Man asks if town council's sustainability efforts are 'going green or just PR exercise' -- and they respond
A resident expressed appreciation for sustainability efforts by the town council in his estate, but wonders if they are merely performative and whether more can be done.
Stomper Ken said in an email titled 'Going Green or just a PR exercise?' to Stomp on July 18:
"Although I would like to commend the efforts of Tanjong Pagar Town Council in installing solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on the rooftops of various blocks (Blocks 30 to 40) in Telok Blangah, I have observed a concerning inconsistency in energy efficiency practices, particularly regarding the operation of lamps and fans around the market and food center.
"Despite previous emails and notifications to the town council, the issue persists.
"Daytime lighting: High-wattage lamps remain switched on during daylight hours e.g. 8am and recently appear to be operating 24/7.
"Ineffective placement: Some of the lamps are positioned above metal roofing, significantly reducing their illumination efficiency while wasting electricity. It also irritates the residents who receive most of the reflection in their bedrooms.
"Lack of optimisation: Simple solutions like timers, motion sensors or strategic lighting placement can drastically reduce energy waste without compromising functionality.
"While solar PV installations contribute to green energy, their benefits are undermined by such inefficiencies. Prolonged and unnecessary usage of electrical appliances only increases the demand for energy, offsetting the gains from renewable sources."
Ken recommended that the town council:
1. Investigate and rectify the continuous operation of lights and fans.
2. Implement energy-saving measures, such as timers, motion sensors, or daylight sensors.
3. Review lighting placement to ensure optimal efficiency, avoiding areas where illumination is obstructed.
The Stomper also provided his feedback via the OneService app. Photos he shared show lamps outside Telok Blangah Rise Market & Food Centre turned on in the day.
He added: "Sustainability requires not just adopting green technologies, but also minimising waste. I hope the town council will take prompt and continuous action to align these practices with Singapore’s broader environmental goals."
A spokeswoman for Tanjong Pagar Town Council thanked Stomp for highlighting Ken's concerns about electricity usage and the town council’s sustainability efforts.
She said in response to a Stomp query: "The town council will be removing the light to address the feedback pertaining to lights reflecting into residents' bedrooms.
"We have also reached out to the Stomper using the provided case reference to address his feedback directly.
"Sustainability remains a key pillar of our long-term planning. While some initiatives may not yield immediate results, they form part of a broader estate-wide strategy that balances functionality, safety and environmental responsibility.
"We are committed to building a greener, more sustainable living environment for both current and future generations."
Residents may refer to the town council's website for more information on its ongoing efforts and partnerships to reduce our environmental footprint.
"We appreciate the Stomper’s feedback and welcome continued community involvement as we work toward our shared sustainability goals," the spokeswoman added.
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