# Rejuvenating and Greening HDB Towns for Sustainable Living - **Source:** Ministry of National Development - **Published:** 2020-03-04T11:30:00.000Z - **Author:** Ministry of National Development - **Original:** https://www.mnd.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/view/rejuvenating-and-greening-hdb-towns-for-sustainable-living - **Topics:** HDB & Public Housing, Sustainability & PropTech ## Featured rationale Island-wide sustainability upgrades may lower common-area resource use and improve thermal comfort and liveability, potentially enhancing residents' perceptions of mature HDB estates. ## AI summary HDB launched a 10-year Green Towns Programme targeting a further 15% reduction in annual energy consumption across existing HDB towns by 2030. ## Original article At MND’s Committee of Supply debate today, Minister for National Development, Mr Lawrence Wong, announced the new HDB Green Towns programme, a 10-year plan to make HDB towns more sustainable and liveable by 2030. Minister (ND) also announced the next batch of towns that will benefit from the Remaking Our Heartland programme (ROH). HDB Green Towns Programme As the master developer of public housing in Singapore, the Housing & Development Board (HDB) plays a key role in supporting the nation’s commitment to sustainable development. The new HDB Green Towns programme is an ambitious plan to further this effort and bring sustainable living to all existing HDB towns, with large-scale implementation of green features to improve residents’ quality of life. Since 2005, HDB has been driving sustainability efforts to achieve a 10% reduction in annual energy consumption in HDB towns. Through the Green Towns Programme, HDB aims to reduce it by a further 15% by 2030. The programme will focus on addressing three areas on sustainability and liveability; i.e. reducing energy consumption, recycling rainwater and cooling HDB towns, and bring together initiatives that have already been implemented or trialled successfully in some HDB estates, as well as new initiatives that have the potential for scaling up. Reducing Energy Consumption Reducing Energy Consumption Solar Panels Solar Panels HDB is the largest driver for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Singapore today. Under the SolarNova programme, HDB aggregates public sector demand for the installation of solar panels across HDB blocks and government sites. This generates more clean energy and helps to reduce carbon emissions, thereby mitigating the effects of climate change. In December 2019, HDB announced a new solar target of 540 megawatt-peak (MWp) by 2030. The new target could potentially generate 648 GWh of clean energy annually, reducing carbon emissions by 324,000 tonnes per year. This can generate enough energy annually to power 135,000 4-room HDB flats. To-date, some 5,500 HDB blocks have been fitted with/ identified for solar panel installations, bringing clean energy to more than 50% of housing blocks islandwide. Through the SolarNova programme, HDB aims to commit 70% of HDB blocks for solar panel installation by 2030. On average, the solar energy generated by a typical HDB block is sufficient to meet the energy demand for the common services (e.g. lifts, lights and water pumps). This enables the blocks to achieve net-zero energy consumption for the common areas, and can