ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF HDB APARTMENTS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

In Singapore, residential sector accounts for nearly a fifth of the total electricity consumed. Thus, this study deals with energy performance of HDB apartments, which is occupied by 82% of Singapore’s population. A survey was conducted and energy consumption data as well as other relevant information was collected from 384 households in HDB apartments (3/4/5-room). The physical, operational and environmental factors that affect energy use in households were identified, and details of household appliances were analyzed. A broad understanding of these factors gives us some insights on household energy performance and opportunities on energy-saving. Also investigated are the relationship of energy consumption of households with gross floor area, apartment types, number of occupants and outdoor air temperature. It was concluded that apartment type is the primary energy driver, which will be used as the basis for setting up the benchmark system. Energy benchmarking is a useful tool to evaluate household energy performance, based on which fair and objective comparisons. In this study, household energy benchmark system and classification of energy performance were developed. These tools allow households to compare their energy performance with other households in the same apartment type and households will be able to set goals for improvements based on their class rankings. On macro level, these also provide insights on household energy performance and allow us to discover potential areas for energy-saving. The limitations of this study are that the energy consumption of appliances at end-use is not measured using energy meter and the scope of study does not include all HDB apartment types.