PUBLIC PERCEPTION STUDY ON INDOOR GREEN WALLS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

With ongoing issues of climate change and urbanisation, this raises the importance of buildings to be sustainable. One of the ways in which buildings can be kept sustainable would be with the use of Vertical Greenery Systems (VGS), which helps with a building’s cooling load and thermal environment. According to the Sustainable Singapore Blueprint, Singapore aims to produce 200 hectares of Skyrise Greenery by 2030 (Sustainable Singapore Blueprint, 2015). In particular, the use of Green Walls has become increasingly popular, with initiatives such as the Skyrise Greenery Incentive Scheme to promote the use of Green Walls and Green Roofs. With majority of Singaporeans spending their time indoors, it is imperative to assess their views on the current presence of Indoor Green Walls (IGWs).

This study explores the awareness of public users with regards to IGWs. Surveys were conducted with public users to assess their views on IGWs and its benefits, as well as their desire to have more IGWs in the future. Interviews were also conducted with experts in the Green Wall industry to discover what were some other public perceptions on IGWs and design considerations during the implementation of such systems.

From this study, key findings show that there is a lack of IGWs in Singapore and more could be done to encourage relevant stakeholders and authorities to implement them. Public users generally agree and are aware of IGW benefits, however, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding Social and Economic Benefits of IGWs.