Incentivising Use of Electric Construction Vehicles and Battery Energy Storage Systems by Construction Contractors in HDB Estates
Ministry of National DevelopmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns incentives for HDB construction contractors to adopt electric vehicles and battery energy storage systems (BESS) instead of diesel generators. Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Minister for National Development about available subsidies and whether the Building and Construction Authority would make green equipment a scored criterion. Minister Chee Hong Tat replied that HDB has mandated BESS or synchronised generator systems for BTO tenders since February 2025 and uses a green procurement framework. He highlighted that the Energy Efficiency Grant provides co-funding for energy-efficient construction solutions, including BESS and electric machinery, to support firms in their transition. Finally, he noted that the current Green Mark framework already awards points for utilizing low-carbon technologies and low-emission construction equipment during the construction phase.
Transcript
75 Mr Cai Yinzhou asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether HDB's procurement specifications for construction within infield HDB estates incentivise the use of electric construction vehicles and battery energy storage systems in place of diesel generators; (b) whether any subsidy or co-funding scheme supports contractors in adopting such equipment; and (c) whether the Building and Construction Authority will consider making green construction equipment a scored criterion under the Green Mark framework.
Mr Chee Hong Tat: To drive sustainable construction and reduce reliance on conventional diesel generators, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) has required the use of battery energy storage systems (BESS) or synchronised generator set systems at Build-to-Order construction worksites for all building tenders called since February 2025. HDB also encourages the adoption of broader sustainable practices, such as the use of electric construction vehicles, through a green procurement framework.
BCA administers the Energy Efficiency Grant (EEG) for the construction sector, which provides co-funding to support construction firms in adopting more energy-efficient solutions, including BESS and electric construction machinery.
The current Green Mark framework already recognises the adoption of low-carbon technologies and solutions during construction, including electric or low-emission construction machinery. Projects that adopt such equipment can receive Green Mark points.