Inclusion of Darker Colours in Solar Reflectance Standards for Cool Coatings under Green Towns Programme

24 Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the current solar reflectance standards for cool coatings under the Green Towns Programme effectively preclude the use of certain darker colours, like red brick; (b) whether the Ministry is working with manufacturers to certify a wider range of high-reflectance pigments; and (c) how HDB assists Town Councils when resident aesthetic preferences conflict with cool paint technical requirements.

Mr Chee Hong Tat: Under the Housing and Development Board (HDB) Green Towns Programme, the HDB will be expanding the cool coatings initiative to residential blocks across all HDB towns. The paint used must comply with the Singapore Standard Specification for solar reflective water-based coatings, or SS678.

Currently, there are more than 60 colours that can meet SS678. Paint suppliers may progressively increase the colour selection if there is market demand. Town Councils can check with paint suppliers on the availability of darker colours that meet SS678.

HDB will continue to conduct sessions to share with Town Councils good practices and operational guidelines in the implementation of cool coatings.