Cleaner production strategies play a very important role in efficiently managing the waste stream. In Singapore, waste management is based on cleaner production techniques and methods which play a vital role to sustain economic growth in the country [1]. This system integrates three of the fields effective use of raw materials, less use of energy, and reduced waste amounts. In this way capital cost of waste management by introducing 3R’s system in the country. Reduce, reuse and recycle strategies in Singapore effectively reduce waste volumes in the stream. This results in attaining competitive bids in the global market by saving resources and because it is a sustainable development approach [2]. In this regard, the Singapore government is very active and has been at the forefront of proper execution of all policies and laws of cleaner production strategies in the country.
Implementation of cleaner production, which ensures environmental preservation in Singapore, is one of the most challenging fields facing many barriers. One of the stresses of the execution of cleaner production is the lack of strict environmental policies in the industries. The place does not exhibit any exception as the country always faces stresses to the implementation of cleaner production strategies [3]. Air pollution and carbon emissions from industrial processes are one of the major issues in the country. In the past decade with an increase in industrialization, a concern regarding air and water quality has also been awakened [4].
Majorly regulation and self-regulation of cleaner production in Singapore depend on the successful partnership, for 30 years, between regulators like consultants which provides solutions in managing environmental aspects of the country and policy formulators. Earlier they were dealing with pollution control as an end-of-pipe solution but the success stories of cleaner production are depending on waste minimization and resource management by making effective legislation/regulations, introducing environmentally friendly products, 3 Rs, and efficient cleaner production technologies all over the country[5].
Self-regulation of cleaner production is solely depending on the early establishment of well-planned industrial estates one of which was Jurong, the largest and one of the earliest. It was established in 1968, it took part in the planning by the Economic Development Board and construction and operation of industrial estates. In collaboration with Jurong Town Corporation successfully took over the handling of industrial produced environmental issues [6]. Moreover, EPCA governs the release of wastewater into watercourses and open drains, by the rule of the Sewerage and Drainage Act in Singapore wastewater cannot be discharged directly in open drains or watercourses. Solid waste management is another success story that allows the self-regulation of cleaner production. On daily basis, 7600 tons of refuse is produced. This amount has been tripled per day from 2500 tons the incineration disposes of 90% of total waste effectively reduces the volume by 90% in landfill [7]. In the way to continual improvement, the government is looking for and taking part in further projects to effectively use the limited available resources in Singapore [8].
Conclusion
Pragmatic measures will be continually adapted by Singapore to achieve sustainable development through fair management of resources. Success and achievements in past years have established a feasible working model on the other hand the government policies can make sure effective private-public participation possible to achieve environmental performance and fulfill the commercial bottom line at the same time. Singapore is continually on the way to success in cleaner production technologies.
References
- Wu, P., & Low, S. P. (2013). Lean and Cleaner Production: Applications in Prefabrication to Reduce Carbon Emissions. (Lean and cleaner production.) Berlin, Heidelberg: Imprint: Springer.
- (1998). Technology and environment: The case for cleaner technologies. Jakarta: ASEAN Secretariat.
- Cervantes, F. J., Pavlostathis, S. G., & Haandel, A. C. (2006). Advanced biological treatment processes for industrial wastewaters: Principles and applications. London Angleterre: IWA Pub.
- Mol, A. P. J., & Buuren, J. C. L. (2003). Greening industrialization in Asian transitional economies: China and Vietnam. Lanham: Lexington Books.
- Baas, L. W., & Powell, R. E. (2005). Cleaner production and industrial ecology: Dynamic aspects of the introduction and dissemination of new concepts in industrial practice. Delft: Eburon Academic Publishers.
- Madu, C. N., & Kuei, C. (2012). Handbook of Sustainability Management. Singapore: World Scientific.
- Osborne, D. G. (2013). The coal handbook: Towards cleaner production. Oxford, U.K: Woodhead Publishing.
- Schaltegger, S. (2008). Environmental management accounting for cleaner production. Dordrecht, Netherlands?: Springer Science + Business Media B.V.