Next Generation HDB Housing To Offer Greener Lifestyles

Source : The Straits Times, Oct 9, 2007

Minister notes keen interest in such housing: 80% of first eco-precinct taken up

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 on Tuesday.

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.