Introduce quotas to limit use of utilities

The Singapore government should work with PUB to introduce quotas in order to cut back on the wastage of resources among the Singaporean public. This can be done through the calculation of a satisfactory amount of usage according to the number of persons in each household. If a family consumes a higher amount than is stipulated by the calculated amount, they should be charged more on unities. This will incentivize them to use resources such as water and electricity efficiently and only if its necessary.

On top of this, rebates can be given to households who consume less utilities than is stipulated by the calculated amount to incentivize them to continue consuming efficient amounts of water and electricity.

Households should be able to monitor the usage of their electricity and water through smart systems that should alert them when they are reaching their quota. This will enable them to cut back on usage and be aware of how much they are consuming. This will encourage Singaporeans to consume less water and electricity by taking shorter baths, and using the washing machine only when there is a full set of clothes to be washed. It will also incentivize Singaporeans to turn lights off when they are not needed instead of leaving multiple lights on unnecessarily.

A similar system should also be put in place for industries as industries are where a lot of water and energy is being consumed. The PUB should come up with an acceptable amount of utilities that a company should use and charge them when they step over the quota. And incentivize them by cash back systems when they are able to remain below quota.

The use of smart technology should be able to severely curb the wastage of water and energy in households and industries. Smart homes and smart technologies can help people to be more informed of where utilities are being consumed the most. Thus people will be more aware if there is a leakage or damage to the wiring in buildings if smart tech was in place to help monitor the use of resources. Simple ways to save on utilities will manifest once technology has advanced enough to provide more homes with options and ways to track utility usage.

One way to decrease energy usage is for Singaporeans to reduce their reliance on air conditioning. Singaporeans use air conditioning more than necessary and turn the temperature too low that it consumes a large amount of energy and this also contribute sto climate change as green house gases are released into the environment with the increased usage of air conditioning. Singaporeans should be adjusting the temperature to a level that is comfortable and no less than 25 degrees Celsius. By doing this, Singapore can be a more sustainable city that is aware of sustainability issues.

References

http://home.howstuffworks.com/smart-home1.htm