USERS' PERCEPTION OF "GREEN" DEVELOPMENTS, WITH A FOCUS ON PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

“Scarcity of land and other resources is a reality in Singapore. As public housing is where the majority of our population lives, we need to be judicious to make the best use of our limited resources. It is necessary to safeguard our quality of life and our potential for the future growth as we make provision for a larger population.” (HouseWord, Sept 2007) With growing global concerns over the sustainability of the built environment, there is an increasing pressure for the construction industry to consider the environmental impact of its upcoming and future projects. Furthermore, there is besides an increased interest in building energy efficiency and the benefits of environmentally-friendly green buildings. There is a growing motivation to integrate sustainable and green features into buildings, improving our living as well as our working environment. With the threat of global warming, rapid depletion of natural resources and the escalation of fuel costs, the important of being energy efficient is now more crucial than before. The Building Construction Authority had launched the Green Mark Scheme in January 2005 and since then the Ministry of National Development has worked out a series of measures to increase the amount of green buildings in Singapore. The measures range from giving incentives through the $20 million Green Mark Incentive Scheme to legislation in 2007 which all new buildings are to undergo certification. As Singapore aspires to be a leading global city in environmental sustainability, there is scope to further improve on energy efficiency requirements in buildings, to address the impact of climate change. As such, a perception study was done to find on the perceptions and expectations of the first eco-precinct in public sector – The Treelodge@Punggol and to investigate on the various ‘green’ features in the development which best interest the buyers. The perception study revealed that among the eco-environmentally friendly features that were incorporated, “Extensive greenery exposure” and having the “Solar Panels” were the two top green features that have gained the buyers’ interest to purchase the unit in the development. Nevertheless, the study also showed that saving cost and efficiency as well as having the urge to experience the living in this first HDB Eco-precinct were among the reasons that explained why the potential home buyers have purchased this development. The home owners were rather fascinated to gain some unique experience and exposure living in such an environmentally friendly public housing estate. In addition, the home owners are expected have some saving in their own consumption in the long run. Benefiting from the various ‘green’ features integrated in the precinct will enable the residents to gain energy efficiency. Moreover, the extensive greenery exposure within the precinct and having the installation of solar panels were most welcomed environmentally friendly features that have allure the buyers’ interest to acquire the unit in this development, creating a most comfy environment that harmonize with nature wholly.