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How to Live More Sustainably in an Apartment
Welcome to a new series covering how to live a more sustainable life
Niki Bruce
12 March 2020
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my inner-homeowner run free!
Houzz Contributor. Editor and Journalist for over 20 years. This is where I let my... More
Around the world bushfires, floods, quakes, locust invasion and even an avalanche just in the first two months of 2020 remind us that climate change and all its consequences are here to stay. We all need to work harder on the three Rs of waste management – Reduce, Recycle and Reuse – in all aspects of our lives including where and how we live to ensure that our actions and decisions today do not hinder the opportunities of future generations.
In Singapore, where most of us live in HDB apartments, it might seem that there is little we can do to improve the sustainability and energy efficiency of our homes. You might be surprised. There is a good number of things to do that will not only help with the environment, but can also save you some money.
Buying a flat? Choose a new-build
When it comes to sustainability in Singapore’s residential buildings, it is likely that a new building will be better designed to fit into new, sustainable requirements from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). The BCA Green Mark Scheme, launched in 2005, encourages the design and construction of sustainable buildings which are more climatic responsive, energy effective, resource efficient, smarter and have healthier indoor environments. There are also guidelines for existing buildings to achieve energy and water efficiency, environment protection, indoor environmental quality and other green features.
When it comes to sustainability in Singapore’s residential buildings, it is likely that a new building will be better designed to fit into new, sustainable requirements from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). The BCA Green Mark Scheme, launched in 2005, encourages the design and construction of sustainable buildings which are more climatic responsive, energy effective, resource efficient, smarter and have healthier indoor environments. There are also guidelines for existing buildings to achieve energy and water efficiency, environment protection, indoor environmental quality and other green features.
What this means for homeowners is that the building your apartment is in should offer things like energy efficient glazing, green walls, natural air flow corridors and other designs to improve the building’s eco-friendliness. Some buildings may also use more sustainable building materials, rooftop gardens, and improved waste and recycling systems.
If you are interested in a BTO (Build To Order) unit, look for other BCA certificates like the new Super Low Energy (SLE) Buildings which are awarded to the most energy-efficient buildings in Singapore, using renewable energy and other smart energy management methods.
If you are interested in a BTO (Build To Order) unit, look for other BCA certificates like the new Super Low Energy (SLE) Buildings which are awarded to the most energy-efficient buildings in Singapore, using renewable energy and other smart energy management methods.
What to do if you live in an older building
Unfortunately, there are no current plans for the BCA Green Mark Scheme to be retrofitted to existing residential buildings.
“When it comes to Green Mark for existing residential buildings, we evaluate each estate’s environmental sustainability such as energy efficiency, water efficiency, waste management, etc.” explains Lee Jang Young, Senior Manager, Green Mark Department (Existing Buildings), Environmental Sustainability Group at BCA. “We work with respective town councils for the green practices for the estates of their interest.”
This means that you should contact your town council to get detailed information about what they are able to offer in relation to more sustainable living.
If your apartment is located in an older building, however, there are some things you can still do to make your home as environmentally friendly, and as energy efficient as possible.
Unfortunately, there are no current plans for the BCA Green Mark Scheme to be retrofitted to existing residential buildings.
“When it comes to Green Mark for existing residential buildings, we evaluate each estate’s environmental sustainability such as energy efficiency, water efficiency, waste management, etc.” explains Lee Jang Young, Senior Manager, Green Mark Department (Existing Buildings), Environmental Sustainability Group at BCA. “We work with respective town councils for the green practices for the estates of their interest.”
This means that you should contact your town council to get detailed information about what they are able to offer in relation to more sustainable living.
If your apartment is located in an older building, however, there are some things you can still do to make your home as environmentally friendly, and as energy efficient as possible.
Do a green renovation
This means looking at how you can improve various aspects via sustainable design, and by working with an interior designer who has an eco-friendly focus.
You can do a ‘green renovation’ by replacing your windows with highly energy-efficient versions, you can add cooling green walls to your balcony, and you can also invest in high rated appliances – including replacing your air-conditioning system.
Cool ceiling fan options for small spaces
This means looking at how you can improve various aspects via sustainable design, and by working with an interior designer who has an eco-friendly focus.
You can do a ‘green renovation’ by replacing your windows with highly energy-efficient versions, you can add cooling green walls to your balcony, and you can also invest in high rated appliances – including replacing your air-conditioning system.
Cool ceiling fan options for small spaces
William Ng, from Studio Wills + Architects, says there are three main points to be aware of when looking for sustainable interior design. The first is passive design features.
“Passive design features minimise reliance on air-conditioning by orientating the building away from direct sun – and if facing direct sun is unavoidable due to site constraints, reducing opening sizes considerably and introducing sun-shading devices – adding cross-ventilation, and day-lighting,” explains Ng.
What is Passivhaus design all about?
“Passive design features minimise reliance on air-conditioning by orientating the building away from direct sun – and if facing direct sun is unavoidable due to site constraints, reducing opening sizes considerably and introducing sun-shading devices – adding cross-ventilation, and day-lighting,” explains Ng.
What is Passivhaus design all about?
When looking for an interior design firm to work with, ask them directly what their position is on sustainable design and ask about past projects. You can request information about whether or not they understand and use passive design features or have received a BCA Green Mark certificate for any of their previous projects.
Update your appliances and go green at home
There are many things that we do on a daily basis to be more environmentally friendly – reusable straws, drink bottles and cups; no plastic bags; and glass storage containers – but you can also choose more sustainable options for larger items in your home.
Change your household appliances to more energy efficient versions; the higher the rating the better efficiency, and the lower your utility bills.
There are many things that we do on a daily basis to be more environmentally friendly – reusable straws, drink bottles and cups; no plastic bags; and glass storage containers – but you can also choose more sustainable options for larger items in your home.
Change your household appliances to more energy efficient versions; the higher the rating the better efficiency, and the lower your utility bills.
Use both fans and air-conditioning but not at the same time. Turn on the air-conditioning for an hour to cool the room down, then switch to fans.
Choosing energy efficient appliances
Choosing energy efficient appliances
Ensure that any windows that receive the full sun have effective sun-blocking curtains or blinds.
Buy recycled furniture – retro, vintage and antique interior design styles are very on trend – or choose new furniture made from recycled or sustainable materials.
Whether you are living in a more sustainable new-build, or are sustainably renovating an older apartment, there are lots of ways to ensure that your home is not compounding environmental problems but creating a greener, more energy efficient, sustainable life.
Tell us
Are you interested in sustainable and eco friendly design? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
More
5 Houses With Different Climate-Responsive Screens
Find a Singapore architect on Houzz
Tell us
Are you interested in sustainable and eco friendly design? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, bookmark the story, and join in the conversation.
More
5 Houses With Different Climate-Responsive Screens
Find a Singapore architect on Houzz
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