Singapore energy conservation act

The Singapore government is now looking at energy management practices for companies, Channel News Asia reports.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources (MEWR), Dr. Amy Khor says the ministry is preparing to introduce the Energy Conservation Act which will come into force in 2013.

The legislation will set minimum energy management requirements for large industrial energy users.

Dr Khor says companies that consume more than the equivalent of 15 GWh of energy annually will be required to appoint an energy manager.

They would also have to monitor and report their energy use to the National Environment Agency (NEA) and develop and submit their energy efficiency improvement plans.

NEA is currently consulting with companies on the detailed requirements under the proposed act.

Dr. Khor adds that international experience indicates that implementing energy management programmes in companies is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve energy efficiency.

And companies can expect to reduce their energy consumption by at least 10 to 15 percent.

Such energy management practices ought to be the norm for the companies says Dr. Khor and some countries like Japan have mandated energy management practices for their companies.

Dr. Khor said: "Sustainable development is a key priority for Singapore because it paves the way for a cleaner, greener environment.

"With a mere 710 sq km of land size, every part of this island is precious and a resource, we need to safeguard for future generations. We have set goals under the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint that will help Singapore continue to grow and prosper but in a responsible manner.

"To achieve these goals, it is imperative that we receive full support from the business community, and indeed from each and everyone in Singapore."