A FEASIBILITY STUDY ON IMPLEMENTING VERTICAL GREENERY IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE

Abstract

Over the years, social and economic developments have become a common phenomenal, creating an invisible stress on the resources of Earth. In Singapore, tremendous efforts have been undertaken by various government agencies to reduce the effects of global warming, with the aim to maintain Singapore as a Garden City. Although efforts had been made to reduce the effects of global warming, the potential of the existing residential building sector, to a significant portion, remains untapped. (OECD, IEA, 2009). In Singapore, a large percentage of the population live in public housing, hence public housing is an area that should not be neglected. More efforts should be spent to explore its potential in environmental sustainability. The main focus of this study is to determine the feasibility of implementing vertical greenery in public housing estate by understanding the views of professionals working in the public housing development board and also residents of public housing apartments. Interviews and survey questionnaires are being carried out pursuant the subject of interest. In addition, areas where vertical greenery has the potential of implementation, are being examined. Suitable estates will be proposed to test the acceptability of vertical greenery as a pilot project. Although knowledge on sustainable development and perceptions of vertical greenery have improved, there are still many doubts and uncertainty on vertical greenery system, resulting in the hesitant of implementing vertical greenery. Housing Development Board has made efforts in implementing vertical greenery in a few estates, nevertheless residents have their own valid concerns and the accountability of the cost resulting in a reserve mentality towards vertical greenery. To appreciate the genuine benefits of greenery contributing to the environment, differences in the perception among the stakeholders has to be resolved to achieve a holistic implementation of vertical greenery.