Singapore’s commitment to environmental sustainability and economic growth is reflected in the Environmental Services Industry Transformation Map1 (ES ITM) which was developed by NEA to drive change in the industry. We work closely with our stakeholders to form strategic partnerships, and recognise their sustainability efforts through awards and accolades.
Transforming the Environmental Services Industry
As demand for Environmental Services (ES) continues to rise, it is vital to find ways to transform the industry and build a skilled and resilient workforce. These are some of the strategies and initiatives under the ES ITM:
In January 2021, NEA awarded scholarships to the first batch of scholars under the NEA-Industry Scholarship Programme for Environmental Services. The scholarship recipients comprise eight young individuals from the Institute of Technical Education and the Polytechnics who will be joining cleaning and waste management firms upon the completion of their studies. They will play a key role in transforming the industry to one that is more tech-enabled, addressing issues and challenges, and bringing fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the industry.
- To further promote the use of Outcome-based Contracting (OBC) among service buyers, NEA published the guides on Specifications for OBC Contracts (2nd Edition) and Tender Evaluation for OBC Contracts. To aid service buyers in the drafting of tenders and contracts, the contents of the guides include clauses to address contractual issues during contingencies.
- To standardise practices, a new Singapore Standard on Refuse Collection Vehicles – General Requirements and Specifications for Rear End Loaders and Tanker Trucks (SS 649) was published in 2020. The SS 649 was prepared by a Working Group led by NEA, and comprises members from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), Land Transport Authority, Singapore Accreditation Council, Waste Management and Recycling Association of Singapore, as well as industry representatives. With effect from 1 March 2021, all Licensed General Waste Collectors are required to ensure that newly registered Rear End Loaders are in compliance with SS 649. This will ensure a level playing field within the waste management industry, with waste collection being properly carried out to meet hygiene, safety, odour and noise control standards during operations.
Fostering an Innovative ES Industry with Robotics
The future of the ES industry looks set to change with the commencement of proof-of-concept trials of Autonomous Environmental Service Vehicles for road cleaning in 2020.
These vehicles were jointly developed by academics and companies from various industries such as ES, robotics, and transportation, as part of NEA’s Environmental Robotics R&D Programme. The trial was conducted in designated small- scale testbed environments at one-north, CleanTech Park at Jurong Innovation District and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
The application of autonomous vehicle technology to mechanical road sweepers will enable service providers to adopt more innovative technologies to raise the standards, productivity and professionalism of the ES industry. Successful trials will also pave the way for downstream commercialisation and operationalisation.
Promoting Better Wages and Career Prospects in Waste Management
The waste management sector is set to offer better entry-level wages, as well as career progressions to higher pay levels through skills upgrading and productivity improvements under MOM’s Progressive Wage Model (PWM). The move, which was announced on 26 January 2021, would cover an estimated 3,000 local workers in the sector.
The final report is expected to be released by the Tripartite Cluster for Waste Management (TCWM), which consists of representatives from unions, employers, service buyers and government agencies by the end of 2021.
In consultation with MOM, the National Parks Board, SkillsFuture Singapore and Workforce Singapore, and to align with WOG efforts of PWM for the waste management sector, NEA will work closely with the TCWM on the implementation plan of the PWM and regularly communicate key developments to licensed General Waste Collectors and General Waste Disposal Facilities so as to ensure smooth implementation.
Stakeholder Engagement Highlight |
 Much of food waste or its by-products has potential to be converted into higher value products or have valuable resources extracted. This process of food waste valorisation, where useful material, once written off as waste, is re-introduced into the supply chain to create new products, is one of the food waste management pathways that can help to close the food waste loop.
To promote food waste valorisation, NEA has set up the Industry Steering Committee – Circular Economy (Food), with representatives from government agencies, industry associations and research institutions to look into the conversion of food waste into high value products including food and non-food products. High value products such as food ingredients that re-enter the food supply chain can also strengthen the resilience and sustainability of the food ecosystem. To raise awareness on food waste valorisation, the Committee organised Industry Awareness Briefings (IABs) to bring together companies and solution providers to share technological solutions and recycling options. The inaugural IAB was jointly held with A*STAR on 16 June 2020 and focused on local solutions for recycling okara, or soy bean waste. The second IAB was held on 15 December 2020, focusing on solutions for recycling spent barley grains and coffee grounds. |