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Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council Sustainability Report 2021
Sustainability Report 2021
Cover:
A lush green
All information is correct at the time of belt flanks Bukit
publishing. Panjang estate
Photographer:
Date of publication: September 2021 Ngian Xuan Rong
Produced by: Holland-Bukit Panjang
Town Council
No reproduction, in part or in whole, of
the report may be made without prior
permission from Holland-Bukit Panjang
Town Council.
About the report
SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT TEAM
The second Sustainability Report to be published by Holland-
Advisers Bukit Panjang Town Council aims to communicate our
Mr Christopher de Souza
Mr Edward Chia Bing Hui
sustainability practices to stakeholders in a transparent and
accountable manner. In this report, we have introduced a
Chairman
Mr George Wong (Bukit Timah) new Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9, which focuses
Vice-Chairman
on industry, innovation and infrastructure. Additionally, our
Mr Jason Salim (Ulu Pandan) seven previously adopted SDGs indicate the progress we have
Committee Members
made so far in the respective areas, in alignment with the
Mr Ang Kok Leong Raymond, PBM recently launched Action for Green Town programme and the
(Zhenghua) SG Green Plan 2030.
Mr Jayaram s/o Letchumanan, BBM (Cashew)
Mr Lee Theng Liang, PBM (Ulu Pandan)
Through this report, we seek to identify opportunities for
Mr Tay Bok Hock Louis, JP, BBM(L), PB improvement in our sustainability management approach
(Bukit Panjang) as we integrate sustainability into our strategic plans,
Expert Panel stakeholder engagement initiatives and operational processes.
Mr Allen Ang, BBM,
Councillor, NorthWest CDC
Ms Nora Tan, Councillor, NorthWest CDC
Reporting Scope and Period
This report covers activities organised by the Holland-Bukit
Secretariat Support
Ms Dorothy Cheung, Ms Jamie Tan,
Panjang Town Council for the period from 1 January 2017
Mr Lawrence Toh, Mr S. Seenivasan to 31 December 2021, unless otherwise specified. Activities
Youth Group are inclusive of those within Bukit Panjang Constituency and
Ms Elise Murugasu, Ms Jodie Teo, Holland-Bukit Timah Group Representation Constituency,
Ms Krystal Lim, Mr Quek Chui Qing, which are under its care. There is no restatement of
Ms Shannen Chua, Mr Tommy Koh
information or changes in reporting in this publication.
We would like to thank the committee, volunteers,
Publishing Agent residents and stakeholders for their contribution towards the
FOCUS PUBLISHING making of this report.
(a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings)
1000 Toa Payoh North
News Centre Singapore 318994
Email: focuspub@sph.com.sg
Editorial & Creative ASSURANCE
Senior Editor Dora Tay No external assurance has been sought for this report.
Editor Shweta Parida In accordance with Holland-Bukit Panjang Town’s practice to advocate
Executive Sub-Editor Leonard Lau responsible consumption and production of resources, no hard copies
Creative Director Tony Law
of this report have been printed. This report is available for viewing and
Art Director Fish Chan
downloading at www.hbptc.org.sg.
General Manager Maureen Ho
FEEDBACK
Client Management Manager Mavis Liang
We welcome your enquiries and feedback for clarification and
SDG Illustrations by Brian Chia improvement. Do send your comments and suggestions addressed to
Portrait Illustrations by Ken Lee the Sustainability Manager at mailbox@hbptc.org.sg.
Other Illustrations: iStock
Note: Some of these photos were taken before the Covid-19 safe distancing measures
came into effect.
Contents
About Our Town Sustainable Development Action for Green Town
Goals (SDGs)
2 Chairman’s
Message
13 Adopted Sustainable
Development Goals
47 Action for Green
Town by HBPTC
4 Our Vision &
Mission
14 SDG 3
Good Health and
48 Alignment with
SG Green Plan 2030
Well-being
6 About Holland- Divisions:
Bukit Panjang Town
19 SDG 4
Council Quality Education
49 Bukit Panjang
7 Our Organisation
23 SDG 7
Structure Affordable and Clean
Energy
50 Bukit Timah
8 Our Sustainability
Framework
27 SDG 9
Industry, Innovation
51 Cashew
9 Our and Infrastructure
Stakeholders
52 Ulu Pandan
31 SDG 11
11 Ecological Sustainable Cities
Assets and Communities
53 Zhenghua
35 SDG 12
Responsible
Consumption and
Production
54 Report Card
39 SDG 13
Climate Action
57 Contact
43 SDG 17
Partnerships for
the Goals
Sustainability Report 2021
Together, we embark on this
sustainability journey
S
ustainability has always been a predominantly ageing community.
one of the cornerstones There are more seniors now and our
of our focus on town estates are also getting older – many
management. Since Dr Teo precincts are entering the 30-year
Ho Pin’s time as the chairman of the mark and some are even older.
Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council, In the next stage of our green
it is enshrined in our work pertaining plan, we have to dovetail our green
to township governance. Whether it initiatives with our rejuvenation
is driving recycling efforts, stepping plans. As such, our Neighbourhood
up our biophilic initiatives, and Renewal Programmes have a green
making our town more energy- focus. We rethink the way our
efficient, we sustain the momentum community centres, for example,
by launching initiatives and are being designed so as to allow
technological innovations that make for better natural ventilation,
sustainability a fact of life for all. which further brings down energy
Noteworthy here is the fact that consumption. We have invested
all this is done against the backdrop in energy-efficient LED lighting
of changing demographics. For and encouraged the proliferation
instance, Bukit Panjang is home to of community gardens and green
2
don’t contain harmful chemicals. We
spaces throughout our town.
ensure that the suppliers from whom
Energy-efficiency not only reduces
we procure goods in the course of
carbon emission but also keeps it
our town management work have
affordable for our residents. We
the green accreditation mark. In
also want to explore water saving
the past few years, there has been a
solutions through the use of devices
palpable shift in our town planning
such as jet equipment by our
and management work. It is also
cleaners to wash the common areas.
intrinsically linked to the SG Green
These devices can minimise water
Plan 2030 as well as the Action for
usage. Similarly, for households, we
Green Town initiative.
advise our residents on how they
We are also looking at synergies
can minimise water consumption by
between sustainability and mobility.