help town councils to moderate increases in operating and maintenance costs. Excess solar energy is channelled back to Singapore’s electrical grid. HDB is the largest driver for the installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Singapore today. Under the SolarNova programme, HDB aggregates public sector demand for the installation of solar panels across HDB blocks and government sites. This generates more clean energy and helps to reduce carbon emissions, thereby mitigating the effects of climate change. In December 2019, HDB announced a new solar target of 540 megawatt-peak (MWp) by 2030. The new target could potentially generate 648 GWh of clean energy annually, reducing carbon emissions by 324,000 tonnes per year. This can generate enough energy annually to power 135,000 4-room HDB flats. To-date, some 5,500 HDB blocks have been fitted with/ identified for solar panel installations, bringing clean energy to more than 50% of housing blocks islandwide. Through the SolarNova programme, HDB aims to commit 70% of HDB blocks for solar panel installation by 2030. On average, the solar energy generated by a typical HDB block is sufficient to meet the energy demand for the common services (e.g. lifts, lights and water pumps). This enables the blocks to achieve net-zero energy consumption for the common areas, and can help town councils to moderate increases in operating and maintenance costs. Excess solar energy is channelled back to Singapore’s electrical grid. Smart LED Lighting Smart LED Lighting HDB has been exploring innovative solutions to reduce energy consumption in the common areas of HDB estates. One such solution is smart lighting, which comes equipped with smart motion sensors and analytics capabilities that can automatically adjust the luminosity of the LED lights depending on the motion detected. Since 2014, HDB has progressively implemented this solution in the common areas (such as carparks, stairwells, link-ways, common corridors, playgrounds, void decks etc.) of new Build-to-Order (BTO) projects. HDB will work with Town Councils to install this in all common areas of blocks built prior to 2014 when their existing LED lights are due for replacement. Using smart sensing control, the LED lights progressively dim and brighten according to whether motion is detected: When motion is detected, lights along the user’s path ahead will be brightened in advance so that the user does not experience a sudden brightening effect. Smart analytics also enable the LED lightings to remain illuminated when there is a higher need for lighting, eg during certain periods of the day when there is heavier human traffic. When there is no motion, the lights will dim automatically, thus conserving energy. In this way, the use of Smart LED lighting can reduce energy used for lighting by up to 60% compared with conventional LED lighting. Data collected from the sensors can provide insights on the pattern of residents’ space usage in HDB estates, enabling HDB planners and designers to better design spaces to meet the needs of our residents. With the data, service providers can also monitor and analyse the performance of the lighting. This enables them to predict potential faults and carry out proactive maintenance before a breakdown occurs. HDB has been exploring innovative solutions to reduce energy consumption