Plans to Reduce Negative Impact of Climate Change on Older HDB Flats

77 Mr Chong Kee Hiong asked the Minister for National Development in light of the research collaborations which HDB has signed with material science company Evonik and technology company V-Key (a) whether any of the new applications will be adapted to benefit older flats; and (b) if it is not viable technically to do so for older flats, what plans does HDB have to reduce the negative impact of climate change on older flats or to expedite their replacements.

Mr Lawrence Wong: HDB's research collaborations with Evonik and V-key are still at an early stage. If the trials show that the technologies are viable, HDB will study how they can be incorporated into the design of new HDB blocks, and potentially retrofitted in existing HDB blocks as well. Technical feasibility and cost effectiveness will be key considerations.

In the meantime, HDB has implemented various measures to ensure a comfortable living environment in our towns and estates. Some examples include designing our HDB blocks to optimise natural ventilation, orienting HDB blocks to reduce heat gain, and providing more greenery in HDB estates. We will continue to study how to mitigate the negative impact of climate change on our flats.