Green Mark Certification for Community Clubs
Ministry of Culture, Community and YouthSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns the number of Community Clubs (CCs) attaining BCA Green Mark "Gold" and "Platinum" certifications and whether funding will increase for upgrades. Minister Chan Chun Sing, on behalf of the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, stated that 25 of 61 required CCs were certified by December 2020. Current policy sets Gold or GoldPlus targets for existing buildings to balance cost-effectiveness, as Platinum upgrades can require substantial reconstruction of older facilities. Remaining CCs will progressively attain certification based on floor area guidelines, with budget allocated should these environmental targets be changed. The People’s Association continues to work with grassroots leaders to prioritize community needs within approved budgets during CC upgrading works.
Transcript
57 Ms Hany Soh asked the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) to date, how may Community Clubs (CCs) have attained the BCA Green Mark "Gold" and "Platinum" certifications respectively; and (b) whether the Ministry will increase funding to support CCs upgrading to BCA Green Mark "Platinum" certifications.
Mr Chan Chun Sing (for the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth): The implementation of Green Mark certification for CCs is guided by Financial Circular Minute No M14/2014 dated 24 November 2014 that states the following:
All new public sector buildings with more than 5,000,m2 air-conditioned floor area are to attain Green Mark Platinum rating.
All existing public sector buildings with more than 5,000m2 gross floor area and less than 10,000m2 air conditioned floor area are to attain the Green Mark Gold rating by 2020.
All existing public sector buildings with more than 10,000m2 air conditioned floor area are to attain the Green Mark GoldPlus rating by 2020.
Based on the above guidelines, a total of 61 CCs would require to be Green Mark certified. As at end December 2020, 25 CCs have achieved the required certification, while the remaining 36 will attain their certification progressively. The breakdown is presented in the table below:
The current target for existing buildings to attain Green Mark Gold or GoldPlus is to achieve a balance between cost prudency and benefits. It is acknowledged that there could be substantial re-construction to existing buildings, especially the older ones to implement the requirements for Green Mark Platinum. Appropriate budget would be allocated to support the implementation when the targets are changed.
PA works closely with the Grassroot Leaders and Advisers during the upgrading of CCs to priorities the needs and allocate the approved budget accordingly.