in the common areas of HDB estates. One such solution is smart lighting, which comes equipped with smart motion sensors and analytics capabilities that can automatically adjust the luminosity of the LED lights depending on the motion detected. Since 2014, HDB has progressively implemented this solution in the common areas (such as carparks, stairwells, link-ways, common corridors, playgrounds, void decks etc.) of new Build-to-Order (BTO) projects. HDB will work with Town Councils to install this in all common areas of blocks built prior to 2014 when their existing LED lights are due for replacement. Using smart sensing control, the LED lights progressively dim and brighten according to whether motion is detected: When motion is detected, lights along the user’s path ahead will be brightened in advance so that the user does not experience a sudden brightening effect. Smart analytics also enable the LED lightings to remain illuminated when there is a higher need for lighting, eg during certain periods of the day when there is heavier human traffic. When there is no motion, the lights will dim automatically, thus conserving energy. In this way, the use of Smart LED lighting can reduce energy used for lighting by up to 60% compared with conventional LED lighting. Data collected from the sensors can provide insights on the pattern of residents’ space usage in HDB estates, enabling HDB planners and designers to better design spaces to meet the needs of our residents. With the data, service providers can also monitor and analyse the performance of the lighting. This enables them to predict potential faults and carry out proactive maintenance before a breakdown occurs. Recycling Rainwater Recycling Rainwater Urban Water Harvesting System Urban Water Harvesting System As part of its efforts to conserve water, HDB developed the Urban Water Harvesting System (UWHS) to harvest rainwater for non-potable uses like washing of common areas. HDB has piloted the system in selected housing precincts, and will be scaling up the pilot to more precincts. The UWHS collects rainwater and stores it in an underground harvesting tank. The harvested rainwater is treated before being recycled for washing of common areas and irrigation. In this way, the use of potable water (drinking water) for washing of common areas and irrigation can be reduced by more than 50%. The UWHS also slows down the discharge of storm water to the drainage system, thus helping to mitigate flood risk. As part of its efforts to conserve water, HDB developed the Urban Water Harvesting System (UWHS) to harvest rainwater for non-potable uses like washing of common areas. HDB has piloted the system in selected housing precincts, and will be scaling up the pilot to more precincts. The UWHS collects rainwater and stores it in an underground harvesting tank. The harvested rainwater is treated before being recycled for washing of common areas and irrigation. In this way, the use of potable water (drinking water) for washing of common areas and irrigation can be reduced by more than 50%. The UWHS also slows down the discharge of storm water to the drainage system, thus helping to mitigate flood risk. Cooling HDB Towns Cooling HDB Towns Cool Coatings Cool Coatings To mitigate Urban Heat Island effects due to climate change, a key consideration in creating a more liveable