SBS Transit highlights sustainable innovations to reduce environmental footprint
SBS Transit utilises various technologies for energy and water efficiency to uphold its commitment to sustainable transportation infrastructure.
As the leading public transport operator in Singapore, SBS Transit is cognisant of its responsibility to reduce carbon emissions. The company has intensified efforts to mitigate its environmental impact by offering more sustainable and eco-friendly transportation options, whilst delivering reliable and efficient services.
Bus depots are essential to SBS Transit’s daily operations, providing maintenance, refuelling, and parking for buses. Recognising the depots’ critical role in operational efficiency, SBS Transit committed to transforming the office building and workshop at Ulu Pandan Bus Depot (UPD) into Singapore’s first net-zero emissions building within a bus depot. This was achieved by implementing several sustainable technologies within the depot’s infrastructure.
The company aims to achieve this by powering UPD with a photovoltaic solar system with a capacity of 700 kWp, supplying clean energy and reducing Scope 2 emissions. The depot currently uses energy-efficient light-emitting diode fittings and lifts equipped with a Variable Voltage Variable Frequency drive system and sleep mode function to further optimise energy use.
UPD also features a fully naturally ventilated bus parking area and heat-reflective paint on building facades, reducing energy consumption and minimising the need for air conditioning.
To improve resource management, smart utility meters track real-time energy consumption, identifying spikes and optimising energy use. The depot’s solar panel system will be expanded by October 2024 to increase capacity.
UPD has been awarded Green Mark Award Platinum by the Building and Construction Authority for SBS Transit’s sustainability efforts. Once completed as the first net-zero energy facility by the end of 2024, it will be the first bus depot in Singapore to set the standard for sustainable management of future bus depots, elevating sustainability within the transport industry.
Optimising water resources
SBS Transit’s Automatic Bus Wash System (ABWS) is designed to collect, filter, and recycle approximately 80% of the water used during the washing process, significantly reducing water consumption.
Targeted improvements have been made to increase the volume of recycled water and enhance the efficiency of the final rinse process, resulting in a 58% reduction in overall water usage. This achievement has been recognised by the Public Utilities Board for the substantial water efficiency gains.
SBS Transit has also implemented a NEWater System, providing an alternative water source for non-potable uses, such as bus washing. This initiative supports Singapore's efforts to bolster the water supply during dry weather and enhance water sustainability. The depot also uses water-efficient fittings to improve water consumption efficiency.
SBS Transit’s groundbreaking innovations in energy and water efficiency were honoured at the ESGBusiness Awards 2024, where the company received the Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure Award - Singapore, the Mental Health Awareness Award - Singapore, and the Industrial Energy Efficiency Award - Singapore accolades.
The prestigious ESGBusiness Awards recognise companies that are leading the way in building a sustainable future and demonstrating outstanding commitment to environmental, social, and governance practices.
The ESGBusiness Awards is presented by ESGBusiness. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2025 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's outstanding commitment and achievement in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, please contact Julie Anne Nuñez at [email protected].
