Channel NewsAsia 31 Dec 07;
SINGAPORE: 40 public and private buildings have applied to receive the energy-saving Green Mark certificate.
So far, 67 of them have been given the certificate for different levels of energy efficiency since the scheme started two years ago.
The figures were given at an international conference on environmentally friendly architecture.
The City Square Mall was the first to receive the highest level of the Building and Construction Authority's Green Mark.
And it is among a rising number of private properties since the beginning of the year to receive the platinum certificate.
Getting the certificate indicates that the property has achieved at least 30 per cent in energy savings.
From the first quarter of next year, new and retrofitted existing buildings must achieve at least 10 per cent in energy efficiency.
The BCA aims for the new buildings to save energy and money.
Jeffery Neng, Deputy Director, Technology Division of the Building and Construction Authority, said: "The new developments versus the existing stock is still a very small proportion. That is the reason why we can only achieve S$180 million in ten years time per year."
The BCA is working with the recently formed Energy Efficiency Programme Office.
For the Green Mark, both new public and private buildings need to be energy and water efficient in their site and project management among others.
And some properties are in line to be the first to renew their three year certificates in a BCA audit.
Six properties - mostly in the city including Republic Plaza have made enquiries to renew their Green Mark certification. The others include Capital Tower and One George Street. The owners of the properties have until 2008 to renew their certificates. -CNA/vm
