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WHAT: Moving Planet is a worldwide rally to demand solutions to the climate crisis. Come on bike, on skates, on a board, or just on foot.

WHERE: Youth Park, Orchard

WHEN: 24th – 25th September 2011

TIME: 10am – 10pm

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More Information here.

See you there!

This report from IBM is entitled the Commuter Pain Survey. In the 2011 edition, IBM state that there has been an increase in “the number of respondents who said that roadway traffic has increased their levels of personal stress and anger and negatively affected their performance at work or school”. That’s right, traffic can adversely affect productivity, and it is perceived to negatively affect health in some way (69%), increases stress (42%), and anger (35%).

Angry drivers, I know of one or two.

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Read the entire press release on IBM

Check out the report [pdf]

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Related: 5 Cities, 5 Different Congestion Solutions

The National Climate Change Secretariat in Singapore has launched a portal to gather public feedback on climate change. According to the website:

The NCCS-2012 will build upon our approach to environmental issues as outlined in previous publications such as the Singapore Green Plan (2006) , the National Climate Change Strategy (2008), the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint (2009) and National Communications on Climate Change (2010).

These policies relating to climate change will have an impact on many of us. The Government is therefore embarking on a series of public consultations to seek feedback and ideas on climate change-related issues. We aim to reach out to different segments of the population through an online consultation exercise, focus group sessions and community forums.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean kicked off the process, and “feedback from the exercise will go towards developing the national climate change strategy 2012″, which “will be an important foundation to the long term strategy and actions needed to tackle climate change beyond 2020″. (He has some quotable quotes on CNA, which you might want to check out)

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Check out the website, and have your views heard

06 September 2011 – Singapore Airlines has taken another step towards greener skies by joining the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG).

Established in 2008, SAFUG is a working group that aims to accelerate the development and commercialisation of lower-carbon renewable aviation fuels, derived from environmentally and socially sustainable sources.

“We are pleased to be the newest member of SAFUG.  This is in line with our longstanding commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while improving the efficiency of our operations,” said Mr Ng Chin Hwee, Singapore Airlines’ Executive Vice-President Human Resources and Operations.

“It will take time to research and develop alternative fuels that meet the stringent safety requirements of civil aviation and at the same time are commercially viable.  But through SAFUG, which brings together both airlines and aircraft manufacturers, we hope to be one step closer.”

Singapore Airlines maintains a young and modern fleet of fuel-efficient aircraft.  The average age of its passenger fleet, as of 1 September 2011, is six years and four months.  The Airline is also an early adopter of technology, having been the first airline to operate the fuel-efficient Airbus A380, for example, and having placed orders for the latest-generation Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 aircraft.

Some of Singapore Airlines’ other environmentally friendly initiatives include:

• Maintenance programmes for both airframes and engines that ensure operational efficiency and enhanced fuel efficiency;
• Route planning procedures that ensure that Singapore Airlines’ planes fly the most fuel-efficient routes where possible;
• Regular green flights across Asia and the Pacific under the Asia and Pacific Initiative to Reduce Emissions (ASPIRE) programme;
• Improvements in flight operation procedures that minimise fuel use without compromising safety, for example through tailored arrivals and continuous descent operations; and
• Use of weight-saving initiatives such as lightweight crockery, galley service equipment, cargo containers and other aircraft modifications.

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Related: You might remember Singapore Airlines completing the world’s first “Green Flight”.

Damn, that’s a lot of things….

and the results add up (from Googleblog):

In total, the combination of the GFleet and our shuttles result in net annual savings of more than 5,400 metric tons of CO2. That’s like taking over 2,000 cars off the road every day, or avoiding 14 million vehicle miles every year. With the help of Googlers, we’ll continue powering the wheels of sustainable transit innovation.

Good on them. And I especially like the campus bike in Google corporate colours. I’d like to borrow one…

Non-Profit Organisation OiWorld launched a Google Maps app called Carbon Footprint for Google Maps. It’s a pretty simple set up: You type in your destination address to get directions there, as per normal, and it displays the amount of CO2 equivalent you’re spewing out from your drive. You can also adjust the emissions rate, which is defaulted at the average of 217 grams / km.

Always interested in apps, I decided to give it a whirl, so I installed it from Chrome Store.

Here’s a screenshot of a drive to NTU:

(the longest ever work related drive that I’m responsible for. I hope to not repeat that ever again.)

So as you can see, according to Google Maps, I would end up saving 1kg of CO2 if I went by the AYE, as opposed to taking the PIE.  Also, if you’re feeling some carbon guilt from this, you can offset your carbon footprint from OiWorld via the Brazilian SOS Mata Atlântica Foundation.

