The construction sector can be more environmentally sustainable in three ways, Minister of State for the Ministry of National Development (MND) Desmond Lee shared at the Singapore Contractors Association Limited (SCAL) Environment Sustainability Conference on 16 October.
Firstly, the industry needs stronger partnerships all around to build and design more eco-friendly buildings. “Not only is partnership required all the way from the design phase, to construction and ultimately maintenance, you need to have an understanding of how your design or how your construction methodology will have an impact downstream,” Mr Lee said.
Builders should also adopt more socially responsible construction methods which minimise noise, dust and other inconveniences for the residents living in the vicinity of the construction site.
Thirdly, Mr Lee encouraged erecting sustainable site offices: “Not only should your projects be green and friendly to the environment, you can also consider greening up the site office. It is a temporary structure no doubt. But it may be there for a year, even two years, depending on the size of the project.”
For example, some builders put in green features, such as solar panels, energy saving lighting and air-conditioning systems, green label electrical appliances, and motion sensor operated light fittings, when planning their site offices.
Mr Lee added being environmentally friendly also makes good business sense.
Muneerah Bee, Senior Journalist at PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact her about this or other stories email muneerah@propertyguru.com.sg