installing water-saving devices on
Many of our residents have
their taps and reducing their utility
embraced cycling as their main
bill expenses.
mode of transportation. We are
An integral aspect of our approach "As a progressive working closely with Land Transport
towards sustainability is how we
procure materials for our Town’s
town council supported by Authority and pressing on with our
rejuvenation programmes – the our community of residents cycling network to connect our
who are actively seeking ways Town as well as the various park
entire supply chain ecosystem has
connectors better, and make them
to be aligned with our sustainability to live a greener and healthier more user-friendly and accessible.
objectives that emphasise materiality lifestyle, we are always One growing area of concern
and circularity. For example, the open to new and innovative is the increase in the amount
paint that we use for the Repair and
Redecoration works in our estates
ideas that add value to our of waste generated during the
are environmentally friendly and sustainability objectives." pandemic. Our cleaners have
witnessed the bins filling up fast,
both in residential areas as well
as the Town’s commercial centres
and food markets. We hope to
create awareness about responsible
consumption and its impact on
reducing our carbon footprint.
We are talking to companies about
the potential of waste composting.
As a progressive town council
supported by our community of
residents who are actively seeking
ways to live a greener and healthier
lifestyle, we are always open to new
and innovative ideas that add value
to our sustainability objectives.
MR LIANG ENG HWA
MP for Bukit Panjang SMC
Chairman of Holland-Bukit
Panjang Town Council
3
Sustainability Report 2021
Our mission
The state of our estate reflects the collective efforts of
Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council and our stakeholders.
Therefore, we strive to work collaboratively with our
stakeholders to build a desirable living environment by
focusing on six key areas.
48,906 1,036
residential units commercial units
620
market & food stalls
4
Lift Financial
Performance Adequacy
Estate Corporate
Maintenance Governance
Estate Service and
Cleanliness Conservancy
Charges
bukitpanjang
(S&CC) Arrears
Management
Lift Performance
The Town Council maintains the lifts,
and ensures that they use advanced
and energy-saving components, and
adhere to safety guidelines.
Estate Cleanliness Corporate Governance
The Town Council works with the The Town Council ensures that
conservancy contractor to ensure tenders are invited for projects
that the estates follow standard beyond a certain amount, that a
cleaning procedures. It also fair and open bidding process is
facilitates annual inspections by HDB followed, and to declare any conflict
inspectors. of interest arising out of the bids.
Estate Maintenance Financial Adequacy S&CC Management
This pertains to matters such as The Town Council complies with the To maintain two separate funds:
malfunctioning of lighting in common requirements set by the Ministry short-term expenses for cleaning
areas, playground and fitness corner of National Development, and and maintenance, and long-term
equipment, waste management and maintains a sinking fund for town expenses for lift and sinking funds.
the maintenance of common areas. improvement.
5
Sustainability Report 2021
About Holland-Bukit Panjang
Town Council
ZHENGHUA
MR EDWARD
CHIA BING HUI
ESSWAY
MP for Holland-Bukit Timah XPR
JI E Zhenhua
KRAN
GRC (Zhenghua) Nature Park
Vice-Chairman of Holland- Pang Sua
Bukit Panjang Town Council Pond BUKIT
PANJANG
BUKI
Chestnut
T TIM
Nature
CASHEW Park MR LIANG ENG HWA
AH E
MP for Bukit Panjang SMC
XPR
Chairman of Holland-Bukit
ESSW
Panjang Town Council
AY
RAIL
Bukit Timah
CO
Nature Reserve
RR
N-I SLA
ID
R PA N
O
D
EX
PR
ES
W
S
AY
BUKIT TIMAH
DR VIVIAN
BALAKRISHNAN ULU PANDAN
Minister for Foreign Affairs
MP for Holland-Bukit Timah
GRC (Cashew)
Elected Member of Holland-
Bukit Panjang Town Council
MS SIM ANN
Senior Minister of State,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
MR CHRISTOPHER & Ministry of National
DE SOUZA Development
MP for Holland-Bukit Timah MP for Holland-Bukit Timah
GRC (Ulu Pandan) GRC (Bukit Timah)
Vice-Chairman of Holland- Elected Member of Holland-
Bukit Panjang Town Council Bukit Panjang Town Council
6
Our Organisation Structure
Town councils are led by elected Members of Parliament (MPs). The town
council chairman is appointed by the elected MPs of their respective
towns. As autonomous entities, town councils take charge of local estate
management matters and their respective day-to-day operations.
CHAIRMAN
VICE-CHAIRMEN
ELECTED MEMBERS
SECRETARIAT
GENERAL MANAGER
APPOINTED TOWN
COUNCILLORS
Audit Contracts Estate Finance Project Publicity
Committee Committee Committee Committee Committee Committee
Audit Estate Project
Committee Committee Committee
• Liaise and review policies and • Review maintenance programmes, cyclical • Develop the town’s identity and
procedures regarding risks and internal works and major repair works in common character through town improvement
controls. areas, open space, landscape sites and estate projects.
• Ensure that recommendations facilities. • Advise on the aesthetic improvement of
highlighted in the reports of the • Monitor service delivery level in estate the environment.
external and internal auditors, and maintenance and cleaning. • Evaluate and recommend on the award
special investigations, are duly acted • Recommend policy and by-laws procedure of tenders related to town improvement
upon. governing the management, maintenance projects.
• Review the nature and extent of non- and use of common property.
audit services provided by the external Publicity
auditors. Finance Committee
Committee • Promote town council’s branding of
Contracts • Regulate and administer the proper township governance.
Committee allocation and use of the town council funds. • Communicate town council's governance
• Advise on legal matters pertaining to • Prepare annual budget estimates and to stakeholders through educational and
contracts. statement of accounts, and determine the outreach initiatives.
• Advise, review and endorse all tender accounting policies of the town. • Evaluate and recommend on the
contract procedures and specifications. • Advise on achieving better economy, awarding of tenders related to public
• Evaluate and make contract award efficiency and effectiveness in town council relations projects.
recommendations. funds management. • Maintain all of the town council's social
• Oversee arrears management policy, and media handles.
monitor the arrears of service and conservancy
charges.
