|
Publication |
Publication
25th May 2000, The Straits Times
HDB designs to be improved to save energy
Mandatory audits planned of buildings such as large offices, hotels, shopping complexes and hospitals
By TRACY QUEK
NEW sweeping standards and regulations to cut down on energy use and improve energy efficiency in homes and offices will be put into place soon.
As a start, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will work with the Housing Board (HDB) on improving the design and construction of flats.
The HDB will explore ways to replace aluminium window frames with plastic ones which conduct less heat.
Currently, plastic frames can only be installed in flats up to the 18th storey because of fire-safety restrictions.
HDB blocks are built up to 40 storeys.
The HDB will work with the Fire Safety Bureau to lift the height restriction.
It will also look into using various types of window glazing which are more efficient in keeping out heat.
There are plans to install solar panels and wind turbines as power sources for lighting fittings in public areas of HDB blocks.
Existing gas pipes in kitchens will be extended to encourage residents to switch from electric water heaters to gas heaters.
These HDB initiatives are expected to be completed by January. Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development, Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, said the measures were part of the recommendations on energy efficiency made by an inter-agency committee consisting of senior civil servants and academics.
He headed the committee.
There will be mandatory audits of buildings such as large offices, hotels, shopping complexes and hospitals that use large amounts of energy.
The public sector will set the ball rolling, with a few government buildings being audited over the next nine months.
New consumption targets will be set for them.
Studies are being done to adopt an accurate measure of the amount of heat absorbed by buildings.
A building which absorbs more heat is less energy-efficient -- it will need more air-conditioning.
The BCA will also produce an energy-efficiency index for buildings which have extensive air-conditioning systems.
The index will be put in place over the next three years.
Another proposed measure is to band public-sector buildings into three groups -- the top 25 per cent, middle 50 per cent and bottom 25 per cent -- based on how efficiently they use energy.
The banding will be completed in the next three months.
Later, the banding system will be scrapped and the buildings will be ranked.
The BCA will also recommend hiring energy consultants and introducing performance contracts for new buildings.
These energy service companies will get paid only if their recommendations lead to savings.
The Ministry of Finance will be consulted on a standard form of contract to be given to these companies.
To keep up with technological change, the BCA will also work with the National University of Singapore and Nanyang Technological University on ways to improve energy efficiency.
Got ideas?
WHILE Government agencies work on the recommendations, feedback and ideas from the public are welcome.
Send your suggestions to:
The IACEE Secretariat, c/o Ministry of National Development, 5 Maxwell Road #21-00, Tower Block, MND Complex, Singapore 069110. Or call 325-8572, fax 325-7254 or e-mail MND_HQ@mnd.gov.sg
Back to Main Publication Page
Designed By Cyber-IB.com Pte Ltd, Singapore. All rights reserved.