In the article “Green buildings, Singapore’s natural ally for a greener future” by MacKenzie (2017), he reports that Singapore's continuous growth has redefined utilitarian designs of green buildings, adding weight to its contribution in tackling climate change. Being densely populated, Singapore generates high power consumption. The Building Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA) has planned to overcome the issue by targeting to certify 80 percent of buildings with the Green Mark by 2030, as well as raising awareness about climate change. Many planners are also starting to enforce eco-friendly systems and materials into buildings. As mentioned in the article, contrary to popular belief, it is not hefty to integrate environmental elements to building’s design. The integration would serve as cost-efficient investments that are beneficial in the long run. It involves using light colors, maximising natural light, leveraging technology, installing suitable elements that promote sustainability and working with stakeholders. In working towards a greener future, making prudent decisions on a building’s design is critical, as it would be a pivotal weapon in Singapore’s fight against climate change.
The article by MacKenzie (2017) has offered various suggestions on improving the energy efficiency of buildings. However, in my opinion, there is a lack of information regarding how the Green Mark can aid in: 1. reducing power usage (economically) as well as 2. other health benefits it can offer (socially). These points will further emphasize the suitability on how the Green Mark and eco-friendly systems can aid in sustainability.
There is an absence of information regarding how the Green Mark can provide health benefits. Social benefits portray the scheme as not just sustainable in terms of material usage, but for establishing sustainable living conditions as well. The Green Mark Scheme was introduced in 2015 by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore with an intention of creating a more desirable living space and/or working environment for the people. In the study "Occupants of Green Mark buildings are healthier" by Siau (2017), it was reported that occupants were "less likely to experience symptoms of 'sick building syndrome' such as unusual fatigue, headaches" as well as how "occupants of Green Mark buildings were about 60 per cent less likely to get a headache than those in other buildings". These points highlight the beneficial effect of the Green Mark on the social health of the people and would therefore garner strong support for 80 percent of the buildings to be certified by 2030.
The original article is also lacking in providing data showing the reduction of costs in power usage influenced by the Green Mark. Economical benefits provide a deeper insight on the common misconception people tend to have towards the price of going green. It has been reported to provide benefits such as expediting the reduction in resource usage, reducing potential environmental impact, improving indoor environmental quality for better health and well-being as well as to provide a clearer direction for continual improvement (BCA, 2019). In the article "Green Mark Awards and property prices" by Fesselmeyer (2018), although property prices have "increased by 2.7 percent on average", the electricity and water savings "amount to approximately $156 per month". This shows that the scheme is rather sustainable in the long run. Ultimately, it projects the buildings in a more efficacious image and will further encourage more people to do their part in saving the environment.
All in all, I feel that the original article has been rather thorough in displaying how green designs and systems aid in going eco-friendly. Climate change is a significant issue that can be addressed with the growth of sustainability and green buildings. The two benefits mentioned above will help to provide more insight on the Green Mark Scheme and therefore raise awareness regarding sustainability.
References:
Building and Construction Authority. (2019, Feb 7). About BCA Green Mark Scheme
Retrieved from: https://www.bca.gov.sg/greenmark/green_mark_buildings.html
Fesselmeyer, E. (2018, Jan 10). Green Mark Awards and property prices
MacKenzie, D. (2017, Sep 5). Green buildings, Singapore’s natural ally for a greener future
Retrieved from:
Siau, M. E. (2017, Sep 12). Occupants of Green Mark buildings are healthier: Study
Retrieved from: https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/occupants-green-buildings-less-prone-sick-building-syndrome-study
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