Singapore, 17 September 2010 – A greener form of transportation that is also fun, that’s what the Singapore G1 hopes to present to car-crazy Singaporeans.
The inaugural Singapore Green One (Singapore G1) will be held on 19 September 2010 featuring Soap Box Car Race, Eco Car Race, Buggy Race and Trishaw Race. The adrenaline-pumping afternoon-long event will take place on the F1 track at Float@Marina, just a week before the Singapore night Formula One race to “raise awareness of the green technology available, that alternative energy options are commercially viable”.
Eco Car - powered by alternative fuels.
It hopes to send out signals that using public transportation means less carbon dioxide emissions. This could involve “lifestyle changes” like walking, cycling or skating – and we will see this on the track too.
“The Singapore G1 is the first green event that takes place as a lead up to the F1. It engages the whole community, both young and old, and it will be great fun going green!” said Isabella Loh, Chairman of The Singapore Environment Council (SEC), the organiser.
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.”
Fuel cell powers this Temasek Polytechnic's creation.
“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 motorsports event and that this will then catch on in the region,” said Shaw.
Lending style to the event, the E-Bikeboard will make its appearance as road marshals zip around in the skateboardish electric vehicle. The Swiss designed vehicle made its debut in Singapore last year. Managing Director Steve Er of Singapore distributors GREEN.Er HCG Pte Ltd is excited about their participation in the Singapore G1. “This initiative will continue the on-going education of Singapore of the viability of alternative transport. We aim to change mindsets!”
Steve Er: E-Bikeboard takes you further for less the eco way.
According to Steve, the E-Bikeboard is “fully capable of being the transport choice of Singaporeans, living in this city state. It's very maneuverability and its ease of use is second to none.” To charge the vehicle, simply plug into the usual wall socket for a few hours. It only takes 0.6 KwH to travel up to 56km.
“This means that at $0.30 per KwH, it costs the commuter just 18 cents to travel that far! To be totally green, one would walk. For a greener commute option, the E-Bikeboard will help reduce carbon emissions tremendously, by reducing the carbon footprints of vehicles,” said Steve.
Less or zero air pollution is the name of the game. The cars lined up for the Eco Car Race category use renewable sources of fuel, including biofuels, solar and hydrogen. They are innovations of tertiary students in Singapore.
Made of recyclable plastics in the US, the Soap Box Derby car kits will be assembled by 30 schools before youths breeze down the track, using gravity as the power for movement.
Singapore’s Carbon Woes
In Singapore, transport accounts for about 20% of total carbon emissions. This figure is spiraling upwards “due to a significant rise of cars on the roads.” The Singapore government has committed to reduce carbon emissions by 16% below 2020 business-as-usual (BAU) levels.
The SEC is helping the Singapore government achieve its goal by organizing the G1. “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 options of travelling,” it said.
Singaporeans are also invited to make a pledge on trimming down their carbon emissions.