
  • Sheng Siong
  • Prime
BYOB

Customers will be able to bring their own reusable bags to the supermarket or purchase reusable bags from the supermarket. Those who do not bring their own bags will be charged 5 cents per plastic bag.

The government expects that the plastic bag charge will reduce the use of plastic bags by 10-15%. This will help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and the environment.

The plastic bag charge is just one of a number of measures that the government is taking to reduce the use of single-use plastics. Other measures include banning the use of plastic straws and stirrers, and requiring food delivery companies to use reusable containers.

The government is committed to making Singapore a more sustainable city. The plastic bag charge is a step in the right direction, and it is expected to make a significant difference in reducing the use of single-use plastics.

Here are some tips for reducing your use of plastic bags:

  • Bring your own reusable bags when you go shopping.
  • Ask your supermarket if they offer recycling bags.
  • If you do need to use a plastic bag, reuse it as many times as possible.
  • Dispose of plastic bags properly.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and the environment.

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/all-set-for-monday-when-free-plastic-bags-at-many-supermarkets-will-be-a-thing-of-the-past

Biodegradable plastic bags started to appear in supermarket shelves in large quantity for consumer to purchase for their shopping needs. This brings us to another thought on whether biodegradable bags will hinder the recycling process?

Yes, biodegradable bags can hinder the recycling process. This is because they are often made from different materials than conventional plastic bags, and these materials can contaminate the recycling stream. For example, some biodegradable bags are made from cornstarch or other plant-based materials, which can clog up recycling machines. Additionally, some biodegradable bags contain additives that help them break down more quickly, but these additives can also make them difficult to recycle.

When biodegradable bags are mixed in with conventional plastic bags, they can contaminate the entire batch of recycling. This means that the entire batch may have to be thrown away, even if it is mostly made from recyclable materials. This can waste a lot of resources and money, and it also defeats the purpose of recycling.

For these reasons, it is important to check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept biodegradable bags. If they do not, you should dispose of them in the trash.

Here are some tips for avoiding biodegradable bags:

  • Bring your own reusable bags when you go shopping.
  • Ask your local store if they offer paper bags as an alternative to plastic bags.
  • If you do use a biodegradable bag, make sure to check with your local recycling facility to see if they accept them.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce the impact of biodegradable bags on the recycling process.

Sustainability

Will Anaesthetic Gas Impact The Carbon Emission?

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What is Anaesthetic Gas?

Anaesthetic gas is a gas that is used to induce anesthesia, which is a state of unconsciousness or partial loss of feeling. Anaesthetic gases are typically inhaled through a mask or breathing tube. They work by depressing the central nervous system, which slows down the heart rate, breathing, and brain activity.

The most common anaesthetic gases are nitrous oxide, halothane, isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane. Nitrous oxide is the simplest and least expensive anaesthetic gas, and it is often used in combination with other gases. Halothane was the first widely used volatile anaesthetic gas, but it has been largely replaced by newer agents due to its potential to cause liver damage. Isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane are all newer volatile anaesthetic gases that are more potent and have a faster onset and offset of action than halothane.

Other anaesthetic gases that are sometimes used include methoxyflurane, enflurane, and xenon. Methoxyflurane is no longer used in the United States due to its potential to cause kidney damage. Enflurane is similar to isoflurane, but it has a longer onset and offset of action. Xenon is a noble gas that is very expensive, but it is also very safe and has a very fast onset and offset of action.

Anesthetic gases are generally safe when used properly, but they can have some side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and headache. In rare cases, they can also cause more serious side effects, such as malignant hyperthermia, which is a life-threatening condition.

Here is a table of some of the most common anaesthetic gases:

GasChemical FormulaOnsetOffset
Nitrous oxideN2ORapidVery rapid
HalothaneCH3BrClFSlowSlow
IsofluraneCH3CF3CHF2RapidModerate
SevofluraneCH3CHF2OCH2FVery rapidModerate
DesfluraneCH2FCF3Very rapidVery rapid

Anaesthetic Gas CO2 Impact

Anaesthetic gases are greenhouse gases, and their impact is measured by their Global Warming Potential (GWP). GWP is a measure of how effective each gas is at trapping heat in the atmosphere over time compared with carbon dioxide (CO2).

The GWPs of some common anaesthetic gases are as follows:

  • Nitrous oxide: 310
  • Halothane: 1,140
  • Isoflurane: 1,720
  • Sevoflurane: 1,300
  • Desflurane: 2,540

This means that nitrous oxide is 310 times more effective at trapping heat than CO2, while desflurane is 2,540 times more effective.