and sustainable living environment is to improve thermal comfort for residents. One such solution is the application of cool coatings (i.e. cool paint containing pigments that reflect the heat of the sun), which can be applied on building facades, roofs and pavements. Typically, building and pavement surfaces absorb heat during the day and emit the stored heat in the night, hence heating up the environment. Surfaces treated with cool coatings absorb less heat during the day. As a result, they emit less heat at night, leading to a cooling effect on the environment. A large-scale pilot on the application of cool coatings involving several neighbourhoods will be conducted. In this pilot, we target to reduce ambient temperature by up to 2oC. With the learning points and data collected from the pilot, the application of cool coatings can be extended island-wide. To mitigate Urban Heat Island effects due to climate change, a key consideration in creating a more liveable and sustainable living environment is to improve thermal comfort for residents. One such solution is the application of cool coatings (i.e. cool paint containing pigments that reflect the heat of the sun), which can be applied on building facades, roofs and pavements. Typically, building and pavement surfaces absorb heat during the day and emit the stored heat in the night, hence heating up the environment. Surfaces treated with cool coatings absorb less heat during the day. As a result, they emit less heat at night, leading to a cooling effect on the environment. A large-scale pilot on the application of cool coatings involving several neighbourhoods will be conducted. In this pilot, we target to reduce ambient temperature by up to 2oC. With the learning points and data collected from the pilot, the application of cool coatings can be extended island-wide. Greenery Intensification at Multi-Storey Carparks Greenery Intensification at Multi-Storey Carparks Over the years, HDB has provided a myriad of green spaces in every housing development so that residents can enjoy greenery at their doorsteps. To further green HDB blocks, HDB will introduce greenery to the top decks of more Multi-Storey Carparks (MSCPs), by repurposing them for urban farming, skyrise greenery (i.e. using the Prefabricated Extensive Green (PEG) Roof Tray system[1]), or for community gardening where feasible. Besides offering visual and spatial relief for residents in our high-rise living environment, the greenery also helps to cool and enhance the liveability of our estates. Over the years, HDB has provided a myriad of green spaces in every housing development so that residents can enjoy greenery at their doorsteps. To further green HDB blocks, HDB will introduce greenery to the top decks of more Multi-Storey Carparks (MSCPs), by repurposing them for urban farming, skyrise greenery (i.e. using the Prefabricated Extensive Green (PEG) Roof Tray system[1]), or for community gardening where feasible. Besides offering visual and spatial relief for residents in our high-rise living environment, the greenery also helps to cool and enhance the liveability of our estates. HDB will continue to push the frontiers of sustainability and work with Town Councils to ensure that our towns remain highly liveable and sustainable. More Towns Selected for Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) programme