RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The concerns and rationale behind the dissertation relates to the rising environmental concerns. Environmental issues are one of the greatest threat to the future due to greenhouse effect, global warming, pollution, rainforest destruction, acid rain or the growing hole in the ozone layer. Rapid technological growth, urbanisation and globalisation are not matched with similar efforts in institutionalising a concern for the natural environment. In Singapore, the Ministry of Environment has been trying to turn the country into a model 'Environment City' and efforts have been put in over the years to achieve the objectives. However, the extent of practice of environmental protection in the various sectors in Singapore is still not substantial. In order to achieve the aim of the Ministry of Environment, the contribution from various sectors in the country is required by practising substantial environmental management within their developments. Studies have been done on environmental planning and environmental management of the commercial and retail sectors but not on residential sectors. The scope of this study is on the environmental management of property management especially on the residential sector in Singapore. This study seeks to assess the current level of awareness of environmental issues and management of the property managers in managing the residential buildings in Singapore. In addition, it also seeks to examine the extent of their practice of environmental management in their estate. Furthermore, a survey and case study will be adopted by a property manager where recommendations will be made on how the property managers can incorporate environmental management in managing their estates. It is found that this practice is not substantial in the residential sector as the majority of the property managers felt that it is too time-consuming and costly to adopt such practices. Furthermore, most of the property managers are managing agents of the residential properties, therefore the final decision making with respect to environmental management in the estate still lies with the Management Council.