This week, we spoke to Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Ang Thiam Lee, Head Sustainability Branch (Hd Sustainability Br) at Headquarters Combat Service Support Command (HQ CSSCOM).

Together with his team of Full-Time National Servicemen (NSF), Corporal (CPL) Samuel Tan and Lance Corporal (LCP) Yap Hao Yang, he has spearheaded several sustainability initiatives in our Army, such as the installation of solar panels on suitable buildings in various camps, and Electric Vehicles Car Sharing Services in camps.

LTC Ang Thiam Lee (left), CPL Samuel Tan (middle) and LCP Yap Hao Yang, pictured at our Ordnance Engineering School (OES) building made with Mass Engineered Timber (MET), an energy-efficient building material that generates lower net carbon emissions compared to steel or concrete constructions.

1.   What is your personal goal/vision that you would like to achieve during your time as Hd Sustainability? 

Sustainability is a relatively new concept, one that we paid more attention to in recent years. I hope my efforts will raise awareness and improve climate literacy among our servicemen, encouraging positive mindset towards sustainability.

I encourage units to drive ground-up initiatives by appointing sustainability advocates to promote these efforts. We can start small, and with the right spirit, I’m sure the good work that we do today will be continued for generations to come.

2.   What were some notable projects that you have worked on?

a.    Trial of Green Fuel for Military Vehicles.
We are currently trialling green fuel for military vehicles (ie. 5-Tonners) to find a more environmentally-friendly energy source to replace traditional sources.

b.    Smart Metering with Dashboard Monitoring
Smart Metering trials have been implemented in selected camps, allowing units access to a dashboard which monitors utility consumption, allowing units to take proactive measures to reduce their usage accordingly.  
 
c.    Electric Vehicle Charging Points, and Electric Vehicles Car Sharing Services.
Electric Vehicle Charging Points are currently installed in selected camps, allowing NSmen and residents to use the pay-per-use service and to encourage carbon emissions reduction. Similarly, with BlueSG, we bring Electric Vehicles Car sharing services closer to servicemen, offering a sustainable transport solution for commuters, and reducing the need for car ownership and carbon emissions.

Electric vehicle car sharing services at Kranji Camp 3

3. Personally, how have you incorporated sustainability into your personal lifestyle?

Along the way, I have adjusted some of my lifestyle habits, which includes printing fewer papers, bringing my own cup for takeaway beverages, and using reusable bags for groceries.

At home, my children's schools' curriculum also includes sustainability topics so they are now more aware of climate change and its implications, and have become more passionate about sustainability issues. This way, we can actively make incremental improvements to our lifestyle choices as a family to support sustainability efforts.

4.   What do you hope for the future of sustainability efforts in the Army?

I am excited for the sustainability journey that we have embarked on. It will be a long journey of learning, winning support and nudging behaviour to work together to achieve our goals and vision of a sustainable Army.

The setup of the Army Climate Change Committee chaired by the Chief of Staff - General Staff (COS-GS) (Army Sustainability Officer) aims to drive and oversee the Army’s climate change strategy and to take a proactive approach in adapting to the effects of climate change to prevent degradation and disruption to the Army’s operational readiness.

Chief Transport Officer, Senior Lieutenant Colonel (SLTC) Loi Heng Yang and Chief Maintenance & Engineering Officer, Military Expert 7 (ME7) Benny Yong refuelling a 5-Tonner vehicle at the official launch of the biodiesel trial

5.   What are some upcoming projects that we can look forward to?

Our Army’s Sustainability strategy is multi-pronged, supporting Singapore’s Green Plan 2030. We will continue to work with whole-of-government agencies and industry partners to explore and implement system-level initiatives.

Some examples include portable solar generators, plant-based meal boxes, and an onsite food waste composter which we plan to trial later this year at SAFTI Military Institute (SAFTI MI). The food waste composter will be able to convert 90% of food waste to compost within 24 hours, a process that avoids generating carbon emissions and water discharge, which also helps to reduce our Army’s carbon footprint.

Our medics setting up a solar panel to generate power on our Portable Power Station, which can be used to charge certain equipment for operational use.

✍️ : LCP Teo Ze Xuan (Army News)
📷 : PTE Ryan Liew (Army News)