Achieving Goal of 80% Green Mark Buildings by 2030

10 Mr Saktiandi Supaat asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether Singapore is on track to achieve the goal of 80% Green Mark buildings by 2030; (b) what is being done to improve the uptake rate among private sector buildings; (c) whether there are plans to make the BCA Green Mark Scheme compulsory; and (d) whether the Ministry will consider mandating the use of renewable energy in buildings that are eligible.

The Minister of State for National Development (Mr Zaqy Mohamad) (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Speaker, currently, we have greened close to 40% of Singapore’s total gross floor area in buildings. We are still aiming to reach the target of 80% by 2030.

All new projects and major retrofitting works are already required by law to meet environmental sustainability standards that are equivalent to the minimum Green Mark certification level.

To encourage owners of existing buildings to green their buildings, BCA also provides financing arrangements where building owners can obtain financing from participating financial institutions and pay off the loan through the energy savings that they reap. We will continue to monitor the progress and explore additional measures as needed.

With regard to the Member's question on renewable energy in buildings, the most promising option is the solar photovoltaic (PV) systems on the rooftop. There is already good take-up of such PVs today because the costs have come down. The BCA Green Mark Scheme also encourages this by recognising projects that have solar panels on their roofs, or have conducted a solar feasibility study. However, there are physical constraints for some buildings that limit the adoption of solar energy. We will continue to explore how to increase the use of solar and other renewable options in our buildings.

Mr Saktiandi Supaat (Bishan-Toa Payoh): Mr Speaker, I would like to thank the Minister of State for the answer that he has given. I have three supplementary questions.

One is in relation to part (c) of my question, whether there are plans to make the BCA Green Mark Scheme compulsory.

The second question is with regard to energy efficiency. We have been discussing about single-use plastic bags but, in addition, the usage of energy in an efficient way in buildings is actually a very important factor. Does MND has plans to ensure that companies and buildings use, for example, more efficient air-conditioners, and efficient usage of them in terms of setting temperature levels? That is my second supplementary question.

Third supplementary question: can MND share how they incorporate on an on-going basis, progressively over the years, increasingly advanced sustainability elements and requirements in its assessment criteria? The target is 2030, we are still about 11 years or 12 more years including 2019. There are new sustainability measures probably that may emerge over time. Can the Minister of State share with us?

Mr Zaqy Mohamad: I will start with the third question. I just want to assure the Member that certainly we continuously look at how we put up the criteria for the Green Mark Scheme. So, the Green Mark awards or criteria do not only cover energy per se. Energy efficiency is just one aspect, that is the air-cons or chillers. But it also includes ventilation, lightings, escalators, lifts and how we do system monitoring over these systems. At the same time, we also look at water efficiency, sustainable operations in management, even the indoor environment quality and other green features as well. So, that includes whether you have green rooftops and so forth. So, these are elements which we consider today. Of course, the status will change over time and we will review. So, let me just to assure the Member that, yes, we do look at various criteria.

Certainly, today, we have done quite okay in terms of getting 40% of all possible GFA on the Green Mark. Our target is 80% and certainly there is work to be done. But as I mentioned in my reply earlier that, today, all new projects and major retrofitting works are already required by law, so that is one way in terms of industry push. So, you find, for example, Bugis Junction Towers and Bugis Junction, and the 85-year-old Police building, these are old buildings that have been retrofitted and today have achieved not just the Green Mark status but the Green Mark Platinum status as well.

So, it is possible for really old buildings to be retrofitted. We are seeing some movement there, largely also because some of the technologies are more established, and you also find the industry a lot more able to cater and to provide for more green technologies or green sustainability elements to be put into our buildings. I hope that answers the questions.

As for air-conditioning, as part of the Green Mark certification, one of the things that we require of all the new buildings and retrofitted buildings is to keep the temperature at 23 to 25 degrees Celsius. That is one thing that is being stated. And, as a minimum design requirement, there are certain efficiency standards that will be required of their chillers and air-condition systems. But, of course, for existing buildings, it is a bit more difficult. So, we will wait till they retrofit. But today, they also score points for keeping the air-conditions to 23 to 25 degrees Celsius, and having efficient systems. I hope that answers. Thank you.