GREENING CONSTRUCTION IN SINGAPORE : IMPROVING THE UTILIZATION OF THE GREEN MARK SCHEME (GMS)

Abstract

Current environmental and climatic changes in recent years have caused damage and fatalities all around the world. It is little wonder that the number of global movements which espouse environmental consciousness have sprung up. It has been observed that there is a gradual but growing demand for green technologies and green construction in Singapore, partially due to the active promotion done by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in Singapore through the creation of the Green Mark Scheme (GMS). However, it was found that despite efforts made by the BCA to promote the GMS, its level of and rate of utilization remain low.

Hence, the main purpose of this study is to firstly establish the current level of success of the GMS, followed by a justification on the need to increase the utilization of the GMS. Literature reviews were conducted extensively in order to meet these two objectives, and also to provide a basic understanding of the following: the factors limiting the success of the GMS and also the strategies suggested countering these factors. Thereafter, interviews were conducted to obtain a better understanding of these factors and suggested strategies. Finally, a survey was conducted to verify the information found and conclusions were drawn accordingly.

In brief, the key factors limiting the success of the GMS identified are as follows. For each of these factors, recommendations were suggested in accordance to the findings collated.

•Costly, risky and troublesome certification process • Inadequate incentives provided by the GMS • High perceived green construction costs • Lack of assistance and information on green construction & GMS • Lack of green construction knowledge and experience • Lack of demand for green buildings

Due to time constraints, the general conclusions drawn were limited in terms of accuracy and applicability to the rest of the industry. It was proposed that a more comprehensive and larger study be carried out as future works, together with an in depth study of the industry’s opinions on the GMS.