HDB announces new 'smart town' framework

Channel NewsAsia 11 Sep 14;

SINGAPORE: A "Smart HDB Town Framework", which maps out how the Housing and Development Board (HDB) aims to introduce the "smart" element in HDB towns and estates, was announced on Thursday (Sep 11).

In a press release, HDB CEO Dr Cheong Koon Hean said that HDB's "next exciting step" is to embark on the development of the Smart HDB Town.

"We want to leverage on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to make HDB towns and estates more liveable, efficient, sustainable and safe for our residents,” said Dr Cheong.

In the framework, HDB said it will focus on four aspects – smart planning, smart environment, smart estate and smart living.

SMART PLANNING

HDB said it aims to use computer simulation and data analytics to help with the planning and designing of towns, and to "derive optimal and cost-effective solutions to achieve sustainability goals".

The technologies used include a Complex Systems Modelling Tool that HDB said can help assess the effectiveness of initiatives, such as solar energy. This information will be used to study the trade-offs when introducing new sustainable features in towns, and will be used to guide decision making.

Another tool is Smart Car Parks, which features a parking demand monitoring system that can adjust the number of lots for visitors during non-peak hours.

SMART ENVIRONMENT

HDB said this will involve linking estates with a network of sensors that will capture information on environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, to improve the living environment for residents.

One example HDB listed is the use of "Smart Fans", which will automatically switch on when certain temperatures and levels of humidity are reached.

SMART ESTATE

HDB said it will collect and analyse data to optimise maintenance cycles and pre-empt problems, such as by monitoring lift usage to detect potential problems, to improve estate services.

Technologies to be tested include "Smart Lightning with Sensors", to study human traffic for optimised provision of lighting, and "Smart Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System", which will monitor waste disposal patterns to improve the design of waste bins and frequency of waste collection, said HDB.

SMART LIVING

Finally, for smart living, HDB said it will provide digital infrastructure in flats so that residents can have intelligent homes to "enhance energy savings" and "enable them to access services like healthcare in the comfort of their homes".

HDB said commercial companies will be able to develop applications, such as a "Smart Elderly Alert System" for families to monitor their elderly relatives, and a "Home Energy Management System" for residents to monitor and potentially reduce their energy usage.

TEST-BEDDING SMART TECHNOLOGIES

Some of the technologies will be tested in Punggol Northshore, which was announced on Tuesday, before extending them to other estates, said HDB.

These include:

Smart car park
Smart fan
Smart lighting
Smart pneumatic waste conveyance system
Smart enabled homes to facilitate solutions like an Elderly Alert System and a Home Energy Management System.

Members of the public can find out more about the new "Smart" initiatives at the HDB Hub, or at www.hdb.gov.sg/futurehomesbetterlives.

- CNA/av

HDB launches framework to equip estates with smarter technologies
Tan Shi Wei Today Online 11 Sep 14;

SINGAPORE – The Housing Development Board (HDB) has launched a Smart HDB Town Framework today (Sept 11) to leverage on technologies that will make HDB Towns and estates more efficient and sustainable for residents.

The framework will focus on four key areas: Smart planning, smart environment, smart estates and smart living.

Through smart planning, HDB will make use of computer simulation and data analytics to improve the planning and design processes of its towns, precincts and buildings. They will also derive optimal cost-effective solutions to achieve its goals for sustainability.

HDB will also look into linking estates with a network of sensors that will capture real-time information like temperature and humidity, to create a smart environment. Innovative solutions can then be implemented to create a more pleasant living space for residents.

The aim of achieving a smart estate will be conducted by collecting data through the use of smart technologies that will help optimize maintenance cycles and pre-empt problems in doling out estate services. For example, enhanced understanding on the usage patterns of lifts and lights can be obtained through the use of sensors. Any change in pattern could signify potential problems that can be promptly resolved.

Furthermore, HDB will provide digital infrastructures in flats to pave the way for intelligent homes. Residents will be able to tap on smart home applications like energy saving management systems to monitor their energy consumption patterns, and possibly reduce their energy usage.

Punggol Northshore will be one of the first few public housing districts to test-bed these smart technologies. This will include an intelligent parking demand monitoring system that will automatically increase the number of available lots during non-peak hours for visitors and decrease them when residents return home in the evening.

An elderly alert system will also be trailed in the district, as sensors placed in the flat to monitor the movements of the elderly will alert caregivers when it detects irregular movements.

HDB’s chief executive officer, Dr Cheong Koon Hean said, “HDB has, in the past few years, introduced many fresh ideas into our plans and designs. Our next exciting step is to embark on the development of the Smart HDB Town. We want to leverage on Information and Communication Technology to make HDB towns and estates more liveable, efficient, sustainable and safe for our residents.”