RETROFITTING EXISTING BUILDINGS TO BE GREEN BUILDINGS

Abstract

Building and Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA) has announced their 2nd Green Master Plan, creating a green mark incentive scheme for existing buildings. This is a clear indication that BCA understand the importance of retrofitting existing buildings in order to convert the Singapore construction into green buildings. According to Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC), over next 20 years, 6,500 existing buildings will be transformed into green buildings. However, in order for this goal to be reached, it is necessary to motivate building owners to retrofit their buildings. The purpose of this study is to provide better understanding of initiative to transform existing buildings in Singapore to green buildings. Thus, to provide a context for this analysis, an overview of current situation with respect to existing construction in Singapore will be given, addressing the levels of energy consumption, the development of green buildings in Singapore, the view of Singapore government on retrofitting existing buildings towards becoming green buildings, and identifying the key barriers to retrofitting existing buildings. This is followed by presenting various financial incentives for supporting retrofitting projects, both provided by the Singapore government, as well as independent organisations, including Green Mark Incentive Scheme For Existing Building (GMIS-EB), Green Mark Gross Floor Area (GM GFA) Incentive Scheme, Energy Efficiency Improvement Assistance Scheme (EASe), and Water Efficiency Fund (WEF). Next, the analysis of energy audit information is given as a first step in making a decision to invest in retrofitting the existing buildings. Lastly, studying various case studies—Grand Hyatt Hotel, Keppel Bay Tower from Singapore, Empire State Building and Willis Tower from US—provide the understanding of potential areas where improvements can be made, whilst indentifying the return on investment periods and the key lessons learned from their experiences.