SINGAPORE �S FIRST ECO-PRECINCT: A CASE STUDY OF TREELODGE@PUNGGOL

Abstract

The world encounters the threat of environmental disaster caused by unsustainable consumption patterns and the overexploitation of natural resources such as burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. With the limited natural resources present, there is a shift towards energy efficient techniques to maximize the usage of energy. Singapore has only 714.3 square kilometers of land to accommodate the ever increasing population and it is a challenge to house the 5.13million citizens with the limited resources available.

Housing and Development Board (HDB) developed Singapore’s first green public housing project, Treelodge@Punggol. It is one of the “living laboratory” in Punggol to test new ideas and technology in sustainable development in order to create a green living environment for the residents. Hence, this study aims to understand the perspectives of residents living in the eco-precinct. Site visits were conducted before a survey is done to find out how the residents feel towards the sustainability features present in the eco-precinct. The study shows that most of the residents were pleased with the sustainability features. However, it was found that majority of those staying in the lower floors felt that the greenery does not make the estate cooler. Overall, the residents were generally satisfied living in the eco-precinct

Although the survey results may seem positive, it is necessary to conduct further studies and think of recommendations to improve the eco-precinct. Being the first public green housing project, Treelodge@Punggol will serve as the benchmark for the future development of eco-precincts in Singapore.