7
Sustainability Report 2021
Our Sustainability
Framework
A sustainability framework – founded upon our mission to
foster a desirable living environment for all – guides the
management of Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council.
By upholding high governance
and operational standards, we
continuously improve on our
processes to serve the diverse
needs of our community.
unity
Comm
e
th
g Residents
We are committed to
in
rv
En
providing our residents
Se
ga
with a better, greener and
healthier living environment,
gin
Building a where everyone is included
g our Stakeh
and enjoys a high quality of
Sustainable life.
M ana
Town
Volunteers
We work with our
volunteers, equipping them
with the knowledge and
o
gi n
ld
resources they need to fulfil
er
g
nv
s their commitment.
E
iro
n me Staff
n t a l I m p ac t We value our staff and care
about their well-being and
development.
Suppliers / Government
Committed to environmental Agencies / People’s Sector
sustainability, we actively We regard our partners
implement and maintain as essential to robust
eco-friendly infrastructure governance by emphasising
in our town while adopting communication, partnership
responsible consumption and shared goals.
practices.
8Our Stakeholders
Holland-Bukit Panjang considers stakeholders as
entities and individuals who are significantly affected by
our activities, or whose actions can impact our strategy
implementation towards the stated objectives.
RESIDENTS
Key Topics and Concerns
• A clean, green and safe estate that
promotes quality living for all
• Prudent use of service and
conservancy funds
• Inclusiveness of infrastructure for all
residents
• Avenues for resident engagement
How We Respond
• Put up information on Town
Council’s communication channels
• Ensure contracts awarded are
assessed to meet good industry
price-quality metrics
• Ground-up initiatives such as
dialogues, town hall forums and
community gardens
• Organise events and activities
• Encourage participation in town
improvement projects, including
seeking feedback through friends
of Town Council programme, and
Community Garden at Blk 542 Jelepang Road from residents
VOLUNTEERS
Key Topics and Concerns
• Sense of belonging to the town
• Adequacy of resource support for programmes
• Availability of support for capability building
How We Respond
• Work closely with town councillors/grassroots leaders
• Collaborate with partner agencies on knowledge-
sharing sessions and training
Volunteers working together at the recycling programme
in NorthWest CDC
9Sustainability Report 2021
STAFF
Key Topics and Concerns
• Caring employer
• Opportunity for career development
• Quality of internal communication
• Safe workplace
• Relevant skills and knowledge
Source : EM Services Pte Ltd
How We Respond
• Provide a safe work environment
• Staff bonding activities
• Career progression
• Training and development programmes
• Regular staff meetings and sharing sessions
Training in EM Services
GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
Key Topics and Concerns
• Active role in advancing SG Green
Plan 2030 goals
How We Respond
• Compliance with Sustainable
Singapore Blueprint policies
• Collaborate to advance common
goals
Stop Dengue with B.L.O.C.K in Zhenghua
PEOPLE’S SECTOR SUPPLIERS
Key Topics and Concerns Key Topics and Concerns
• Reduce negative environmental impact • Clarity in rules of engagement
• Champion sustainable practices • Collaboration opportunities in community projects
How We Respond How We Respond
• Collaborate with People’s Sector on relevant • Adopt contractual terms and specifications for
programmes sustainability
• Promote People’s Sector practices by featuring • Work with contractors on clean and green projects
content on Town Council’s communication channels
10Ecological Assets
A plethora of biotic spaces exists throughout
Holland-Bukit Panjang and sustains balanced,
bio-diverse and flourishing ecosystems for all, highlighting
the harmonious co-existence of man and nature.
BUKIT TIMAH NATURE
RESERVE
It is home to Singapore’s highest
hill, Bukit Timah, which is 162.5m
above sea level. The 163-ha
nature reserve contains 40 per
cent of the local flora and fauna.
One specimen of Shorea curtisii
(seraya) is estimated to be over
370 years old. Others include Red
Dhup (Parishia insignis), Hanguana
ZHENGHUA PARK neglecta and Para Rubber (Hevea
CHESTNUT NATURE PARK
The 17.3-ha linear Zhenghua Nature brasiliensis). Two freshwater crab
It is located at the eastern end of
Park stretches for about 2.5km along species that are native only to
Chestnut Avenue. The 81-ha nature
Bukit Timah Expressway, linking Singapore – Johora singaporensis
park – Chestnut Nature Park
Bukit Panjang Park Connector to and Irmengardia johnsoni – can
(south) and Chestnut Nature Park
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Apart be sighted here, as well as the
(north) – serves as a green buffer
from native flora such as Tembusu Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and
for the Central Catchment Nature
and Jejawi, 37 bird species have Malayan Colugo.
Reserve and is Singapore’s largest
been spotted in the park, including nature park to date. Braided
the Flameback Woodpecker, Chestnut (Castanopsis inermis),
Pink-necked Green Pigeon, Singapore Walking-Stick Palm
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and (Rhopaloblaste singaporensis) and
Photo: SPH Library
Long-tailed Parakeet. Long-tailed the Jelutong (Dyera costulata) are
macaques, squirrels, monitor lizards some of the trees found here.
and many other animals are also a
common sight in the park.
37
bird species have been
spotted in the park
1,000
The nature reserve supports
species of flowering plants Chestnut Nature Park is the
and over
500
first nature park in Singapore
to have separate
mountain biking
and hiking trails
species of wildlife
11Sustainability Report 2021
BUKIT PANJANG
BUTTERFLY GARDEN
Situated along Bukit Panjang
Photo: SPH Library
Road, it is linked to the Pang Sua
and Zhenghua Park Connector
network that links to biodiversity-
rich areas like Dairy Farm Nature
Park and, further south, the Bukit
Timah Nature Reserve. Red Tree
Bush (Leea rubra), a butterfly
nectaring plant, sits right in the
ULU PANDAN PARK centre of the “VIP" planter bed, DAIRY FARM
which attracts forest butterflies.
CONNECTOR NATURE PARK
Starting from Commonwealth Formerly a cow shed, the Wallace
Avenue West, this connector runs Education Centre now houses an
through the Ghim Moh estates, education gallery where visitors
Dover MRT station, Holland Grove can learn about the biogeography
estates and the Van Kleef Centre, a and biodiversity of our region.
water research centre. During the
60
Featuring over
flowering season of Tabebuia rosea,
visitors can sight flowering trees
such as Callerya atropurpurea and
Saraca thaipingensis, as well as Red-
Capped Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, species of butterflies
White Egrets and Grey Heron.
