Green transportation issues continue to have major relevance in Singapore today, because of the need to position the city as an eminently livable location that is well connected to the world.

In Singapore, transport accounts for about 20% of total carbon emissions and this number is rapidly increasing due to a significant rise of cars in Singapore. The Singapore government has however committed to reduce carbon emissions by 16% below 2020 business-as-usual (BAU) levels. In order to achieve this goal, transportation is one of the sectors that must be addressed. As there is still a long way to go before fully fledged commercialisation of green car technology is available, it is important to focus immediately on existing technology and changing people’s habits to embrace greener travelling options.

Hence, on 19 September 2010, the Singapore Environment Council (SEC) will be organising the Singapore Green One (Singapore G1), featuring races like the Soap Box Car Race, Eco Car Race, Buggy Race, Trishaw Race and other activities like walking, cycling and skating. SEC aims to raise awareness of the green technology available, that alternative energy options are commercially viable, and to encourage the use of cleaner and more cost-effective modes of transportation like public transport. At the same time, Singapore G1 promotes simple lifestyle changes like walking, cycling or skating.

Providing more information on the Singapore G1, Mr Howard Shaw, Executive Director, SEC added, “We are witnessing a revolution in transport sectors in our need to transform into a low carbon economy. However the vast majority of scientists agree that this revolution is taking place at a rate that is too slow if we are to meet emissions targets required to prevent catastrophic changes in global temperatures. The Singapore G1 aims to act as a catalyst to change and drive the shifting paradigm of the transport industry by stimulating consumer interest. In the medium term we hope that the Singapore G1 will become the pioneering green motor sports event and that this will then catch on in the region.” The inaugural Singapore G1 will take place at the F1 track at the Float@Marina on 19 September 2010. This four-hour event starts in the late afternoon, and is supported by Singapore GP, North West CDC, and LTA.