The amount of CO2 emitted by anaesthetic gases depends on the type of gas used, the duration of the surgery, and the ventilation system used in the operating theatre. However, it is estimated that anaesthetic gases account for about 5% of the carbon footprint of hospitals.

There are a number of ways to reduce the CO2 emissions from anaesthetic gases. These include:

  • Using less potent gases, such as nitrous oxide.
  • Using closed-circuit anaesthetic machines, which recycle the gases.
  • Using scavenging systems to collect and remove the gases from the operating theatre.

By taking these steps, hospitals can reduce their carbon footprint and help to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Here are some additional information about the CO2 emissions from anaesthetic gases:

  • The CO2 emissions from anaesthetic gases are equivalent to the emissions from driving a car for a certain distance. For example, one hour of desflurane use is equivalent to driving 320 kilometers.
  • The CO2 emissions from anaesthetic gases are increasing. This is because more and more surgeries are being performed, and the use of potent gases is increasing.
  • There is a growing awareness of the environmental impact of anaesthetic gases. This is leading to the development of new, more environmentally friendly gases.
Read more: Will Anaesthetic Gas Impact The Carbon Emission?

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/hospitals-cut-back-on-environmentally-unfriendly-anaesthetic-gases-reducing-co2-emissions

Sustainability

Who are the food digester suppliers in Singapore?

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There are a few major suppliers of food digesters in Singapore. These include:

  • A-Smart Life
  • Zero Waste Solution
  • Ecowise Holdings
  • Westcom Bio-Tech
  • Enerprof

These suppliers offer a variety of food digesters, each with its own set of features and benefits. Some of the factors to consider when choosing a food digester include the size of your operation, the type of food waste you generate, and your budget.

Here is a brief overview of each supplier:

  • A-Smart Life is a Singapore-based company that specializes in the development and sale of food digesters. Their products are known for their compact size and high efficiency.
  • Zero Waste Solution is another Singapore-based company that offers a range of food digesters, including both commercial and residential models. They are known for their commitment to sustainability and their focus on providing high-quality products.
  • EcoWise Holdings is a Malaysian company that supplies food digesters to businesses and organizations in Singapore. They offer a variety of models to suit different needs, and they are known for their competitive pricing.
  • Westcom Bio-Tech is a Singapore-based company that specializes in the development and sale of food waste recycling technologies. Their food digesters are designed to be used in commercial settings, and they are known for their ability to process large volumes of food waste quickly and efficiently.
  • Enerprof is a Singapore-based company that supplies a variety of industrial equipment, including food digesters. They offer a range of models to suit different needs, and they are known for their competitive pricing.

Singapore is enforcing the use of food digesters. From 2024 onwards, large commercial and industrial food waste generators will be required to segregate their food waste for treatment. This means that they will need to install a food digester or send their food waste to an off-site facility for treatment.

The use of food digesters is a key part of Singapore’s efforts to reduce food waste. Food digesters convert food waste into biogas, which can be used to generate electricity or heat. They also produce a nutrient-rich liquid that can be used as fertilizer.

The enforcement of food digesters is expected to help Singapore reduce its food waste by 20% by 2030. This will have a significant environmental impact, as it will help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.

Here are some of the benefits of using food digesters in Singapore:

  • Reduces food waste: Food digesters convert food waste into biogas, which can be used to generate electricity or heat. This helps to reduce the amount of food waste that ends up in landfills, where it can release methane, a greenhouse gas that is 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
  • Produces nutrient-rich liquid: The liquid produced by food digesters is a nutrient-rich fertilizer that can be used to improve soil quality. This can help to increase crop yields and reduce the need for chemical fertilizers.
  • Creates jobs: The installation and operation of food digesters creates jobs in the green economy. This helps to support Singapore’s transition to a more sustainable future.

If you are a large commercial or industrial food waste generator in Singapore, you will need to start planning for the installation of a food digester or the sending of your food waste to an off-site facility for treatment. There are a number of suppliers of food digesters in Singapore, so you should be able to find one that meets your needs.

It is time for your company to looking at the types of food digester that you want to purchase and deploy at your site. You will need to look into the site constraints, work flow, environmental, financial investment and many other factors. The time is clicking and it is best that you act soon as it involves Capex budgeting for your company.

Statement on Food Waste Recycling in Singapore

The Government of Singapore is committed to reducing food waste and promoting food waste recycling. We believe that food waste is a valuable resource that can be used to generate energy, create fertilizer, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2024, large commercial and industrial food waste generators will be required to segregate their food waste for treatment. This means that they will need to install a food digester or send their food waste to an off-site facility for treatment.