The Wallace Trail is a
DID YOU KNOW?
A family of otters resides along
the canal and can often be
2.2km
nature trail dedicated to Alfred
spotted frolicking by the water Russel Wallace that stretches
body. Monitor lizards have also from Hillview MRT station to the
been sighted here. Wallace Education Centre
PANG SUA PARK Elevated
CONNECTOR boardwalk
Starting from Zhenghua Park, it for jogs and walks
runs all the way to Bukit Panjang
Park and connects with Villa Verde
Park. Spot Eagles, White-bellied Sea
Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster) and
Pacific Swallow (Hirundo tahitica),
as well as the Common Grass Yellow
(Eurema hecabe contubernalis) Largest man-made
and Plain Tiger (Acerbas chrysippus floating wetland
chrysippus) butterflies. system in Singapore
12Our Priority Goals
Guided by our sustainability framework, we referenced the
17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the United
Nations and adopted eight relevant to Holland-Bukit Panjang
after a rigorous evaluation process.
3 4 7
Good Health Quality Education Affordable and
and Well-being Ensure inclusive and Clean Energy
Ensure healthy lives equitable quality education Ensure access to affordable,
and promote well-being and promote lifelong reliable, sustainable and
for all learning opportunities for all modern energy for all
9 11 12
Industry, Innovation Sustainable Cities and Responsible Consumption
and Infrastructure Communities and Production
Build resilient infrastructure, Make cities and human Ensure sustainable consumption
promote inclusive and settlements inclusive, safe, and production patterns
sustainable industrialisation, resilient and sustainable
and foster innovation
What are the
13 17 United Nations'
17 SDGs?
Learn more about
other Sustainable
Development
Goals, visit
Climate Action Partnerships for the Goals sdgs.un.org/goals
Take urgent action to Strengthen the means of
combat climate change and implementation, and revitalise
its impacts the global partnership for
sustainable development
13Sustainability Report 2021
Sustainable Development Goal 3
Good Health and
Well-being
Live With Nature,
Live Well
14“I feel blessed to be staying in this town
with greenery and parks. I enjoy very The size of community gardens in
Holland-Bukit Panjang currently
much my daily exercise in Petir Park and stands at more than
the Pang Sua Pond area.”
Mdm Tay SK
Resident, Block 167 Petir Road
10,000 square metres
Clockwise from top left: Ulu Pandan Community Garden; Zhenghua Community Vegetable Garden; opening of community garden at
Block 449 Bukit Panjang Ring Road; tree planting in Ulu Pandan
To date, Holland-Bukit Panjang
has already planted “It is wonderful for both physical and
550
new trees since 2017
mental health to be surrounded by so much
greenery and plenty of natural features."
Mr Chen Sihan
Resident, Sunset Way
15Sustainability Report 2021
A
s sustainable to reach the nearest train station
development is within 10 minutes of walking.
dependent upon the By the early 2030s, our rail
actions of humans, it network would have grown from
is imperative that our health and about 230km today to 360km,
well-being are cared for if we are allowing people to travel more
to champion this cause effectively conveniently and quickly from one
while going about the business of place to another.
building prosperous societies. Avid cyclists will also have much to
Although the world has made cheer about: By 2030, the country’s
vast advancements in healthcare cycling network would have been
over the decades, there is still much expanded nearly three-fold from the
room for improvement. current 460km to 1,320km.
In 2017, a United Nations-backed Plans are also in place to repurpose
study revealed that only around roads and construct more pedestrian
a third to half of the world’s pathways to make travelling more
population were able to access expedient and pleasant.
essential health services. Our quest to improve health and
If we are to continue progressing well-being will also tackle challenges
at this rate, only 39 to 63 per cent on another front – the circular
of the global population would be economy.
covered by such services in 2030. The goal here is to minimise waste
The ongoing pandemic has also by maximising the value of resources The Downtown Line
at Bukit Panjang
highlighted flaws in health systems through recycling and other
around the world and provided a measures that would extend their
reminder that we can do more to usage period.
be prepared against such a crisis. Just like how we have managed to
Within the SG Green Plan 2030, turn wastewater into water that is
the Sustainable Living pillar seeks to safe for consumption, Singapore will
address these pertinent issues. continue to find ways to transform
To improve the health and our trash into useful resources.
well-being of Singaporeans, we Waste treatment residue, for
will be further enhancing our instance, is poised to be turned into
transportation network, making it New Sand that can be used by the
possible for eight in 10 households construction industries.
Linkway at Block 235
Bukit Panjang
Ulu Pandan
Sunset Run 2019 Cycling path in
Petir Park
16From left:
Community garden
in Jelapang;
Cashew Community
Garden
Below:
Zhenghua-Senja RC
Community Garden
What we are doing number of gardeners by 100 per cent Board (HDB) estates, one would
by 2030. also come across the many banners
In this respect, the Holland-Bukit Holland-Bukit Panjang has already and posters publicising health
Panjang Town Council (HBPTC) has planted more than 400 new trees information and tips from Health
been working to increase the green since 2017, and this initiative has Promotion Board. We have also
coverage by planting more trees and even resulted in the addition of worked closely with National
unveiling new community gardens, a new tree species once extinct Environment Agency to minimise
where residents can mingle and learn in the wilds of Singapore – the the threat of dengue through
about the joys of gardening. Cleistanthus malaccessis, which can frequent checks and fumigation.
The total size of community now be found in the Chestnut Close Last but not least, we will seek to
gardens in Holland-Bukit Panjang Park Connector. Residents can look improve the health and well-being
currently stands at more than forward to even more shade and of our residents by establishing
10,000 square metres, and this is set cleaner air in the coming years as we more facilities such as multipurpose
to grow further with the opening plan to add 1,000 trees to Holland- courts, playgrounds, elderly fitness
of two new gardens in 2021. Our Bukit Panjang by 2030. corners, community halls, and
long-term goal is to increase both When walking around the common cycling and walking paths to make
community garden plot sizes and the areas of Housing and Development exercising even more accessible.
