BCA launches green award

Ananya Roy, Straits Times 18 Feb 09;

A NEW green award designed to spur builders to adopt green practices has been launched by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).

The Green and Gracious Builders' Award - the first of its kind in Singapore - seeks to encourage builders to use more recycled materials in construction. It also wants them to put public access high on their agendas.

The award uses three assessment criteria - green practices, what it terms 'gracious' practices and innovation - and is supported by most builders, according to the BCA.

'Our efforts at developing a sustainable built environment have so far been accepted by developers and consultants,' said BCA chief executive John Keung. 'Given the high visibility and impact of construction works, it is important for builders to go green and adopt friendlier construction site management and practices.'

Key features of the award include a two-tier rating system to quantify performance and enable the differentiation of performance standards between builders.

Mr Pek Lian Guan, director of Tiong Seng Contractors, welcomed the launch, which he said provided 'an excellent platform to recognise the efforts of builders in adopting environmentally friendlier and considerate best practices on the site'.

The inaugural Green and Gracious Builders Award is open for nomination till March 14 and will be presented at the annual BCA Awards ceremony in May.

Apart from this latest launch, BCA also distributes awards under the Construction Excellence, Green Mark and Universal Design for the Built Environment banners. It launched the Design and Engineering Safety Excellence award last year.

'Together with the BCA Green Mark Scheme, the Green and Gracious Builders Award will form part of the holistic framework to shape a sustainable built environment,' added Dr Keung.