Launch of BCA’s Super Low Energy Programme

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) has launched the Super Low Energy (SLE) Programme to push the envelope of environmental sustainability in Singapore. It has two aspects: (1) SLE Challenge, to invite progressive developers to take the lead in developing SLE buildings through good designs and cost-effective technologies. For this, BCA has introduced the new Green Mark for SLE; (2) SLE Buildings Technology Roadmap, to develop cost-effective solutions to push the limits of energy-efficiency.

The new Green Mark for SLE (GM SLE) adds on to the BCA Green Mark (GM) scheme, to support the net zero energy aspiration in the tropical and sub-tropical region. It will provide recognition for best-in-class energy efficient buildings in addition to their Green Mark ratings. A total of 14 public and private developers have pledged to be part of the SLE Challenge, with the aim of achieving at least 1 GM SLE project in the next 5 years.

BCA is also launching the SLE Technology Roadmap to help achieve the ambitious target of up to 80% energy efficiency improvement over 2005 levels. Jointly developed in partnership with industry and academia, the Roadmap outlines more than 60 key technologies to help the industry design and develop cost-effective SLE buildings.

BCA-HPB Green Mark for Healthier Workplaces
BCA, together with the Health Promotion Board (HPB), developed a new Green Mark scheme focusing on the health and well-being of building occupants in green offices. The scheme is a culmination of extensive industry consultations and pilot testing on projects involving more than 150 industry stakeholders, including building owners, landlords, facility managers, interior design firms, industry associations and other government agencies.

The new scheme will guide companies through the thought process of space selection and office design, operation and maintenance, as well as occupant engagement and empowerment. Taking into account both the ‘hardware’ and the ‘software’, offices will be assessed on their sustainable design and management, energy and resource management, office environment as well as the provision of health-related policies and programmes for their employees, among others.

A total of 10 companies have piloted the BCA-HPB Green Mark for Healthier Workplaces scheme, with six companies completing the certification. — Construction+ Online