It was Singapore’s founding father, the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew, who started the vision of Singapore as a Garden City. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Scheme was launched in January 2005 as an initiative to shape a more environmentally friendly and sustainable environment. One of the criteria of green-homes include reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
This can be achieved by ensuring that all appliances installed within the building during construction are awarded with an Energy Star certification. Buildings are also encouraged to construct a rainwater collection system. The harvested rainwater is then channelled to the irrigation systems for landscaping purposes.
Further, buildings are also encouraged to have vegetated green roofs to decrease any heat island effects. Eco-living is proven to consume less energy and is more cost-effective in the long run.
Here are 5 eco-friendly, BCA Green Mark award-winning condos in Singapore.
1) Tree House
(Photo credit: City Developments Limited)
Tree House is located in Bukit Panjang and won the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award in 2010. In this development, a slope is designed to maximise the harvest of rainwater, which is then channelled to a self-sustaining irrigation system.
Based on EdgeProp listings, units for sale available at Tree House include:
2-bedrooms units: starting from $ 828,828
3-bedrooms units: starting from $ 1.3 million
4-bedrooms units: starting from $ 1.5 million
Eco Sanctuary, also located in Bukit Panjang, won the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award in 2013. The three 24-storey towers in the development have a hexagonal honeycomb façade. Apart from being a design feature, the façade serves a dual purpose: for sun-shading and as a “wind catcher” to maximise ventilation along the common corridors.
Nature parks such as Chestnut Nature Park and Dairy Farm Nature Park are also in vicinity.
Based on EdgeProp listings, units for sale available at Tree House include:
1-bedroom unit: starting from $ 850,000
2-bedrooms units: starting from $ 890,000
3-bedrooms units: starting from $ 1.2 million
Savannah Condo Park is located in Simei and won the BCA Green Mark Gold Award in 2005. Eco-friendly innovations are integrated into the common areas of this development. For instance, it utilises solar energy for the clubhouse and a rainwater collection system is used to collect water for watering plants.
Based on EdgeProp listings, units for sale available at Savannah Residence include:
2-bedrooms units: starting from $ 999,000
3-bedrooms units: starting from $ 1 million
4-bedrooms units: starting from $ 1.3 million
Photo Credits: Amerald Land Pte Ltd
Gaia Residence is located in Balestier and won the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award in 2012. Units at the development are uniquely stacked to optimise ventilation, creating a healthy indoor environment.
Based on EdgeProp listings, units for sale available at Gaia Residence include:
3-bedrooms units: starting from $ 1.4 million
5) Sky Habitat
Sky Habitat is located in Bishan and won the BCA Green Mark Gold Plus Award in 2010. The building is designed to offer cross-ventilation, which allows air to flow more sufficiently and also to maximise sunlight penetration for every unit.
Based on EdgeProp listings, units for sale available at Sky Habitat include:
2-bedrooms units: starting from $ 1.2 million
3-bedrooms units: starting from $ 1.8 million
4-bedrooms units: starting from $ 2.3 million