We plan to add
1,000
trees to Holland-Bukit Panjang
by 2030
17Sustainability Report 2021
46
community gardens in our town:
What our
residents say
“We can recruit and offer purpose
to seasoned community gardeners
to lead the community gardening
efforts. These community
gardeners teach newbie gardening
enthusiasts the fundamentals of
gardening, such as how to use
compost from food waste, which
plants require full to partial
sunlight, and the type of watering
they require. This encourages
volunteerism among the seasoned
gardening trainers and a pathway
to become community leaders.
When children see their parents
and grandparents getting excited
7
about gardening projects in their
Bukit estate, it will encourage future
Timah generations of Singaporeans to
mimic the behaviour and know-
Bukit
Panjang
2 upcoming
19 how on what it means to have a
sustainability-conscious mindset."
Cashew 7
Ulu
Pandan 5
8
Mr Hiroshi Limmell
Zhenghua Head for Employee Wellness at the
Agency for Science, Technology and
Research
Total gardeners in town:
875 Keen to join
the gardening
community?
Contact your local
465 120 96 60 134 Residents’ Committee
(RC) or Residents’
in Bukit in Bukit in in Ulu in Network (RN)
Panjang Timah Cashew Pandan Zhenghua today!
18Sustainable Development Goal 4
Quality
Education
Educating Minds,
Creating Awareness
19Sustainability Report 2021
“Our students create artworks to spread the
green message, and design games to educate
our little friends at MOE Kindergarten@
Zhenghua. We also work with our Parents'
Support Group in upcycling efforts.”
Zhenghua Primary School Applied Learning Programme Committee
Goal for 2030:
Photo: NorthWest Community Development Council
Hosting
700community education
outreach
10,000
people per year for community
education outreach
Source: Bukit Panjang Constituency Office
Clockwise from top:
Zhenghua Primary School environment “We have a lot of initiatives in our estate
education programme; Passion Art
event in Bangkit; Health Promotion that help to create better environmental
Board Healthy Dining @ Ghim Moh FC
awareness among residents."
Mr Charles Kwek
Block 17 Toh Yi Drive
20Left:
Eco CC Green
Learning Journey
E
ducation has always been Education will also play a key role
a cornerstone of societal in Singapore’s drive towards a more
success. A sound education sustainable future. What our
system does more than A part of the Sustainable residents say
produce intelligent citizens who can Living pillar, the Eco Stewardship
contribute to nation-building – it Programme will raise awareness “I feel it is important to talk
about recycling, sorting, and the
also aids upward socioeconomic about the importance of transparency of recycling results
mobility and the elimination of sustainability to all students in the Town Council and beyond,
poverty. attending schools under the Ministry as well as the steps towards
Education can also be a boon to of Education. This programme will achieving a circular economy for
the building of more tolerant and involve the introduction of courses the future.
peaceful societies. This is particularly on sustainability as well as improve However, even prior to
relevant to Singapore, a nation of existing curriculum that is related to recycling, there needs to be more
awareness about reducing one-
different races. Part of this nation’s this topic. time-use materials such as plastic
meteoric rise on the global stage The move to improve sustainability food containers and drinking
could have been attributed to the will also extend beyond the cups. I hope to see HBPTC
harmony between our various ethnic classrooms to the institutions adopting some of the suggestions,
communities. themselves. The goal here is to such as educating hawkers
Much progress has been made reduce the net carbon emissions and setting up composting
towards improving education in the from schools by two-thirds, as well programmes."
world over the past decade, but as have at least 20 per cent of our
many still remain illiterate. schools achieve carbon neutrality by
In 2018, an estimated 773 million 2030.
adults in the world were still unable The Green Government pillar
to read and write. That same year, under SG Green Plan 2030 has an
there were still about 260 million element of education too. According
children who did not have a school to this goal, public servants will
to go to. be encouraged to be proactive
The Covid-19 pandemic has since in championing and adopting
exacerbated matters because of environmentally friendly practices
mandatory closure of schools. It within their respective workplaces,
is estimated that some 1.6 billion ensuring that the sustainability drive Ms Megan Miao
Educator
children were out of school by April is holistic and not limited to just
2020. educational institutions.
21Sustainability Report 2021
The Town Council
organises a host of
educational outreach
programmes for our
residents and stakeholders
so that we can collectively
learn about the role we
can play in preserving
our environment.
What we are doing Our education initiatives have
also been extended beyond
Over the last five years, HBPTC environmental issues to those
has organised a spate of activities that promote the well-being of
that has helped raise greater our residents. For example, the
awareness about the importance of three sessions of the Healthier
sustainability. Dining Programme, held between
These events include Biodiversity September 2018 and March 2019,
Week in May 2018, where residents taught our residents ways to From top:
got to learn about the link between improve their diet and health. Go Green or I’ll Scream!
biodiverse ecosystems and human We have set a goal of hosting an by PCF Sparkletots
health, and how all of us have an additional 700 community education Preschool @ Cashew
in 2018
important role to play on the planet. activities by 2030, while ramping
Later that year in September, up participation to 10,000 people Below:
we published a newsletter themed per year for community education Butterfly garden in
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle in which we programmes. Bukit Panjang in 2018
shared with residents various ways
that they can reduce waste and help
the environment. We also solicited
suggestions from our residents
on how we can lower our carbon
footprint.
Many came forward and provided
excellent tips, including the use of
magazines to create boxes for food
waste, separating their trash, and
switching on fans instead of air-
conditioners.
HBPTC has also been visited by
university students who got to learn
about our green initiatives. Besides
those from local institutions like the
National University of Singapore, we
also had the honour of welcoming
students from the Netherlands'
Utrecht University in November
2018.
22Sustainable Development Goal 7
Affordable and
Clean Energy
Clean Energy,
Healthier Environment
23Sustainability Report 2021
“Compared with the
conventional LED
lightings, Smart LED
lighting reduces
energy consumption
by up to 60%. It
has helped achieve
approximately
6,400kWh savings
per block per year.”
Mr Alex Yeo
Executive Engineer, HDB From top:
Electric vehicle charging points at a
Bukit Panjang HDB carpark; solar panels
in Pending Road
392
By 2030, a total of
blocks (estimated 80%
blocks under HBPTC) will
have solar panels
“I am confident that
HBPTC is moving
in the direction
of clean energy
consumption."
