Reap LUSH benefits
URA’s efforts to encourage even more greenery in highrise buildings and developments have yielded visible benefits since greenery guidelines were first introduced. To date, more than 100 developments have been approved with sky terraces, which means that more residents and tenants can enjoy and interact with one another in the new communal space. In addition, over 400 developments have also been approved with balconies, allowing residents there to indulge in gardening activities within the comfort of their homes.
A:The urban heat island effect (UHI) occurs when city temperatures run higher than those in suburban and rural areas, primarily because growing numbers of buildings have supplanted vegetation and trees. Human activity itself also generates heat.
Besides enhancing the living environment and property value of developments, the provision of greenery in the built environment also has wider environmental benefits. For instance, greenery serves to mitigate the urban heat island effect, which helps to lower energy costs for building owners and residents. In the long run, under the LUSH programme, Singapore’s environment will not only become more aesthetically pleasing. It will also offer more recreational opportunities and allow the island to reap substantial ecological benefits.
Mrs Cheong Koon Hean, Chief Executive Officer of URA, said, “URA is committed towards planning for a sustainable quality built environment and ensuring that city dwellers are never far away from greenery, even with urban growth and high density living. Much has been achieved over the years to green Singapore, and we are now stepping up our efforts to bring greenery provision to the next level, especially by encouraging vertical greening. We hope that more residents can enjoy a green and lush live and work environment.”
