Member of Parliament (MP) for Nee Soon GRC Mr Louis Ng is well known for his passionate approach in highlighting sustainability efforts and climate change issues.
This time, he took his passion to another level – going green literally – just to show how serious Nee Soon GRC is in cutting down carbon emissions.
In summary:
- Although 64 per cent of the electricity for municipal fittings in Nee Soon GRC is solar-powered, there are plans to install solar panels on another 300 HDB blocks by 2025.
- Nee Soon Town Council is certified as an Eco Office.
- 95 per cent of the lights in Nee Soon are already energy saving LED lights, 100 per cent is within reach very soon.
- A 30 per cent reduction in energy use in common areas by 2030.
- There are currently 27,000 trees in Nee Soon and Nee Soon GRC will plant another 500 trees in the next three years.
- To tackle food waste, Nee Soon GRC is exploring having more food composters in the community.
You can watch the full video here.
Action for Greener Towns
This is all part of our Party’s Action for Greener Towns (AGT) initiative that was launched May 2021, with all 15 PAP town councils working together, promoting and encouraging sustainability practices.
Each PAP town council will have its own dedicated sustainability committee consisting of residents, activists and a Member of Parliament. Committees will collaborate with each other, anchored by a central task force, chaired by Dr. Wan Rizal.
The first phase of AGT was launched on Dec. 3, 2021, featuring a cash-for-recycling programme in Jalan Besar GRC.
Its objectives include:
- Reduce printouts in Town Council offices
- Implement electronic payments instead of cheques whenever possible
- Introduce more greenery in public spaces in towns to bring down temperatures
- In-town conversion of excess plant materials into mulch, which will reduce waste and carbon footprint
- Over 3,000 lifts will be replaced with more reliable and energy-saving models by 2025
- Smart sensors will be progressively incorporated when LED lights are due to be replaced
Check out the green initiatives for Zhenghua and Bukit Panjang.
The AGT is the result of a motion from the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Sustainability and the Environment, led by Mr Ng. The committee tabled a motion to speak on climate change and its impact on Singapore, urging the government to work in partnership with different stakeholders to do more for the climate.
Louis Ng – the green champion
Perhaps it’s not so surprising to see Mr Ng in green.
After all, the former CEO of animal welfare non-profit Animal Concerns Research & Education Society (ACRES) famously went inside a trash bin to talk about food waste and went swimming – complete with polo tee, shorts and reusable water bottle – to highlight rising sea levels due to climate change.
Just check out his “crazy videos”.
In fact, an Eco Business article called him Singapore’s “most prominent politician focused on sustainability issues” and has pushed for a reduction in single-use plastic consumption, and greater protection for Singapore’s wildlife since going into politics in 2015.
His willingness to take action to combat sustainability issues is something all of us can learn from.
Cover photo credit: Louis Ng Facebook Page
