The annual BRI-SGBC Seminar, co-organised by the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) and the HDB Building & Research Institute (BRI), successfully convened industry professionals to explore how research, design innovation, and construction technology are shaping a greener built environment. The session provided actionable insights and real-world solutions for enhancing climate resilience and advancing decarbonisation.
Key takeaways from the session included:
- Public Housing as a Sustainability Model: HDB’s sustainability journey demonstrates how passive design, smart innovations, and green construction can be integrated into large-scale housing developments, offering a blueprint for achieving Singapore’s net-zero targets.
- Integrated Design for Climate Resilience: Strategies such as optimising building massing, incorporating biophilic elements, and adopting efficient cooling technologies are essential for creating user-centric, decarbonised, and resilient buildings.
- The Critical Role of Deep Energy Retrofits: With 80% of today’s buildings still standing in 2050, comprehensive upgrades to the building envelope are a strategic imperative, capable of reducing a building’s energy use by over 40% and offering a strong return on investment.
- High-Performance Building Façades: Innovations in thermal insulation for windows and façades are pivotal for addressing thermal bridges, significantly reducing cooling loads, and enhancing occupant comfort in tropical climates.
The Seminar highlighted that foundational research and cross-sector collaboration are key to deploying green strategies effectively across both public and private sector projects.
