HDB promoting greener flats

The next generation of flats in Singapore are set to get greener features, as the HDB plans to roll out further initiatives to green existing and new flats, said Lau Joo Ming, managing director of HDB Building Research Institute.

“We will do a review after Treelodge completes... and look into implementing green technologies on a wider scale,” he said. “But of course we will also balance this with cost considerations.”

Launched in 2007, Treelodge@Punggol is the first full-fledged green housing project of HDB. It comprises 712 flats with green features like solar-powered corridor lighting, and recycled rainwater to be used in cleaning common areas.

The development is part of HDB’s bigger masterplan for the transformation of Punggol into Singapore’s first eco-town, where the housing agency will test and adopt new design concepts and technologies to reduce the impact of buildings.

“HDB, as a big developer, can reap economies of scale. When a technology has proven to work, we'll be able to implement it on a wider scale,” said Mr. Lau at the World Green Building Council (WGBC) International Congress.

He noted that residents could potentially see more recyclable chutes on every floor of an HDB block

“Ultimately, sustainability starts with planning. At the very beginning, we make sure our new homes are designed to achieve minimal environmental impact. Every new town or block is an improved version,” added Mr. Lau.