To achieve our goal of a world-class built environment, we are adopting a three-prong strategy. First, we will evolve a more sustainable built environment by encouraging the design and construction of green buildings. Second, we will promote sustainable construction, which would enhance our resilience against supply fluctuations in basic construction materials. Third, we will push for barrier free accessibility in our built environment to cater to the needs of a rapidly ageing population. Let me now elaborate on these key strategies.

Sustainable Built Environment

2 As the physical transformation of our city is intensified, we need to ensure that development is carried out in a sustainable manner. Our buildings must be “green”, that is, they should be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

3 In 2005, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) launched the Green Mark Scheme to promote green building technologies. To-date, 33 local buildings have been Green Mark certified. I am pleased to share with Members that we are undertaking the following key initiatives to achieve wider adoption of the Green Mark scheme:

Public Sector Taking the Lead

4 First, the public sector will take the lead in adopting the Green Mark scheme. With effect from 1 April 2007, all new public sector buildings and those undergoing major retrofitting works would have to be Green Mark certified.

5 Since January 2007, HDB has required all new public housing to be Green Mark certified. In addition, HDB will launch its first “eco-precinct”, a new Build-to-Order (BTO) project, at the end of this month to showcase environmentally sustainable design principles and green building technology that can be deployed in future public housing projects. The project will feature a generous provision of green spaces with the guiding design principle of harnessing wind, daylight, rainfall and greenery wherever possible. A wide range of technologies will also be adopted to promote energy conservation, efficient use of resources, recycling, as well as to reduce maintenance cost. More details of the eco-precinct will be unveiled closer to the launch date.

Incentive for the Green Mark Scheme

6 Next, MND has recently launched the Green Mark Incentive Scheme to encourage private sector developers and building owners to go green. This is a $20 million incentive scheme that offers cash grants over the next three years to private buildings that achieve at least the Green Mark “Gold” awards.

Intensifying R&D in Green Building Technology

7 To enhance the industry’s capability in green building technology, MND is also setting aside $50 million over the next five years for the new “MND Research Fund for the Built Environment”. This Fund was launched in January this year, with green building technology identified as a key research area. We are currently evaluating the first batch of applications received.

Mandatory Standards on Environmental Sustainability

8 Member asked about how our buildings are adapted for the equatorial climate to improve energy efficiency. Currently, our building regulations require all air-conditioned buildings to comply with minimum energy efficiency standards. Moving forward, we are looking at mandating minimum requirements on environmental sustainability for new buildings and existing ones undergoing major retrofitting works to achieve at least the basic Green Mark standards.

Sustainable Construction

9 As we evolve a more sustainable built environment, we are also promoting sustainable construction. This involves adopting alternative construction methods and materials that reduces our reliance on certain basic construction materials, and diversifying our supply sources of these materials.

10 The Minister for National Development has stated in this House that the Indonesian ban on land sand export will not have a major impact on the construction industry. Recently, we have also experienced disruptions in the supply of granite. These developments are a timely reminder of the importance of diversifying our supply sources and switching to sustainable construction.

11 The industry should continue to diversify our supply sources for construction materials. Going forward, the industry should switch to alternative methods and materials, including the use of steel, dry walls, glass and metal claddings.

12 A Member has pointed out that concrete prices have gone up more than the anticipated increase in sand prices. Concrete price is dependent on a number of factors, including the costs of other raw materials. We have urged our industry players to take a collaborative approach to mitigate the impact of rising prices for existing projects. BCA will continue to closely monitor the situation, and put in place the necessary measures to ensure construction activities could proceed without major disruption.

Barrier Free Built Environment

13 On the topic of barrier-free accessibility, we must create an environment where our elderly can “age in place”. To achieve this, BCA has put in place measures to create a barrier-free built environment in a holistic manner.

Strengthening the BFA Code

14 The best way to build such an environment is through concerted planning and design upstream. BCA is strengthening the Code of Barrier-Free Accessibility. The focus is to improve the accessibility between buildings and from buildings to nearby facilities.

Promoting Universal Design

15 As the Member has correctly pointed out, the provision of disabled and elderly-friendly built environment should focus on the needs of the users. BCA in collaboration with the Singapore Institute of Architects and the Handicaps Welfare Association has launched the Universal Design Award for Built Environment to recognise developers and designers for their efforts in this area. For public housing, HDB has also incorporated Universal Design features in its projects from July 2006.

Requiring Continued Compliance with BFA Code

16 To ensure that barrier-free facilities being put in place are well maintained and remain functional, we will propose amending the Building Control Act to require continued compliance with the BFA requirements. This is to ensure that disabled and elderly-friendly infrastructure remains usable.

Upgrading Existing Buildings

17 BCA has mapped out a five-year plan to ensure existing buildings in key areas are accessible by 2011. For a start, BCA is working with public sector agencies to review and improve the accessibility of their existing buildings. HDB is working with the Town Councils to make all precincts barrier-free by 2011.

18 We have also set aside $40 million under the new Accessibility Fund to help building owners to defray some of the costs of providing basic barrier-free features in their existing buildings. This Fund will be made available from 1 April 2007.

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