Mdm Jin Hua
Resident, Block 214 Pending Road
24E 48,000
lectricity is one of the most
common resources that we
hardly have to worry about By
today. In fact, almost 9 out
of 10 people in the world now have
2030 households will have
access to clean energy
access to electricity. through the clean
The usage of electricity, however, energy market
often results in the burning of
fossil fuels, which in turn produces
greenhouse gases that worsen
climate change and adversely affects
our health.
The Energy Reset pillar under
Another
151
the SG Green Plan 2030 is a direct
response to the challenge of climate
change. According to this goal, Commencing
Singapore will introduce a wide on 1 Jan
range of measures to reduce energy blocks planned for
consumption in various sectors,
while expanding the use of clean and
access to the Open
Electricity Market
2022
renewable energy solutions.
In terms of residential housing, a
goal has been set to lower energy
consumption in existing HDB towns
by 15 per cent by 2030. The means
of achieving this would include using
260
solar panels and smart LED lighting
systems.
Solar energy is set to play an
increasingly prominent role in
our efforts to reduce our carbon
footprint. In the coming years,
2021 blocks have access
to the Open
many rooftops of HDB blocks will Electricity Market
be equipped with solar panels, and
our deployment of solar energy is
expected to quadruple within four
Holland-Bukit Panjang
is working towards being an
EV-ready town,
in line with Singapore's plan to install
60,000
charging points across the island.
25Sustainability Report 2021
Solar panel energy conversion to Fast forward 10 years to 2040
household power supply and our roads will no longer have
32,790,782
internal combustion engine vehicles
– only those that run on clean
energy.
kwh/year
What we are doing
years. By 2030, the amount of solar HBPTC’s solar power generation
energy deployed in the country has improved by leaps and bounds
would be able to power more than over the past five years. In 2017, we
350,000 households for a year. installed solar panels at six blocks
A host of sustainability initiatives and open spaces. As of June 2021,
targeted at vehicles will also be this has increased more than 40
implemented. By 2025, people will times to a whopping 260 blocks.
no longer be able to register for We have also increased the
cars and taxis that run on diesel, coverage of contestable electricity
and all HDB carparks in eight EV- supply from 260 blocks in 2017 to
ready towns will be equipped with 411, allowing more of our residents
electric-car chargers. to enjoy savings on tariffs. Our goal
By 2030, all new cars and taxis for 2030 is to install solar panels
From top: registered would be cleaner-energy in at least 50 per cent of all HDB
More solar panels have been models, and some 60,000 charging residential blocks while providing
installed in Bukit Panjang; points would be made available contestable electricity supply to all
solar panel meter inspection across the country. blocks in Holland-Bukit Panjang.
26Sustainable Development Goal 9
Industry, Innovation
and Infrastructure
Innovating At Work,
Impacting Communities
27Sustainability Report 2021
“Each of us can be
socially responsible
by consciously
observing the 3Rs
[reduce, reuse
and recycle]."
Mr Jagathishwaran
Resident, Jelapang Road
Clockwise from left:
Sheltered fitness area; 3D-printed farm
module; an inclusive playground at
Block 257 Bangkit Road
“The takeaway from the 3D-printed
community garden collaboration with
the Bukit Panjang residents was to
practically implement a designer’s
concept on a grassroot level.”
Mr Abhimanyu Goel
National University of Singapore
28Q uality infrastructure
and technological
innovations are
both integral to the
development of a nation.
What our
residents say
“I personally feel that Bukit
Without roads or subways, people
Panjang has fared well in many of
would require more time to get the sustainability goals, especially
around, thus limiting the pace at with the photovoltaics installation
which progress can be achieved. on rooftops, the large number of
Without access to broadband community gardens and nature
connections, economic development parks, recycling initiatives and also
recreational activities available, along
is hampered because it takes with its residents’ involvement.
much longer for information to be Being a community gardener, I
disseminated. believe that preserving the rustic
As such, this development look rather than sprucing up the
goal focuses on matters like sea levels and rising heat caused by gardens will foster a stronger
community, as local gardeners
the promotion of inclusive and climate change – Singapore is heating associate themselves with the
sustainable industrialisation, up twice as fast as the rest of the identity of the gardens that they
boosting the technological world. New innovative measures to have built up over the years."
capabilities of industrial sectors, and mitigate the adverse climate change
providing affordable Internet access effects include the use of a special
in the least developed countries in paint to coat our buildings that will
the world. help to keep the structures cool, in
In the context of Singapore, addition to planting more trees in
which already has world-class urban areas.
infrastructure, our efforts that With regard to building
are aligned with this development construction, the objective is to,
goal involve building infrastructure by 2030, have 80 per cent of new
that would protect our natural developments attain the Super Low
environment and lower carbon Energy status and achieve an 80
emissions. per cent improvement in energy
Under the SG Green Plan 2030’s efficiency over the 2005 baseline for Mr Roc Koh
Resilient Future pillar, Singapore best-in-class green buildings. Co-founder, Corridor Farmers
seeks to counter the effects of rising The Research, Innovation and
From top:
Bicycle rack at
an MRT station;
barrier-free access
for seamless
commute
within the
neighbourhood
and beyond
29Sustainability Report 2021
From top: Drone inspection
in progress; clearing of bins
by conservancy workers;
lift maintenance
key pillars of the initiative, such as
food production resilience. This
manifests in the form of carpark
urban farms across the five divisions
and 3D-printed farms in Bukit
Panjang.
In terms of infrastructure, HBPTC
has been working with consultants
to create a more dementia-friendly
and walkable town. We have also
installed more ramps to improve the
accessibility of our estates and make
travelling more convenient for our
residents with disabilities.
Avid cyclists would be happy to
learn that we have created more
bicycle racks on void decks. There is
little to worry about bike theft – the
Town Council has been deploying
new mobile CCTV solutions in
common areas to deter crime or
illicit activities.