I think I’ll start making it a habit to give this a check before I drive out from the office (I usually just start the car and drive in the general direction and figure it out as I go along).

(Hang on, this doesn’t calculate emissions associated with idling and traffic considerations – Maybe in the future!)

I’ve also been a huge defender of the carbon emissions that have been blamed on the Chinese. After all, it’s not their fault that every single manufacturer in the world has moved operations to China.

Unfortunately, my fellow Chinese peeps have let me down somewhat.

From guardian.co.uk:

“Country overtakes the US to become world’s largest automobile market, as global sales pass the 1bn mark.”

“Beijing used to be famous for the millions of bicycles thronging its streets. But it is the success of the motor car there and in other Chinese mega-cities that has now tipped the number of cars in the world over the 1bn mark.”

“But hopes that the country will also become a pioneer in the shift towards ‘clean car’ technology have suffered a setback as the Chinese show little sign of interest in electric and hybrid vehicles despite ambitious government plans. Last year, Toyota managed to sell only one Prius – the world’s most commercially successful hybrid car – in the fastest-growing market. Sports utility vehicle sales, by contrast, are surging.”

ONE Prius in all of China? ONE!?

I wouldn’t be surprised if at least one Prius is sold in Singapore a week! Even at the lofty price of almost $150,000. Don’t tell me it’s because we’re affluent here in Singapore. There are more new millionaires in China than anywhere in the world!

My solution: Make electric cars sexy. Skip the Prius and similar automobiles entirely. Bring on the Tesla. Make China the test-bed for all the new sexy electric vehicles around. That would force companies to provide the infrastructure necessary for the exponential growth of electric/hybrid vehicles adoption in China.

Further, with all those assets in China looking for an avenue to be spent, one wonders why not more R&D firms have followed the manufacturing bandwagon and shifted to China. Set up a Silicone Valley, China style.

Broaden your minds my friends from the West. Get off your self-indulgent, paranoid, over-protective bottoms and move East. Reap the benefits of my wisdom.

Good morning my friends.

It’s a valid question. I mean, they have one of the most efficient engines around. Their multiple award winning “Engine of The Year 2008″ runs on 1.4L, and yet pushes out 122 bhp at 5,000 rpm. Compare this with the 100 bhp pushed out at 5,200 rpm by the Prius’ engine, with another 80 bhp or so equivalent by the “Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor”.

Now, if you’re not familiar with the history of the hybrid electric vehicle, the first gasoline-electric hybrid automobile in the world was developed in 1900 by Mr. Ferdinand Porsche, who happens to be the founder of Dr. req. h. c. F. Porsche GmbH, Konstruktionen und Beratungen für Motoren und Fahrzeugbau, better known as Porsche Automobil Holding SE.

For those unfamiliar with the automobile industry, Porsche Automobil Holding SE also holds plurality stake in Volkswagen AG, the guys responsible for the VWs you see running around all over the place in Singapore.

Now, I’m a simple man. I don’t know much. I don’t have insider information on anything or anyone. I’m not a big-shot CEO or an engineer, I don’t even own a car. But simple logic dictates that there is something distinctly illogical about the whole situation we have here.

Here are my arguments:

1. As the innovator of the technology powering the world’s preeminent hybrid vehicle, one would imagine that Mr. Porsche would like to see some of his cars using his genius. Also, with a head-start of about 100 years, the fine engineers of Porsche (and I say this without a shred of cynicism or sarcasm) would most definitely be able to come up with a hybrid drive train that would kick the Prius’ behind.
2. Being owned by Porsche SE, one would imagine that the fine guys at VW AG would have access to said technology secretly being developed by the engineers of Porsche. As a result, they would be able to add an electric motor that ups their total power to over 200 bhp, while simultaneously reducing their cars’ emissions by a significant percentage.
3. Having one of the best engines available that one can buy, it only makes sense to improve upon the best to stay ahead of the game, combining the best of all the technologies available in the automobile industry to create the mother of all hybrid cars. I salivate with anticipation.
4. Clean diesel? Really? That’s the technology you’re backing?

Oh wait, they’re already doing it. Forget the entire post. Ignore me.

Dear Chinatown Business Association,

I am writing to you today with a proposal in “greening” the area of Chinatown.

In response to an immediate question that likely pops up in everyone’s minds: Why?

