GOING green is slowly, but surely, catching on in Singapore.
Several buildings are already proudly brandishing the Green Mark, which proclaims that they are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.
The Marina Bay integrated resort is in talks to get the mark; Singapore's newest hospital will also have it; even some new flats in HDB estates will come on board.
So far, 34 buildings already have the mark - launched in January 2005 by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) - and 21 more are on track to satisfying the criteria.
Among them is the 100,000 sq m Alexandra Hospital in Yishun. By the time it is completed in 2009, it will have features such as roof gardens, energy-efficient lighting and air-conditioning systems, rainwater harvesting technology and solar panels.
Also in the pipeline are 'green' Housing Board flats - likely to be in Punggol - said a HDB spokesman, adding that the board is working with town councils to install green features in existing estates.
Even private home owners are getting into the act, putting up solar heaters, said Mr Phillip Lee, owner of Omega Trading, which specialises in providing hot water using solar energy.
City Developments (CDL) is leading the private sector charge with 12 buildings already boasting the Green Mark. It is developing eight of the 17 upcoming private green buildings, such as City Square Mall, The Oceanfront @ Sentosa Cove and One Shenton.
City Square Mall, a $180 million development due to be completed in 2009, has a central air-conditioning system which achieves optimum indoor temperatures. It costs an additional $700,000 compared to a standard system, but CDL forecasts that it will save $500,000 a year in energy bills - thus recovering its investment in less than two years.
The Green Mark Buildings programme offers developers several incentives, the latest of which was revealed recently by Minister of State for National Development Grace Fu.
On Dec 14, she announced the setting up of a $20 million kitty to entice private developers, and a further $50 million for research and development in green technology.
Developers can draw cash incentives of up to $3 million per project.
Said CDL general manager for projects Eddie Wong: 'The incentives offered are only the icing on the cake. Ultimately, stakeholders must have a change in mindset, a corporate philosophy, a commitment.'
However, despite the obvious financial - and environmental - benefits, some developers have not latched on to the idea.
These are the ones who build to sell, and therefore have no long-term stake.
'This is an area that needs help. Consumers should be taught to be smart buyers. When they're aware of the benefits, it doesn't make business sense for developers to ignore the market,' said Mr Wong.
Mr Pua Seck Guan, chief executive of CapitaLand's retail arm, said green efforts are part of its corporate social responsibilities.
Its Plaza Singapura - going green this year - has a skyroof that keeps heat out of the building while admitting natural light. CapitaLand also has three other green buildings: Varsity Park Condominium, Capital Tower and One George Street.
All this spells good business for companies providing eco-friendly products and services.
Mr Lee of Omega Trading said that demand for his company's products has been slowly increasing in the past two years.
However, he added a word of caution: 'We hope that this is sustainable, and not just 'fashionable'.' Etam Holdings, which manufactures and sells compost units that convert foodwaste into fertiliser, is looking forward to higher sales.
Said managing director John Teo: 'There's definitely a big demand, but it's still going to take a bit more time to change the local mentality of investing in green products.'
jcheam@sph.com.sg
CHANGE OF MINDSET NEEDED
'The incentives offered are only the icing on the cake. Ultimately, stakeholders must have a change in mindset, a corporate philosophy, a commitment.'
MR EDDIE WONG, CDL general manager for projects
| Assessment criteria |
Energy efficiency (35 points)
Building design and orientation, facade materials. Energy-efficient features, such as environmentally friendly equipment or technology in air-conditioning and lighting. Building management (20)
Eco-friendliness of building process, for example, conservation of trees on site and use of environmentally friendly materials. Water efficiency (15)
Water-conservancy efforts, such as using non-potable water for cooling towers and toilets. Indoor environment quality (15)
Levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide inside the building - even in basement carparks. Adequate lighting and optimum temperature and humidity. Low noise levels and indoor air pollution. Environmental innovation (15)
New eco-friendly technological innovations, such as waterless urinals and light pipes which transmit natural light into basement carparks to reduce lighting load. There are different Green Mark awards: For basic certification, 55 to 69 points are required. For Gold, between 70 and 79; for Gold Plus, 80 to 84; and for Platinum, 85 to 100 points. |
