Cost among top drivers – and barriers – to climate action in S’pore, survey finds
Survey finds cost as both the biggest draw and obstacle to adopting climate-friendly actions in Singapore.
Singaporeans consider both the cost and inconvenience of adopting climate-friendly actions when making purchases, a recent survey reveals. Emma Wong, a 30-year-old language localisation professional, shops for appliances with the National Environment Agency's (NEA) energy labelling scheme in mind. The higher the number of ticks, the more energy-efficient the appliance, leading to lower electricity bills.
She recently moved into a four-room Housing Board flat with her husband and chose appliances with the highest rating to reduce power use and emissions.
Singapore's electricity largely comes from imported natural gas, a fossil fuel still responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change refers to the broader effects on weather patterns and conditions, such as rising sea levels. While energy-efficient equipment can lower electricity bills, cost remains a significant barrier to adopting sustainable actions.
A survey of 1,000 Singapore residents found long-term savings, affordable options, and financial incentives as the top motivators for sustainable behaviour. However, perceived higher costs and lack of incentives were the strongest deterrents.
Despite the heat and humidity, only a few respondents adopted sustainable habits, such as buying energy-efficient products and supporting environmentally responsible brands. Wong discovered energy-efficient appliances across various price points, including air conditioners with the NEA's highest rating. The cost difference between four- and five-tick air conditioners is often negligible, with some models being more expensive and others less so.
As temperatures rise, the need for cooling increases, making energy-efficient solutions even more crucial. Small efficiency gains and usage changes can lead to significant savings over time. Government subsidies, such as the enhanced Climate Friendly Households Programme, help offset the upfront costs of energy-efficient appliances.
However, newer solutions, like building retrofits and carbon capture, face higher costs due to limited technological development and public investment. Continued policy support and public funding can help bridge the gap and accelerate the adoption of climate-friendly solutions in Singapore.
Written by urgent.news from Straits Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