1. Social
   As a business association representing one of Singapore’s great tourist destinations, CBA is one of the key images visitors have of Singapore. As such, there is a certain level of responsibility that the CBA has in portraying the best image possible.
   While the area is definitely a marvel in terms of culture, and its significance in Singapore’s history is unquestionable,  the CBA can also be a beacon of sustainability in our country. While there are no by-laws or membership rules, there are several other ways that the association can reach out to significant stakeholders in Chinatown, some of which are examined below.
2. Business
   Business in Chinatown is competitive, and this can be witnessed by the recent engagement of social media specialists to help raise the profile of Chinatown as well as to revamp the image of the area. A lack of direction when it comes to sustainability can only hurt the bottom line for all vendors in Chinatown.
   In several studies done by independent and private companies, there arose one clear indication – besides price, the sustainability of a product or service is the next most important consideration to consumers as compared to any other consideration. This involves areas such as health, environmental responsibility, as well as social awareness.  This situation has been true for Europe and America for several years now, and we can see Asia advancing speedily along the same path.
   While social media engagement could aid in raising the online presence of Chinatown,  studies have shown that social media does not have a direct correlation to the improvement in business activity for brick and mortar businesses. Clearly, more needs to be done in boosting Chinatown’s image.

How? Admittedly, this will be an uphill battle. There is often resistance to change. However, there are several ideas I have that can help ease stakeholders into the flow.

1. Plastic Bag Free Day (or pay for a bag day)
   Similar to the Half Price Tuesdays promotion currently being held in Chinatown, we can implement a “Plastic Bag Free Day” campaign. Student volunteers from organisations such as ECO Singapore and the Singapore Environment Council can visit every company and vendor in Chinatown to explain the programme. As a show of commitment, artistically designed banners can be printed and erected all over Chinatown and hung for at least a year, so that visitors to the area understand the purpose of such a movement. While we will still promote reusable bags as an alternative for plastic bags, it is often education that effectively changes customer habits over the long term.
   To prevent the banners from becoming a waste of resources by the end of the campaign, they could be sent to certain organisations such as the Mother and Child Project to be turned into attractive tote bags that last for many more years to come. These could then be sold at the heritage centre, or even given as gifts to dignitaries visiting Chinatown.
2. Bicycle parking
   A metered bicycle parking area could be a huge boost to cycling traffic in Chinatown, as well as a great opportunity to manage illegal bicycle parking in the area. The bicycle parking facilities will be secure, monitored, and metered.
   As many of the current cyclists in Chinatown are retirees who might not have the economic ability to pay for such a service, these metered bicycle parking lots can each have a scanner that reads either EZ-Link cards or Identification Cards to identify these individuals, who will then receive complimentary parking. All other users will pay a nominal sum for the facilities’ infrastructure and maintenance.
3. Recycling collection
   When we first started Olive Ventures in Chinatown, we were appalled by the dire lack of recycling collection in the area.  A few calls later, I was informed that in order to have collection services for my business, I would have to pay an additional fee on top of our current garbage disposal fee. Not knowing what else to do with our recyclables, we started giving all our (washed and dried) cans as well as cardboard waste to the ladies and gentlemen in the area scouring for such items. They are often immensely appreciative, and we  should collectively formalise their importance and role in society.
   I propose that recycling collection points be set up in several areas of Chinatown.  These points can be manned by the aforementioned ‘Uncles and Aunties’, who will sort out the recyclables collected and liaise with businesses dealing with scrap metals and cardboard. The proceeds of the operation will not only benefit them, but the whole of Chinatown as well.
4. Stakeholder education:
   This will be the pièce de résistance  of the entire campaign. We have in mind a large scale, systematic, committed, long-term education series for all stakeholders in Chinatown, who number in the thousands. From property owners, business owners, employees to visitors of Chinatown, everyone who affects and is affected by Chinatown will go through a series of educational talks, workshops, and fun activities in order to raise awareness of the campaign as well as the general green quotient of these individuals. All this will lead to a more vibrant community, resulting in a more attractive environment for tourists and visitors.
   As a business association, there is an opportunity for reaching out to everyone in Chinatown in a manner that is relevant. While talks and workshops may work for some, activities and events might be better in reaching out to others. A holistic series of programmes can be planned and implemented throughout the year-long campaign, hence raising the sustainability profile of Chinatown and its stakeholders.

The short plan illustrated above can be implemented easily, paving the way for greater (and more drastic) improvements to Chinatown without compromising its underlying historical culture. With cooperation from the numerous non-profits and non-governmental organisations promoting environmentalism and sustainability, this will definitely raise the appeal of Chinatown to Singaporeans as well as tourists visiting Singapore. Further, it will make Chinatown a desirable location for new businesses – organic supermarkets, cafés, offices, creative studios – which can only benefit the commercial landscape of the locale. Surely that is a worthy goal to strive towards.

The author is James Low, Managing Director of Olive Ventures, which resides in the heart of Chinatown. Olive Ventures seeks to promote sustainability in Singapore’s private sector as well as to consumers through their retail/wholesale shop along Sago Street, as well as through their sustainability consultancy specialising in carbon management, events organisations, as well as education. He has worked in Chinatown for over 2 years.