For decades, the conversation around sustainable buildings has been anchored in the business case: a compelling narrative of energy savings, operational efficiencies, and asset value enhancement. While this rationale has been crucial in driving initial adoption, it is no longer sufficient. If we are to meet the challenges of our time – climate change, resource scarcity, and social equity – our thinking must evolve.
The built environment is not merely a collection of assets; it is the very fabric of our communities and a testament to our legacy. It is where we live, work, learn, and heal. This understanding shifts our responsibility from one of mere efficiency to one of active stewardship. It calls for buildings that have to be greener, healthier and better for occupants while enhancing biodiversity and strengthening community resilience.
In Singapore, we are already witnessing this paradigm shift. 20 years of greening buildings in Singapore through the BCA Green Mark Scheme has resulted in annual energy savings that can power one million 4-room HDB flats per year. More recently, the Go 25 national movement aims to raise greater awareness on managing daily cooling consumption to reduce the environmental impact of buildings while maintaining a comfortable and productive indoor environment.
This issue of SG Green showcases the various ways the built environment sector is going beyond the business case for green buildings:
- A Changing Business Case: Get insights on the changing business case for green buildings in the Asia Pacific region from a new World Green Building Council report
- Bridging the Green Gap: A new joint report by the Singapore Green Building Council and Schneider Electric reveals a need for stronger momentum within Singapore’s sustainable built environment and the opportunities afforded by new technologies.
- Strategic Retrofitting & Repositioning for Future-Fit Buildings: Building the business case for retrofitting & repositioning
The journey beyond the business case is not a solitary one. It requires the collective effort of policymakers, developers, architects, engineers, and occupants. It requires that we measure success not only in financial returns but in planetary and human wellbeing.
As you explore the insights within these pages, we invite you to join us in reimagining the role of our sector. Let us move together from a focus of cost to one of value; from compliance to purpose; and from leadership in business to leadership in legacy.