Singapore to train up to 20,000 more green building professionals by 2030

Lynda Hong, Channel NewsAsia 10 Dec 09;

SINGAPORE : Singapore must train up to 20,000 more green building professionals by 2030.

They will be needed to help introduce innovations for carbon emission reduction in buildings - one of the biggest carbon culprits in Singapore.

Buildings produce six million tons or 16 per cent of Singapore's carbon emissions - mainly from using electricity to power lighting and air-conditioning.

To reduce electricity use in buildings, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) is targeting to green 80 per cent of Singapore's buildings by 2030. Currently, only five per cent of buildings in Singapore are green.

The City Square Mall is Singapore's first eco-friendly mall, receiving the BCA's Green Mark Platinum rating - the highest achievement in green buildings.

Its building cost of S$188 million is five per cent more than conventional ones. But its energy consumption is 39 per cent less, thanks to its green features, inspired mainly by buildings in Japan.

"It is through these visits that we learn about foreign best practices. We learn about what unique features they have... we implement it and make it even better," said Allen Ang, assistant GM of Projects Division, City Developments.

A Green Building Exhibition - showcasing the people behind the buildings - was also launched so as to lure more to the industry.

"We are telling the prospective entrants to the industry that this is a sunrise industry. The demand is not just in Singapore, (but) it is in the region, or even globally. Green building is a strong industry worldwide now," said Dr John Keung, CEO of BCA.

The roving exhibition will be displayed at other malls and public areas over the next two years. - CNA /ls