City-Level Decoupling-Case Studies

initial funding was set aside for research and development and manpower training, with large allocations for implementing and incentivising the Green Mark efficiency system for buildings and the installation of solar panels. Testing for the viability of electric vehicles was conducted in 2010 and part of the budget was set aside to build cycling networks. 187 It is estimated that the investment of S$680 million (US$549 million) to build capability in the energy and water technology sectors could contribute a value-add of S$3.4 billion (approximately US$2.7 million) to these industries and generate employment of close to 20,000 people by 2015. 188 One of Singapore’s biggest success stories is its water resource management. Water sustainability and security is vital for Singapore as there is no groundwater and the land area is not sufficient for collecting and storing water to meet its requirements. 189 Although it has historically low water consumption levels in comparison to other first world countries, when its two water agreements with Malaysia end in 2011 and 2061, the price that it pays for water could increase radically, making it difficult for government to ensure affordable and adequate supplies. 190 The interim goal of the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint initiative is to reduce domestic water usage from 154 litres per person per day (2009 figures) to 147 litres by 2020, and 140 litres by 2030. 191 Over the past four decades, the government has invested considerably in research and technology for water conservation, and in implementing the first stage of a deep tunnel sewerage system to redirect waste water flows towards water reclamation plants. 192 The current water supply is drawn from four sources, known as the ‘Four National Taps': the local reservoir catchment, imported water, NEWater and desalinated water. 193 NEWater refers to the collection, treatment and purification of used water using advanced technologies, rendering it even purer than WHO standards and perfectly safe to drink. 194 It is estimated that at the end of 2011 NEWater would meet 30 per cent of the nation’s needs once the fifth plant has been completed. 195 Singapore currently has one of largest desalination plants in Asia, using reverse osmosis to transform seawater into drinkable water. In 2010, this plant was supplying 136,000 cubic metres of fresh water per day providing for roughly 10% of Singapore’s water needs. 196 In efforts to reduce the amount of water used and wasted, lessen their dependence on imported water and prevent water wastage through leaks, a series of projects have been launched to clean up the Singapore River, increase the number of reservoirs, fix leaks in the water distribution system and encourage the public to reduce their water usage. 197 These water conservation programmes include a 10% Challenge and 10-Litre Challenge to citizens, schools and businesses to use water responsibly and save. 198 A Watermark Award is given annually to individuals and organisations that have significantly contributed to the ‘water cause'; those who raise awareness around water issues in Singapore are recognised in the Friends of Water Programme and an Our Waters initiative encourages schools to adopt water bodies and look after them. In 2010, the number of leaks per 100 km of potable water pipelines had been reduced by 1.2%, and the number of sewerage disruptions per 1,000 km of sewer lines reduced by 6% from 2007 levels. During the same period, the number of reservoirs increased from 14 to 17, sales of NEWater increased from 49.2 to 96.4 million m³, and sales of industrial water (non-potable, reused water) decreased by five million cubic metres. 199 Progress towards the goal of 140 litres per person per day Water for All: Conserve, Value, Enjoy

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