Minister also announced that Bukit Merah, Queenstown, Choa Chu Kang and Ang Mo Kio have been selected as the fourth batch of towns/estates to be rejuvenated under the Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) Programme. The ROH programme is a comprehensive blueprint to renew and further develop existing HDB towns and estates to meet the changing needs of the community. Since 2007, nine towns/ estates have been chosen for rejuvenation under the ROH[2] programme. Most of the plans for the first two batches of towns have been implemented, while works for the third batch of towns are currently underway. Residents can look forward to new/revitalised facilities such as upgraded Town and Neighbourhood Centres, parks and more greenery, new community spaces, and improvements to connectivity networks under the programme. In developing the plans to revitalise the towns, HDB will be engaging residents to seek their views and suggestions on the improvements they would like to see in their town. Members of the public are encouraged to share their ideas via the initial e-survey (www.hdb.gov.sg/ROH4) or call 6703 7735 / 6703 7736 during working hours from today till Apr 2020. HDB will also work with partner agencies to further gather feedback from residents and invite them to work with us in designing the neighbourhood spaces in their towns. [1] The PEG roof system is a green roof solution developed by HDB. Portable and easily adopted by various building types, the PEG Roof System is a convenient and cost-effective system that suits Singapore’s tropical climate and uses suitable local plants. It comprises innovative modular and lightweight green roof trays that are easily installed on site, simply by connecting one to another using locking plugs. No hacking or heavy construction works are required. [2] First announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in 2007, the ROH programme aims to transform the heartlands into distinctive and endearing homes for Singaporeans. Since then, nine towns and estates have been identified for renewal – namely Punggol, Dawson and Yishun in 2007; East Coast, Hougang and Jurong Lake in 2011; and Woodlands, Toa Payoh and Pasir Ris in 2017. Issued By : MND & HDB Date : 4 March 2020 ## Chinese translation > Translation model: grok_cli ### 活化与绿化组屋市镇，迈向可持续生活 在国家发展部今日的拨款委员会辩论中，国家发展部长黄循财先生宣布了新的“建屋发展局绿色市镇”计划，这是一项为期十年的计划，旨在到2030年使组屋市镇更加可持续、宜居。国家发展部长也公布了下一批将受惠于“心件再造”计划（ROH）的市镇。 建屋发展局绿色市镇计划 作为新加坡公共住屋的总规划发展机构，建屋发展局（HDB）在支持国家可持续发展承诺方面扮演关键角色。新的“建屋发展局绿色市镇”计划是一项雄心勃勃的规划，旨在进一步推进这项工作，并将可持续生活带到所有现有的组屋市镇，通过大规模落实绿色设施，改善居民的生活质量。 自2005年以来，建屋发展局一直推动可持续工作，以实现组屋市镇年度能源消耗减少10%。通过绿色市镇计划，建屋发展局目标到2030年再减少15%。该计划将聚焦可持续与宜居性的三个领域，即减少能源消耗、回收雨水及冷却组屋市镇，并把已在部分组屋组群落实或成功试行的措施，以及具有扩大实施潜力的新措施整合在一起。 减少能源消耗 减少能源消耗 太阳能板 太阳能板 建屋发展局目前是新加坡安装太阳能光伏（PV）系统的最大推动者。在SolarNova计划下，建屋发展局汇总公共部门对组屋大厦与政府场所安装太阳能板的需求。此举可产生更多清洁能源，并有助于减少碳排放，从而缓解气候变化的影响。 2019年12月，建屋发展局宣布到2030年的新太阳能目标为540兆瓦峰值（MWp）。该新目标有望每年产生648吉瓦时清洁能源，每年减少324,000吨碳排放。这足以每年为135,000个四房式组屋提供电力。迄今，约5,500座组屋大厦已安装或已确定安装太阳能板，使清洁能源惠及全岛超过50%的住屋大厦。通过SolarNova计划，建屋发展局目标到2030年承诺70%的组屋大厦安装太阳能板。 平均而言，一座典型组屋大厦所产生的太阳能足以满足公共设施（如电梯、照明和水泵）的能源需求。这使大厦公共区域可实现净零能源消耗，并有助于市镇理事会缓和运营与维护成本的上升。多余的太阳能则回馈至新加坡电网。 建屋发展局目前是新加坡安装太阳能光伏（PV）系统的最大推动者。在SolarNova计划下，建屋发展局汇总公共部门对组屋大厦与政府场所安装太阳能板的需求。此举可产生更多清洁能源，并有助于减少碳排放，从而缓解气候变化的影响。 2019年12月，建屋发展局宣布到2030年的新太阳能目标为540兆瓦峰值（MWp）。