The HDB is looking to build more smart towns, such as in Punggol Northshore. (Image source: HDB)
Adopting smart technologies in HDB estates has many benefits, revealed the Housing Board’s CEO Cheong Koon Hean, reported TODAYonline.
For example, families can reduce their power usage for lights by 60 percent and slash potable water use by 66 percent, while the government could cut manpower needs by 70 percent.
But as Singapore builds more smart towns and becomes more technologically advanced, it’s vital to create standards for developing such communities. Even if technologies change, if these protocols have been established, household devices can be conveniently incorporated into the system, she explained.
“As we try and develop some of these smart towns, we are working to develop standards with the industry… so that all manufacturers will know that if you follow these standards, there’s inter-operability of all gadgets,” Cheong said at the Urban Land Institute Asia Pacific Summit on Wednesday (7 June).
Experts noted that there are currently different standards and protocol for various smart systems, from managing power meters or street lights to home sensors for the aircon or fridge.
“It is quite chaotic right now, (so a common protocol) would mean easier data collection, as well as in managing the security of these devices and systems,” said research firm Ovum’s Principal Analyst Clement Teo.
Another issue he pointed out is that installing smart technologies in existing estates is expected to be more expensive as the old fittings need to be replaced.
Furthermore, it’s not easy getting the approval of homeowners, particularly those not technologically savvy and those whose flats have already been completed, said Gerald Wang from research firm IDC.
“If people are already living in the homes, then it could be hard to convince them that sensors, for instance, need to be installed. Some homes also might not have broadband. Perhaps rolling it out in the common areas for old or existing estates would be easier.”
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