Over at Block 434 Bukit Panjang
Ring Road, a sheltered fitness
corner specially catered to the
elderly was set up on the void deck
so that they can exercise in any
weather. Our playgrounds in Bangkit
Enterprise 2025 Plan under our Road, too, have been upgraded to
Green Economy pillar will also become more inclusive – suited to
play a big role in fostering greater the intergenerational needs of the
levels of innovation in the field of community.
sustainability. To help our residents gain a
According to Mr Edward Chia, sense of ownership with the Town’s
MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC properties, the OneService app
(Zhenghua) and Vice-Chairman of allows them to report any issue
HBPTC, the Town Council is exploring they come across in the public
better operational practices such as areas, such as malfunctioning street
comprehensive data analytics with lamps or improper storage of
regard to the town's lift maintenance building materials used in ongoing
regimen, so as to improve efficiency construction works.
as well as productivity in the context Some community gardens around
Holland-Bukit Panjang has of maintenance schedule. Bukit Timah, Zhenghua and Segar
12,578
Gardens have food digesters in
What we are doing which one can put food waste.
The resultant compost is then
OneService app users who can In line with the nationwide SG Green used as fertiliser in the community
report estate issues directly to the Plan 2030 launched earlier this year, gardens, creating a circular-economy
agencies the Town Council has embraced the principle.
30Sustainable Development Goal 11
Sustainable Cities
and Communities
Championing Green,
Inclusive And Resilient
Communities
31Sustainability Report 2021
“We eagerly
look forward to
our upcoming
community garden,
which I'm certain
will bring much joy
to the residents."
Mr Ho Guo Liang
Resident, Clementi Avenue 4
According to the
“Residents of all ages enjoy community
City in Nature pillar, gardening activities. It not only teaches
Singapore will produce
us to be self-sufficient but also creates
30%
of its food locally by 2030
bonding opportunities.”
Mr Alden Ng
Block 622 Senja Road
Clockwise from top:
Firefly garden; Bukit Panjang won the
Community in Bloom Garden Awards
2018; the team of community gardeners
from Zone 4 RC
32U
rbanisation has been
gaining pace over the past
few decades, and over 55
per cent of the world’s
population have been living in cities
since 2018. This growth momentum
is likely to sustain, as the United
Nations estimates the figure to grow
to 60 per cent by 2030.
The rising number of city dwellers
inherently places a stress on
infrastructure and services, and
increases the amount of emissions
generated. Burgeoning populations
could also face food shortage issues if
governments are slow to implement
food security measures.
Photo: SPH Library
Failure to manage urban
populations will result in a spate of
problems such as the emergence of
slums, congested traffic and even a
widening of the equality gap, which
could lead to social unrest.
Few would argue that Singapore’s
urban planning has been world
class, but as Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, This is where the City in Nature
Minister for Foreign Affairs, and pillar comes in. According to the plan,
MP for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC the Government will work even more What our
(Cashew), points out: “We didn’t closely with communities and non- residents say
start thinking green five or 50 days governmental organisations to foster
ago. It started 50 years ago before greater harmony between urban “I enjoy the community
it was fashionable to be green. Many residents and wildlife. The plan will gardening activities as it allows
decisions were made at the time that also help Singapore become greener me and my fellow gardeners to
stay active. Greenery is good for
enable Singapore to remain green, – 200 hectares of new parks will be
mental health. We grow a lot
and that greenery has become part of added by 2030, while the existing 170 of different types of vegetables
our urban development story." hectares will be upgraded. such as spinach, basil and kang
Furthermore, one million trees will kong. We share our produce and
be planted across the nation between tips with each other. In 2018, we
2020 and 2030. This move will not won the NParks' Community in
only make our it greener but also Bloom Awards for our efforts."
cleaner and cooler, as these trees will
absorb 78,000 tonnes of CO2 while
providing shade from the sun.
As a country that imports 90
per cent of its food, Singapore will
make concerted efforts to ensure
that its supply of food is sustainable.
According to the City in Nature
pillar, Singapore will produce 30 per
cent of its food locally by 2030.
We have made steady progress
towards this goal. Today, cutting-
edge technologies are being Mdm Kamisah binte
From top:
employed to make urban farming Hji Enan
Chestnut Nature Park; Bukit Panjang
a community garden in commercially feasible to support our
Jelapang in 2019 local farmers.
33Sustainability Report 2021
What we are doing Our carparks will soon be used
for more than just parking vehicles.
One of the key initiatives that In early 2021, the Singapore Food
directly impacts the sustainability Agency launched a public tender for
of Holland-Bukit Panjang is urban farming sites atop seven HDB
our Neighbourhood Renewal carparks, with Bukit Panjang being
Programme (NRP), which is part of among these.
the HDB upgrading programme that The urban farms will be used
improves existing infrastructure and to grow vegetables and for other
builds new ones based on residents’ related purposes that would improve
feedback. the nation’s sustainability and food
In 2017, we spent $60 million on security levels.
seven NRP projects that benefitted As of 2021, we have completed the
13,588 households. We also installed installation of lift surveillance cameras
Since 2017, our lift surveillance systems in 393 lifts in all lifts in Holland-Bukit Panjang.
Neighbourhood in Holland-Bukit Panjang, enhancing We are also pleased to announce that
Renewal Programme security and giving our residents a the NRP has achieved a 100 per cent
13,500
has benefitted over peace of mind. completion rate.
The next year, we embarked Moving forward, we will be carrying
on a project to beautify the roof out Home Improvement Projects
of a multi-storey carpark with in one precinct in Cashew and four
households across 7 projects landscaping works. precincts in Bukit Panjang.
Clockwise from left: The Neighbourhood Renewal Programme
features a sheltered gym in front of Block 256 Bangkit Road; a high
linkway at Block 235 Bukit Panjang Ring Road; a community hall at
Block 227 Pending Road
34Sustainable Development Goal 12
Responsible Consumption
and Production
Reduced Consumption,
Meaningful Construction
35 35Sustainability Report 2021
Bukit Panjang is now fully
illuminated by LED lighting,
9 YEARS
AHEAD
of the original 2030 goal
“The ability to
hold a vision till it
becomes reality is
something that we
have witnessed in
our town."
Ms Joy Tay
Resident, Block 627 Senja Road
From top: LED lighting at a Housing and Development Board block;
food waste digester
“We are conducting a pilot trial on a
food waste digester, which benefits
community gardeners by reducing the
need to purchase fertilisers, as well as
reducing the carbon footprint."
