How are Green Homes Relevant to Singapore's Green Plan?

Green homes are designed, constructed, and operational to be environmentally sustainable. These focus on the efficient use of site resources, water conservation, energy efficiency, handling of waste, and optimum material usage for comfortable, healthy, and environmentally friendly homes.

Green homes do not address just one aspect of green living; it is a whole-house project approach. They form a system that works on a cause-and-effect relationship where everything works seamlessly. While the idea of green homes has been around for a long time in the world, it is only gaining traction in Asia in the last decade or so.

In Singapore, the emphasis on green-living and sustainable homes has exploded, gaining much traction with the government leading the charge on going green. Indeed, the country has emerged as a role-model for green homes in Asia, with the local authorities encouraging the adoption of innovative architectural design and energy-saving technologies.

Pushing for a More Sustainable & Livable Singapore

In the past decades, Singapore has made a huge mark in promoting more sustainable and livable homes. The BCA has launched a number of programs that advocate the construction of green homes for homeowners, such as the Quality Mark for Good Workmanship Scheme, BCA Green Mark Scheme, and Construction Quality Assessment System.

These programs are designed to help Singapore achieve their net zero emissions target that they plan to accomplish by 2030 through their Green Plan 2030. Green homes are going to play a major role in helping Singapore achieve this target. Since buildings and homes in Singapore account for about 20% of their emission, changing their energy consumption behavior will be crucial.

Impact of Green Homes

• Economic Impact – According to past studies, it has been seen that prices of green homes rise by around 3% more on average when they attain Green Mark certifications. They also translate to more savings per month on maintenance and utility fees, apart from an increase in higher resale value. At a global level, Singapore could save billions on energy spending.
• Environmental Impact – Green homes reduce or even eliminate negative impacts on the environment by using less natural resources such as water and energy. They have a more positive impact on the environment by generating their own energy. Green homes significantly contribute towards the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and limit support towards global temperature rises.
• Social Impact – Green homes go beyond economic and environmental benefits. They have made powerful social impacts too. These benefits are towards the well-being of people who live in these green homes. Living in green homes allows homeowners to live healthier, happier, and more productive lives.

The Rise of Green-Minded Homeowners and Tenants

It is not just the Singapore architects and real estate developers who are embracing green and sustainable homes. A growing number of potential homeowners and tenants are also looking for green real estate. Homebuyers are looking for a better indoor environment and better energy-efficient spaces to lower their monthly budget. More and more people are looking for apartments only in buildings that are certified with Green Mark Award. The growing demand for green homes also makes intermediaries step up their games and offer self-sustaining homes to green-minded people.

Building for the Future

Homes that are not green or energy-efficient have started to become and will eventually become less attractive to homebuyers. As more and more green homes are built to the Green Mark standards, every additional green home in Singapore will increase the demand for homes that greatly exceed the conventional standards for energy efficiency, durability, environmental responsibility, and comfort in the long term.