Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT) system is one of the busiest public transport systems in the world, with millions of commuters using it every day. It is one of the largest public transport operators in Singapore and has been leading the way in making the MRT system more sustainable through a range of green initiatives. Just like the SMRT Chairman said: “Through a strong partnership, sincere engagement, and efficient planning, we will continue to renew and re-engineer our railway infrastructure, train systems, and operations to achieve operational and service excellence.”

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at SMRT Corporation's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and promote environmental sustainability as of 2022.

Reducing Carbon Emissions

Reducing carbon emissions is a key priority for SMRT. The company continues to make significant progress towards achieving its target of net-zero emissions by 2050. To achieve this, SMRT has been investing in green technologies, such as electric buses, electric taxis, and solar power, to reduce its carbon footprint.

As of 2022, SMRT has a fleet of more than 300 electric buses, making it one of the largest electric bus operators in Southeast Asia. The company has also installed over 4,000 solar panels across its depots and train stations, generating enough energy to power more than 200 households per year.

Promoting Energy Efficiency

Improving energy efficiency is another key focus area for SMRT in 2023 and beyond. The company has implemented a range of energy-saving measures, such as LED lighting, energy-efficient air conditioning systems, and off-peak energy consumption, to reduce its energy consumption.

SMRT also uses regenerative braking technology, which allows trains to recover energy when braking and store it in batteries for later use. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce the MRT system's energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Investing in Sustainable Infrastructure

SMRT is investing in sustainable infrastructure to support a more sustainable MRT system. The company is focusing on the implementation of a new signalling system, which uses artificial intelligence (AI) to optimise train operations and reduce energy consumption. This system has been piloted on the North-South and East-West Lines and is expected to be rolled out across the entire MRT network in the coming years.

SMRT Chairman, Seah Moon Ming, said: “Railways are complex, involving many sub-systems operating in a dynamic environment. Beyond preventive maintenance and timely asset renewal, we will grow Predictive Maintenance capabilities to enhance reliability and operational excellence at affordable costs.”

SMRT's Commitment to Sustainability

SMRT's commitment to sustainability is driven by its leadership, including its board of directors and management team. The company's sustainability initiatives are also supported by its employees, who are actively engaged in promoting sustainable practices across the organisation.

In addition, SMRT has been recognised for its sustainability efforts, including being awarded the Green Mark Platinum certification by the Building and Construction Authority in Singapore.

Conclusion

SMRT Corporation's green initiatives are making a significant contribution to promoting sustainability in Singapore's transportation sector. The company continues to invest in green technologies, promote energy efficiency, and invest in sustainable infrastructure to reduce its carbon footprint and support a more sustainable MRT system. With the leadership and commitment of SMRT's board of directors and management team, the company is well positioned to continue driving progress towards a more sustainable future for Singapore.