Mr Raymond Ang
Co-facilitator, Zhenghua Green
36O
ne of the keys to
creating a sustainable
society lies in managing
our resources
responsibly. Indiscriminate use would
result in waste and unnecessary
carbon emissions.
Electricity consumption is a major
producer of greenhouse gas. While
we cannot do without electricity,
we can take steps to ensure that
consumption is more efficient.
The United Nations estimates
that the world stands to gain
US$120 billion in savings every year
if every person switched to using
energy-efficient light bulbs. This
translates to a massive reduction
in energy consumption. If we are
nonchalant about how we are
consuming our food, our reserves
could one day go empty. Today, 1.3 as hydroponics and on rooftops
billion tonnes of food go to waste points towards new possibilities.
every year due to many reasons, As its name suggests, the Green
such as poor harvesting techniques, Government pillar in the SG
processing problems, overbuying and Green Plan 2030 stipulates that
overproduction. the authorities will spearhead
Fortunately, measures to tackle efforts to encourage responsible
food waste in Singapore have been consumption and production by
bearing fruit. The amount of food The amount of food waste all government organisations.
waste generated in the country in generated in the country in 2020 These will be primarily undertaken
-11%
2020 was 665,000 tonnes, an 11 per was 665,000 tonnes, a by GreenGov.SG, which in 2014
cent drop from the 744,000 tonnes started setting targets for water and
in 2019. But tackling food wastage electricity consumption, mandated
is not just about being thrifty with the appointment of sustainability
resources – it can also help lower managers and the development of
production costs and benefit resource management plans, as well
consumers. A newfound interest in drop from the 744,000 tonnes as set up a fund to back the design
technology-driven urban farms such in 2019 of solutions for environmental
sustainability in the public sector.
On a nationwide level, we need
to pay attention to the type of
products we purchase, and how we
consume them. We need to make
this approach an integral part of our
daily lives to be sustainable in the
true sense of the word.
From top:
Bio Max @ Toh Yi
Photo: SPH Library
Community Garden;
Bukit Panjang residents
have easy access to public
transportation, such as the
Light Rapid Transit
37Sustainability Report 2021
100,069
What our
residents say
“One way to reduce waste
lights at 440 blocks have been replaced
is to buy unpackaged goods.
with LED lighting You can easily find them in
our neighbourhoods, such as
32,291 4,221
sundry shops and wet markets
that often sell edible items by
weight. Instead of getting them
in plastic bags, simply bring your
own containers to fill. Doing so
kWh savings a day or tonnes of CO2 per year helps to reduce the amount of
10,290 MWh savings a year reduction packaging waste. A tried and
tested shop that you can get
freshly ground coffee is Huat
Soon Heng Coffee Powder at
Bukit Timah Market. The friendly
uncle will even mix beans so
you can make your own special
blend! This enables us to support
What we are doing Panjang are now illuminated by LED
local as well as be eco-friendly."
lighting. This means that we have
To ensure responsible energy achieved what we had set out to
consumption, we replaced more accomplish by 2030 – nine years
than 100,069 lights in 440 blocks ahead of schedule!
with LED alternatives in 2017. This But we will strive to become even
resulted in savings of 32,291kWh better. In the coming decade, we
of energy usage per day, which will continue to adopt new smart
translates to a 4,221-tonne technologies to further improve the
reduction in carbon dioxide responsible consumption of water
emissions a year. and electricity. One of the ways
Thanks to the tireless efforts of we will achieve this is by setting up
our staff and contractors, all the an energy and water consumption
corridors, staircases, streets and monitoring system so as to reduce Ms Amelia Hang
landscape areas in Holland-Bukit wastage and pilferages. Homemaker
The Energy Challenge, organised
by the North West Community
Development Council
Scan the QR code
to learn more
energy-saving
tips shared by the
North West CDC.
38Sustainable Development Goal 13
Climate Action
Nurturing A Healthy
Environment
39Sustainability Report 2021
“Climate action begins
when we realise what
we have taken away
from the Earth and
we give back in big
and small ways."
Ms Elise Murugasu
Resident, Ulu Pandan, and member of
the Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council
Sustainability Youth Team
From top: Eco CC Green Learning Journey; children get a hands-on experience of
the town's recycling initiatives “Climate change
action starts with
each one of us being
more responsible in
our daily actions."
Mrs Jane Ng
Resident, Block 183 Jelebu Road
Since 2014, we have been
certified as an
ECO-OFFICE
by the Singapore Environment
Council, and will continue to
maintain this status and bolster our
efforts to reduce carbon emissions
40T
he rapid advancement to rise. The result? Island nations Government has taken upon itself
of human civilisation has like Singapore could be totally to become a leader in orchestrating
resulted in the production submerged. sustainability efforts. As mentioned
of increasing volumes of Reversing this trend is not earlier, the Green Government pillar
carbon dioxide and other gases that impossible, but it would require in the SG Green Plan 2030 will see
trap heat, causing temperatures to a major effort to coordinate the GreenGov.SG play a critical role in
rise slowly but steadily. sustainability efforts of the world. promoting national sustainability
The decade that spanned 2010 to The Paris Agreement, which had set initiatives.
2019 was the warmest in recorded the goal of reducing greenhouse A clear plan has already been
history, and this heat brought along gas emissions by 7.6 per cent every formulated. Apart from introducing
with it disasters such as wildfires and year starting in 2020, is one way sustainability targets to the
droughts, which have affected the the world has banded together in core business areas within the
lives of millions of people around the response to climate change. public sector and encouraging
globe. But even with the onset of public servants to adopt more
If nothing is done to address COVID-19, which drastically reduced environmentally friendly practices,
these issues, average global emissions because of a temporal we have also set an ambitious carbon
temperatures will rise above 3 deg halt in economic and social activities emissions target – the public service
C. The consequences of this are dire. worldwide, global carbon dioxide will lead by example and aim to
One of the possible scenarios is the emissions fell by only 6.4 per cent in reach peak emission levels by 2025,
melting of the ice caps in the polar 2020. More needs to be done. five years ahead of the national
regions, which would cause sea levels Here in Singapore, the target.
An overview of Pang Sua Pond
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