The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) announced new initiatives during the opening ceremony of Singapore Green Building Week (SGBW). These initiatives, stemming from a review of the third Green Building Masterplan, focus on improving occupant indoor environmental quality, promoting energy-efficient buildings, and incorporating green practices into existing structures.
Desmond Lee, Singapore’s Minister for Social and Family Development and Second Minister for National Development, was the guest of honor at the ceremony. He shared Singapore’s goal of reducing carbon emissions intensity by 36% from 2005 levels by 2030. Lee emphasized improving building energy efficiency as a key strategy to achieve this target, stating that buildings contribute up to a quarter of Singapore’s carbon emissions.
Tai Lee Siang, Chair of the World Green Building Council, highlighted the numerous advantages of green building practices in Singapore, particularly its potential to drive innovation in building science and management. He encouraged industry leaders to share their insights globally.
According to Lee, a third of Singapore’s buildings currently meet minimum Green Mark certification standards, with a goal to reach 80% by 2030. Joint research by BCA and the National University of Singapore (NUS) on indoor environmental quality (IEQ) shows that Green Mark buildings are more energy-efficient and offer a healthier indoor environment compared to non-certified buildings. These buildings effectively regulate ventilation rates (CO2 levels) and filter out fine particulates and bacteria, leading to greater occupant satisfaction and a lower likelihood of experiencing sick building syndrome. The research findings will guide BCA in refining criteria for future Green Mark schemes.
To further promote green building practices and the global recognition of Green Mark certification, the BCA will implement the following:
Pilot Program for Revised Green Mark Criteria:
BCA will pilot a revised set of criteria for the Green Mark for Existing Non-Residential Buildings (GMENRB: 2017) scheme for one year. This includes stricter requirements for building owners to enhance occupant IEQ and implement smart control systems for building operations. Ventilation strategies are one example of how to regulate fresh air intake effectively.
BCA is also collaborating with the Health Promotion Board to develop a new Green Mark scheme promoting health-conscious design. This includes incorporating energy-efficient lighting and office equipment, as well as implementing workplace health programs. The goal is to encourage companies to prioritize occupant health and well-being when designing office layouts and implementing health-related policies.
Leveraging Technology for Energy Efficiency:
Singapore will partner with research institutions to develop a roadmap for achieving positive energy low-rise buildings, zero energy medium-rise buildings, and super low energy high-rise buildings (PE-ZE-SLEB). This aligns with the increasing demand for intelligent and environmentally friendly buildings in Singapore’s tropical urban environment.
Green Collar Workforce Expansion:
BCA plans to grow the green-collar workforce to 25,000 by 2025, up from the current 16,000 professionals, managers, executives, and technicians. This addresses the increasing need for professionals skilled in green building design and technologies, reflecting a key aspect of the developing Construction Industry Transformation Map (ITM).
Increased Transparency in Building Energy Performance:
BCA will publicly share the energy performance data of commercial buildings, with building owners’ consent, following last year’s anonymous disclosure. This initiative will cover approximately three-quarters of all commercial buildings in Singapore, encouraging building owners and facilities managers to implement cost-effective measures to minimize their buildings’ energy consumption.
Enhanced transparency in building energy data is expected to stimulate demand for green buildings and related services, creating new market opportunities for green building companies in areas like energy audits and sustainable design, both locally and regionally. This will also drive research and development in green building solutions.
Hugh Lim, CEO of BCA, stressed the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to advance the green building movement. He highlighted the shift in focus towards incorporating design elements that enhance occupant health and well-being. By demonstrating these benefits to building users, BCA aims to empower them to champion green practices at home, in the workplace, and in educational settings. This, in turn, encourages developers and building owners to prioritize the creation of healthier and more sustainable spaces for everyone.
The Green Mark scheme, introduced in 2005 by BCA, established environmental sustainability standards for buildings. The first Green Building Masterplan was launched 11 years ago, followed by a second plan in 2009 and a third plan three years ago.
For those interested in learning more, energy performance data for commercial buildings is available on BCA’s website and Singapore’s open data portal. The data will be accessible this week.