该新目标有望每年产生648吉瓦时清洁能源，每年减少324,000吨碳排放。这足以每年为135,000个四房式组屋提供电力。迄今，约5,500座组屋大厦已安装或已确定安装太阳能板，使清洁能源惠及全岛超过50%的住屋大厦。通过SolarNova计划，建屋发展局目标到2030年承诺70%的组屋大厦安装太阳能板。 平均而言，一座典型组屋大厦所产生的太阳能足以满足公共设施（如电梯、照明和水泵）的能源需求。这使大厦公共区域可实现净零能源消耗，并有助于市镇理事会缓和运营与维护成本的上升。多余的太阳能则回馈至新加坡电网。 智能LED照明 智能LED照明 建屋发展局一直在探索创新方案，以减少组屋组群公共区域的能源消耗。其中一项方案是智能照明，配备智能动作传感器与分析功能，可根据检测到的动作自动调节LED灯的亮度。自2014年起，建屋发展局已在新建预购组屋（BTO）项目的公共区域（如停车场、楼梯间、连接走廊、公共走廊、游乐场、底层架空层等）逐步落实该方案。建屋发展局将与各市镇理事会合作，在2014年以前建成的大厦现有LED灯到期更换时，在所有公共区域安装该系统。 通过智能感应控制，LED灯会根据是否检测到动作逐步调暗或调亮： 当检测到动作时，使用者前方路径上的灯光会提前调亮，以免使用者感受到突然变亮的效果。智能分析也可使LED照明在更需要照明的时段保持开启，例如人流较密集的某些时段。 当没有动作时，灯光会自动调暗，从而节约能源。以此方式，使用智能LED照明与传统LED照明相比，最多可将照明用电减少60%。 传感器收集的数据可提供居民在组屋组群中空间使用模式的洞见，使建屋发展局的规划者与设计师能更好地设计空间，以满足居民需求。 有了这些数据，服务供应商也可监测并分析照明表现，从而预测潜在故障，并在故障发生前进行主动维护。 建屋发展局一直在探索创新方案，以减少组屋组群公共区域的能源消耗。其中一项方案是智能照明，配备智能动作传感器与分析功能，可根据检测到的动作自动调节LED灯的亮度。自2014年起，建屋发展局已在新建预购组屋（BTO）项目的公共区域（如停车场、楼梯间、连接走廊、公共走廊、游乐场、底层架空层等）逐步落实该方案。建屋发展局将与各市镇理事会合作，在2014年以前建成的大厦现有LED灯到期更换时，在所有公共区域安装该系统。 通过智能感应控制，LED灯会根据是否检测到动作逐步调暗或调亮： 当检测到动作时，使用者前方路径上的灯光会提前调亮，以免使用者感受到突然变亮的效果。智能分析也可使LED照明在更需要照明的时段保持开启，例如人流较密集的某些时段。 当没有动作时，灯光会自动调暗，从而节约能源。以此方式，使用智能LED照明与传统LED照明相比，最多可将照明用电减少60%。 传感器收集的数据可提供居民在组屋组群中空间使用模式的洞见，使建屋发展局的规划者与设计师能更好地设计空间，以满足居民需求。 有了这些数据，服务供应商也可监测并分析照明表现，从而预测潜在故障，并在故障发生前进行主动维护。 回收雨水 回收雨水 都市雨水收集系统 都市雨水收集系统 作为节水工作的一部分，建屋发展局开发了都市雨水收集系统（UWHS），以收集雨水用于公共区域清洗等非饮用用途。建屋发展局已在选定的住屋邻里试点该系统，并将把试点扩大到更多邻里。 UWHS收集雨水并储存在地下收集池中。收集到的雨水经处理后循环用于公共区域清洗和灌溉。以此方式，用于公共区域清洗和灌溉的可饮用水（饮用水）用量可减少超过50%。 UWHS也可减缓雨水排入排水系统的速度，从而有助于降低水患风险。 作为节水工作的一部分，建屋发展局开发了都市雨水收集系统（UWHS），以收集雨水用于公共区域清洗等非饮用用途。建屋发展局已在选定的住屋邻里试点该系统，并将把试点扩大到更多邻里。 UWHS收集雨水并储存在地下收集池中。收集到的雨水经处理后循环用于公共区域清洗和灌溉。以此方式，用于公共区域清洗和灌溉的可饮用水（饮用水）用量可减少超过50%。 UWHS也可减缓雨水排入排水系统的速度，从而有助于降低水患风险。 冷却组屋市镇 冷却组屋市镇 降温涂层 降温涂层 为缓解气候变化带来的城市热岛效应，打造更宜居、更可持续的生活环境的一个关键考量，是提升居民的热舒适度。其中一项方案是应用降温涂层（即含有可反射太阳热量颜料的降温涂料），可涂覆于建筑立面、屋顶和路面。 通常，建筑与路面表面白天吸收热量，夜间释放所储存的热量，从而使环境升温。经降温涂层处理的表面白天吸收较少热量。因此，它们夜间释放的热量也更少，从而对环境产生冷却效果。 将在多个邻里开展大规模降温涂层应用试点。在该试点中，我们目标将环境温度最多降低2oC。结合试点所得的经验与数据，降温涂层的应用可扩展至全岛。 为缓解气候变化带来的城市热岛效应，打造更宜居、更可持续的生活环境的一个关键考量，是提升居民的热舒适度。其中一项方案是应用降温涂层（即含有可反射太阳热量颜料的降温涂料），可涂覆于建筑立面、屋顶和路面。 通常，建筑与路面表面白天吸收热量，夜间释放所储存的热量，从而使环境升温。经降温涂层处理的表面白天吸收较少热量。因此，它们夜间释放的热量也更少，从而对环境产生冷却效果。 将在多个邻里开展大规模降温涂层应用试点。在该试点中，我们目标将环境温度最多降低2oC。结合试点所得的经验与数据，降温涂层的应用可扩展至全岛。 多层停车场的绿化加强 多层停车场的绿化加强 多年来，建屋发展局已在每个住屋发展项目中提供多种多样的绿色空间，让居民可在家门口享受绿化。 为进一步绿化组屋大厦，建屋发展局将在更多多层停车场（MSCP）的顶层引入绿化，在可行情况下将其重新用于都市农业、空中绿化（即使用预制广泛型绿化（PEG）屋顶托盘系统[1]）或社区园艺。 除了为高层居住环境中的居民提供视觉与空间上的舒缓外，这些绿化也有助于冷却并提升我们组群的宜居性。 多年来，建屋发展局已在每个住屋发展项目中提供多种多样的绿色空间，让居民可在家门口享受绿化。 为进一步绿化组屋大厦，建屋发展局将在更多多层停车场（MSCP）的顶层引入绿化，在可行情况下将其重新用于都市农业、空中绿化（即使用预制广泛型绿化（PEG）屋顶托盘系统[1]）或社区园艺。 除了为高层居住环境中的居民提供视觉与空间上的舒缓外，这些绿化也有助于冷却并提升我们组群的宜居性。 建屋发展局将继续推动可持续前沿，并与各市镇理事会合作，确保我们的市镇保持高度宜居与可持续。 更多市镇入选“心件再造”（ROH）计划 部长也宣布，红山、女皇镇、蔡厝港和宏茂桥已被选为第四批将在“心件再造”（ROH）计划下进行活化的市镇/组群。ROH计划是一套全面蓝图，旨在更新并进一步发展现有组屋市镇与组群，以满足社区不断变化的需求。自2007年以来，已有九个市镇/组群在ROH[2]计划下获选进行活化。前两批市镇的大部分计划已经落实，第三批市镇的工程目前正在进行中。 在该计划下，居民可期待新的/焕然一新的设施，例如升级的市镇与邻里中心、公园与更多绿化、新的社区空间，以及连通网络的改善。 在制定活化市镇的计划时，建屋发展局将与居民接触，征求他们对希望在市镇看到哪些改善的意见与建议。鼓励公众从即日起至2020年4月，通过初步电子问卷（www.hdb.gov.sg/ROH4）分享想法，或在办公时间内致电6703 7735 / 6703 7736。建屋发展局也将与伙伴机构合作，进一步收集居民反馈，并邀请他们与我们一同设计各自市镇的邻里空间。 [1] PEG屋顶系统是建屋发展局开发的绿色屋顶方案。该系统便于携带，易于在各类建筑上采用，是一套方便且具成本效益的系统，适合新加坡的热带气候，并使用合适的本地植物。它由创新的模块化轻质绿色屋顶托盘组成，现场安装简便，只需用锁定插头将托盘互相连接即可。无需敲拆或大型建筑工程。 [2] ROH计划由总理李显龙于2007年首次宣布，旨在将组屋心脏地带改造成具有特色且令人眷恋的新加坡人家园。自那时起，已有九个市镇与组群获选更新——即2007年的榜鹅、道生和义顺；2011年的东海岸、后港和裕廊湖；以及2017年的兀兰、大巴窑和巴西立。 发布机构：国家发展部与建屋发展局 日期：2020年3月4日