TOWARDS CIRCULAR ECONOMY - HOW THE SINGAPORE PUBLIC SECTOR CAN TAKE THE LEAD

Abstract

This dissertation examines how the Singapore public sector can take the lead in moving towards Circular Economy (CE). The paper presents the case for countries to move towards CE due to global phenomenon such as prevention of further pandemics, plastic waste import bans by China, and Paris Climate goals. A comparison on CE progress between Singapore and several countries that had demonstrated CE leadership was made. This was followed by a review of current environmental sustainability initiatives undertaken by the Singapore public sector and energy efficiency plan published by the Ireland government authority - with the latter serving as benchmark. The results showed that Singapore is neither leading in CE transition nor public sector sustainability initiatives in terms of leadership or ambitiousness. As an international framework and set of guidelines for CE was still in developmental progress by the ISO Technical Committee, the ReSOLVE framework by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation was adopted in this report for the Singapore public sector. Various technological levers, infrastructural solutions, and sustainability policies were presented under the respective ReSOLVE pillars supplemented by cost-benefit analysis for some of the measures. Six (6) possible CE indicators were developed based on the impact of these measures. Based on these, seven (7) possible CE targets (i.e. medium and long-term) which were assessed to be sufficiently ambitious were proposed. The key challenges of achieving these targets were then highlighted. These consisted of tightened fiscal budget for capex project amid current COVID-19 economic recovery climate and driving behavioural change across building occupants. The latter challenge was more relatable to government operated premises primarily occupied by members of public or private tenants. Finally, the paper concluded that as much as the key to success of these targets would be dependent on R&D acceleration of new solutions and development of infrastructural facilities, inculcating sustainability culture among public sector officers, private tenants, and members of public residing in public sector premises would be as crucial. CE for public sector hence cannot be driven through sectoral approach but should be approached from a cross-sectoral perspective since its stakeholders consist of not only public sector officers but community and businesses as well. Sustainability education for the next generation under the Singapore Green Plan 2030 could be the key to turn the tide.