SINGAPOREANS shopping for a car from April next year will be able to compare instantly the energy efficiency of various models.

The Government will make it mandatory for retailers to display fuel economy labels on cars in showrooms, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Yaacob Ibrahim announced in Parliament yesterday.

Currently, there are fewer than 80 car models registered under the labelling scheme, which was launched in 2003.

But from April 1, 2009, all cars in showrooms must display the label, which states the distance each model can travel over a litre of fuel.

It will also provide the energy efficiency range of cars with comparable engine capacities.

Retailers yesterday welcomed the new rule.

"Consumers can now have a better idea of what's energy efficient and what's not," said Mr Vincent Ng, product manager of Kah Motor, distributor of Honda cars.

However, some also cautioned that car buyers should not take the figures on the labels as absolute.

Different driving conditions can affect the fuel efficiency of a car, noted Mr Michael Wong, president of the Motor Traders Association.

"What you see on the label is not necessarily what you'll get," he said.

Apart from cars, manufacturers of clothes dryers will be required by April next year - or earlier - to tag on energy efficiency labels. Currently, these are seen on air-conditioners and refrigerators.

The labelling moves are part of a greater push for better energy use in Singapore.

Besides helping consumers make greener choices, the Government is pumping in money to boost energy efficiency efforts.

A $50 million sustainable energy fund over five years will expand energy management capabilities and support energy efficiency programmes, Dr Yaacob said.

The National Environment Agency will set up grants to help fund companies that buy energy-efficient equipment and train staff to manage energy services in the workplace.

Dr Yaacob revealed that eight government office buildings have finished energy audits as of last year and put in place energy-saving measures, saving $2.6 million a year.

The remaining 40 government buildings will complete their audits in the next two years.

Also in the pipeline is a national campaign to teach Singaporeans energy-saving habits.

A number of MPs asked Dr Yaacob yesterday how the Government plans to help Singaporeans learn more about saving energy.

Singapore's freezing office temperatures also came under the spotlight yesterday, with many asking if workplaces can be warmer.

Mr Seah Kian Peng (Marine Parade GRC) joked: "Over the years, our office temperatures have become so low, we can wear the autumn and winter collections of many fashion houses here."

This article was first published in The Straits Times on Mar 1, 2008.