Fact Sheet: Updates on MINDEF/SAF’s Sustainability Efforts

MINDEF/SAF remains committed to the national sustainability targets set out under the Singapore Green Plan 2030. It works with the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and industry partners to implement wide-ranging environmental initiatives focused on reducing carbon emissions, minimising energy and water consumption, and cutting waste disposal through innovative sustainable solutions.

Updates on MINDEF/SAF’s sustainability efforts include:

Reducing Energy Consumption. MINDEF/SAF has reached a significant sustainability milestone by achieving its target of 50-megawatt peak of solar deployment with the completion of the solar farm in Sembawang Air Base (SBAB). This target was announced at the 2021 Committee of Supply debate. The solar deployment capacity has been built through multiple strategic initiatives, including the installation of solar panels on suitable rooftops of camps and bases, solar deployments by MINDEF-related organisations, and the construction of the solar farm in SBAB. Moving forward, MINDEF/SAF will install 4.5-megawatt peak solar PV systems on roof-tops of buildings within SBAB by end-2026, adding to the existing 13.5-megawatt peak solar PV systems. With the completion of the deployment, the solar farm will comprise 18-megawatt peak solar PV systems, which will generate energy equivalent to powering approximately 4,700 four-room HDB flats annually. MINDEF/SAF will also install additional 13.5-megawatt peak of solar PV systems across other SAF camps and bases by end-2027, bringing the total solar deployment across all MINDEF/SAF facilities to 68-megawatt peak.

Optimising Water Use Through Enhancing Awareness. MINDEF/SAF has been implementing the Smart Utilities Metering System (SUMS) across MINDEF/SAF camps and bases¹. The system provides users near real-time data on utilities consumption, enabling more effective monitoring and management of energy and water usage. Water consumption is consistently tracked through the smart meters, with leak detectors deployed when data indicates potential issues. This proactive approach allows for prompt identification and repair of water leakages, preventing waste and maintaining system efficiency. Such employment of the SUMS not only enables operational improvements but also contributes to heightening MINDEF/SAF personnel’s awareness on water conservation and energy efficiency best practices that are applicable beyond the workplace. Early results indicate that the installation of SUMS can achieve up to 10% of utilities savings in the camps and bases where the system has been deployed.

Minimising Waste. MINDEF/SAF has implemented comprehensive waste reduction strategies by reviewing operational processes and expanding recycling capabilities. The installation of additional recycling bins throughout SAF camps and bases, have resulted in measurable increase in recyclables collected, demonstrating improved waste diversion from general disposal. The organisation has established robust waste management contracts with NEA-accredited vendors to ensure proper recycling of specialised materials including scrap metals, electronic and chemical waste. MINDEF/SAF also did a comprehensive review of packaging waste that have led to a reduction of approximately 21,000 kg of plastic waste. These include the elimination of unnecessary plastic packaging for personnel equipment, such as socks and field packs, where removal does not compromise quality or hygiene standards. Combat boots packaging has also been re-designed to eliminate plastic carriers entirely.

Streamlining Processes for Sustainability and Operational Efficiency. MINDEF/SAF works closely with the DSTA and industry partners to explore solutions that maximises sustainability and operational efficiency.

1. Biodegradable Small Arms Target. The Republic of Singapore Navy has adopted the use of biodegradable small arms target for their training at sea. This new target is developed using 100% biodegradable buoyant boards and starch-based adhesives. The target stays afloat for the duration of the operation and subsequently sinks and naturally decomposes in one to two months. This sustainable training solution eliminates the environmental impact traditionally associated with at-sea target practice.

2. Chinook Wash Shed. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)’s Chinook Wash Shed taps on automation to enhance operational efficiency. By automating the process, it reduced manpower requirements by 80%, enabling a single operator to efficiently manage the entire aircraft washing process that previously required a five-person team. The automated system incorporates water treatment and recycling technology, which led to a 60% water savings as compared to manual washing methods. A multi-stage filtration system ensures all contaminants are removed in alignment with industry aircraft wash standards, maintaining highest level of operational readiness. Environmental sustainability is further enhanced through the wash shed's energy efficient design, featuring solar light tubes and energy efficient LED lighting that reduce energy consumption for lighting by 50%.

3. Use of Eco-Asphalt for Runway Repair Training. MINDEF/SAF actively seeks to reduce the environmental impact of our training and operations wherever operationally feasible. The RSAF has traditionally relied on asphalt which contains conventional bitumen, a crude oil derivative, for runway repair training. In line with sustainability goals, the RSAF conducted a successful trial to determine the feasibility of using eco-asphalt. Eco-asphalt includes less conventional bitumen as compared to conventional asphalt due to the inclusion of plastic waste-derived materials. The trial demonstrated that the use of eco-asphalt will allow us to make use of recycled plastic and avoid sending approximately 3,750kg of waste for incineration annually, without compromising training quality. Building on these positive results, the RSAF plans to expand the eco-asphalt use across all runway repair training and will explore the collection of unrecyclable or contaminated plastic waste in the air bases, to support this initiative, creating a sustainable cycle that converts waste into valuable training materials.

[1] SUMS have been installed in Jurong Camp, RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base, Tuas Naval Base, Sembawang Air Base and Tengah Air Base.

More Resources

MINDEF/SAF Achieves 50-Megawatt Peak of Solar Deployment with the Completion of its First Solar Farm

Speech by Minister for Defence Mr Chan Chun Sing for Opening Ceremony of MINDEF/SAF’s First Solar Farm on 30 January 2026 at Sembawang Air Base

Infographic: MINDEF/SAF’s First Solar Farm