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  Today Online 10 Oct 07
The greening of HDB estates
Wong Mun Wai

Channel NewsAsia 9 Oct 07
Green technologies to be used in Punggol, Dawson estates

SINGAPORE: Punggol and the Dawson estate in Queenstown are being rejuvenated with more environmentally friendly technology.

These estates, along with Yishun, are the first towns to be overhauled under a masterplan to transform HDB estates over a span of 20 to 30 years.

Some of the environmentally friendly technologies that will be used to improve the Punggol and Dawson estates include energy-saving LED lights and environmentally sustainable wall partitions.

The HDB also wants to use green technology in all of its new projects such as the Treelodge@Punggol.

Yap Tiem Yew, director of Building Technology at HDB, said: "Some of the technologies we have introduced into our recent projects will also be introduced into our new towns – for example, the washbasin that comes with the pedestal banister, the LED lightings, the greenery and the orientation of the building."

The north-south orientation avoids direct sunlight and as a result, less air conditioning and less energy will be used.

A total of 12 projects were recognised at this year's HDB Awards for quality, design and construction safety.

HDB has also launched a guidebook on the various green initiatives introduced to help developers come up with sustainable buildings.

Today Online 10 Oct 07
The greening of HDB estates
Wong Mun Wai

Punggol and the Dawson estate in Queenstown are being rejuvenated with more environmentally-friendly technology. These estates and Yishun are the first towns to be overhauled under a masterplan to transform HDB estates in the next 20 to 30 years.

The green technologies to be used in Punggol and Dawson estates include energy-saving LED (light-emitting diode) lights and environmentally sustainable wall partitions.

The HDB also wants to use such technology in its new projects, such as the Treelodge@Punggol.

HDB building technology director Yap Tiem Yeew, who spoke to Channel NewsAsia at the HDB Awards 2007, said: "Some of the technologies we've introduced into recent projects will also be introduced into new towns, for example, the washbasin that comes with the pedestal banister, the LED lights, the greenery and the orientation of the building."

A north-south orientation avoids direct sunlight. Hence, air conditioning and energy use will be reduced.

Twelve projects were recognised for quality, design and construction safety. HDB also launched a book on the green initiatives to help developers build sustainable buildings. http://www.straitstimes.com/print/Singapore/Story/STIStory_165585.html Oct 10, 2007

Next-gen HDB housing to offer greener lifestyles Minister notes keen interest in such housing: 80% of first eco-precinct taken up By Jessica Cheam

SINGAPOREANS increasingly aspire to greener lifestyles and the next generation of public housing will cater to these needs.

Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan delivered this message on growing interest in environmentally sustainable housing at the annual Housing Board awards and public housing seminar yesterday.

Nearly 80 per cent of Singapore's first eco-precinct, Treelodge@Punggol, a public housing project launched by HDB in March, has already been taken up.

'The strong public interest for this project demonstrates support from Singaporeans for a greener lifestyle,' Mr Mah stated in a speech delivered by Parliamentary Secretary (National Development) Mohamad Maliki Osman to a 500-strong audience on his behalf.

Some green features at Treelodge@Punggol, due for completion in 2012, include solar-powered corridor lighting and common areas washed by recycled rainwater.

Mr Mah also called on the private sector to play a 'key role' in remaking the heartland. 'A holistic approach, with close collaboration among industry partners, is needed for sustainable development of public housing to succeed,' said Mr Mah.

This year's seminar featured industry speakers addressing the theme: Sustainable Construction And Technologies.

HDB also launched a guidebook for the industry yesterday, called The Green Housing Book, which showcases its environmental initiatives over the years.

This included HDB's innovations in the areas of environmental sustainability, energy, water, and resource materials.

Local firms were also recognised for their contribution towards good-quality public housing at the HDB awards.

Building firm Ho Lee Construction received two HDB Quality Awards for the building and upgrading categories.

One of its projects, Seng Kang Neighbourhood 2, was commended by HDB as 'quality public housing with finishes comparable with that of private developments'.

'We're very happy and encouraged to receive the award, as it's the first for the company from HDB,' said Ho Lee senior project manager Susan Seah. Four other firms, including Teambuild Construction, a contractor, and EM Services, a supplier, also won the awards.

Local architectural firm Surbana International Consultants was the big winner of HDB's design awards, bagging all three awards in the architecture category for its work on The Coris in Seng Kang, Ghim Moh Gardens, and Marine Terrace Walk.

Four construction firms, including Welltech Construction and Fonda Construction, won the HDB Construction Safety Awards.
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