We are also working to educate the public about the importance of food waste recycling. We are encouraging people to compost their food waste at home, and we are working with businesses to provide food waste recycling bins in their premises.

We believe that by working together, we can reduce food waste and create a more sustainable future for Singapore.

Here are some specific actions that the government is taking to promote food waste recycling in Singapore:

  • Enforcement of food waste segregation: From 2024 onwards, large commercial and industrial food waste generators will be required to segregate their food waste for treatment. This will help to reduce the amount of food waste that ends up in landfills.
  • Education and awareness: The government is working to educate the public about the importance of food waste recycling. This includes providing information on how to compost food waste at home and how to dispose of food waste properly.
  • Incentives: The government is providing incentives to businesses that recycle food waste. For example, businesses that install food digesters can receive a rebate from the government.
  • Research and development: The government is investing in research and development to find new ways to recycle food waste. This includes research into the use of food waste to generate energy and create fertilizer.

We believe that by taking these actions, we can reduce food waste and create a more sustainable future for Singapore.

Sustainability

Singapore Energy Manager Course Provider

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The below are the two (2) main training service provider for the Energy Manager Course in Singapore.

The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) Academy offers the Singapore Certified Energy Manager (SCEM) Programme. This is a professional-level course that covers the fundamentals of energy management, as well as the skills and knowledge required to manage and track energy usage in organizations.

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The institution of Engineers, Singapore

Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore (SEAS) also offers the SCEM Programme. In addition to the core modules, SEAS also offers elective modules that focus on specific areas of energy management, such as energy auditing and energy contracting.

Sustainable Energy Association of Singapore

What are the criteria to choose the training service providers?

There are a few criteria you can consider when choosing between IES and SEAS to study:

  • Course modules and topics covered: Both IES and SEAS offer the SCEM Programme, which covers the fundamentals of energy management. However, SEAS also offers elective modules that focus on specific areas of energy management, such as energy auditing and energy contracting. If you are interested in specializing in a particular area of energy management, SEAS may be a better choice for you.
  • Mode of delivery: IES offers the SCEM Programme in a classroom-based format, while SEAS offers both classroom-based and online formats. If you prefer to learn in a classroom setting, IES may be a better choice for you. If you are flexible with your learning style, SEAS may be a better choice for you.
  • Assessment methods: IES uses a combination of written exams and practical exercises to assess students. SEAS uses a combination of written exams, practical exercises, and case studies to assess students. If you prefer a more traditional assessment method, IES may be a better choice for you. If you prefer a more hands-on assessment method, SEAS may be a better choice for you.
  • Career prospects: Both IES and SEAS have a good reputation in the energy management industry. However, IES may have a slight edge in terms of career prospects, as they have a larger network of alumni and employers. If you are concerned about your career prospects, IES may be a better choice for you.
  • Cost: The cost of the SCEM Programme at IES and SEAS is similar. However, there may be additional costs associated with the elective modules offered by SEAS. If you are on a budget, IES may be a better choice for you.

Ultimately, the best way to choose between IES and SEAS is to consider your individual needs and preferences. If you are still unsure, you can contact both institutions to inquire about the SCEM Programme and to get more information.

Here is a table summarizing the criteria you can consider:

Please do the research to make an informed choice. I have personally chosen SEAS as their customer supports is fast and in a timely manner. IES customer support for the SCEM course was slow and needs constant reminder to reply their email when I contact them in 2022.

Sustainability

Be responsible for the environment

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Everyday you see drivers on the road throwing rubbish out of their car. They are doing the wrong things and setting the wrong examples for their children as they are seems as role model. Let us change our habits and feed the rubbish to where they are suppose to be. We can made Singapore and the world more clean by our small actions everyday.

Sustainability

CDL Sustainability Volunteer Works

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I took half day of works away to volunteer with the KTPH Sustainability Committee to do some volunteering works at the Marina Barrage. Manay volunteers from across Singapore play their part to create this art scultpure at Marina Barrage.

We have to end our volunteering works early as it started to rain.

IMG_0494

Plastic is part of our lifestyle and we need to manage it responsibly to ensure that it does not impact our environment. But you always find plastic bags and bottles entering our drainage system as there are a group of people that do it for their convenience.

Please do your little part to save the environment and slow down the climate change process. We cannot erdicate it but let us migitate the situation for our future generations.

CDL New Release Jun 5 2018