BCA GREEN MARK SCHEME AND TOTAL BUILDING PERFORMANCE FOR SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Singapore spearheads the progress towards sustainability for built environment through the establishment of Green Mark Scheme (GMS) by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in 2005. The BCA Green Mark Scheme aims to promote sustainable buildings and encourage environmental friendliness in the industry. However, the extent and scope of sustainability that is possibly attained through meeting the requirements of BCA Green Mark Scheme is questionable. The objectives of this research aim to identify Green Mark Scheme effectiveness towards sustainability by comparing it with Total Building Performance (TBP) concept documented by Rush (1986) in his book titled The Building Systems Integration Approach Handbook and evaluate the development of Green Mark scheme for Non-residential New Buildings assessment criteria from Version One in 2005 to Version Three in 2008. And, an introduction of a case study of National Library Building (NLB). The methodologies used herein consist of data obtained from the internet, theoretical studies, site visits and interview. From the research and analysis, TBP is found to be more beneficial towards sustainability as opposed to GMS. As a performance-based approach for sustainable processes, TBP concept utilised in NLB’s design stage proven to be successful from its achievement in Green Mark Platinum Award. This brings forth that achieving TBP for performance building results in the achievement of GMS and subsequent versions requirements of the Platinum award Although, TBP can be a source of imperative drive for sustainability, GMS can be provided for its prescriptive approach in the use of technical planning and standards. As the research focuses only on GMS non-residential new buildings, the findings will be limited to have an overall view on GMS’s evolution and impact for sustainable buildings in Singapore.