Sustainable development is becoming increasingly important in Singapore. As a property owner or a renter, you probably want to reduce your environmental footprint while also bringing down utility bills. Talking to your interior design company about this goal will help for the selection of the right solutions.
Eco labels and green certificates in Singapore provide an excellent starting point. There are various programs focusing on products, services and facilities that provide a more environmentally-friendly solution to the alternatives. Understanding these certificates and their implications will make it easier for you to choose the home improvement opportunities that will give you the best outcome and the highest return on investment.
The SGBC Green Certification
The Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) green certification program is specifically developed to address the needs of construction contractors and people looking for more environmentally-friendly building/construction solutions.
If you’re about to carry out a significant property overhaul or an interior design modification, choosing SGBC green certified products may be a good idea.
The SGBC green certification was launched back in 2012 and it was the first of its kind in Singapore – aimed at enhancing building performance. What’s interesting is the fact that the program doesn’t apply solely to products, it also encompasses construction services that can result in more environmentally-friendly outcomes for the end user.
More thorough information about products included in the program can be found in the SGBC certified product directory. If this is an option you’d like to pursue, talk to your Singapore interior design team to examine the products together and make sure these make sense for the type of apartment modification you have in mind.
The Singapore Green Labelling Scheme
Launched by the Singapore Environmental Council, the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme is a much older certification program. It was developed in 1992 to endorse both industrial and consumer products free from undesirable environmental effects.
As the number of environmentally-conscious consumers has grown over the years, there has been some abuse of the green label. Many marketers make claims of sustainability without actually backing these statements up.
A green certificate proves the qualities of the respective product. Looking for items that are included in the Singapore Green Labelling Scheme can help you rest assured that your residential interior design or property renovation project will have the minimum possible environmental footprint.
To be included in this program, products will have to be free from harmful chemicals and contaminants, heavy metals, carcinogens, bio-accumulative toxins, etc.
Thus, in order to get the SGLS certificate, a paint for example, will need to be free from mercury, lead, cadmium, aromatic solvents, ethylene glycol, phthalates, halogenated benzenes, formaldehyde, etc. this information has to be provided on the product label, giving the consumer more clarity and control over the home renovation project supplies and their quality.
Building and Construction Authority Green Mark Scheme
Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority (BCA) also has its green mark scheme. The program started in 2005 and it is once again tailored to the needs of the construction industry.
The BCA green mark scheme applies to environmental design and performance. It supports the construction and design of sustainable buildings, as well as healthier workplaces.
Developers, contractors, construction companies, governmental agencies and even building owners can apply for inclusion in the program and certification. Upon the application, a BCA assessment team will visit the venue to make sure it corresponds to all criteria for inclusion.
The list of criteria is strict and publicly available on the BCA website. Buildings need to be climate responsive, energy efficient, smart and resource efficient in order to get the certificate. The quality of the indoor environment and its ability to promote healthy living will also be examined.
The program applies to both new buildings and existing older constructions. Older apartment buildings can get certified after certain modifications are carried out. If you’re a building owner and you’d like to get this certificate, talk to experienced interior design and property renovation professionals who understand the criteria and know what it would take to receive the BCA approval.
A final eco certificate worth exploring is Singapore’s energy label. The Energy Label is issued by the National Environmental Agency (NEA). It is mandatory for the registered AC, refrigerator and dryer suppliers who want to have their appliances certified.
A construction and property modification project can reduce the environmental footprint of the apartment. The absence of energy efficient appliances, however, will lead to the significant utilisation of resources like electricity and water.
Singapore’s Energy Label demonstrates the respective appliance’s energy efficiency. It comes in the form of green ticks – one for low energy efficiency, two for fair, three for good and four for excellent. Obviously, a bigger number of ticks will be indicative of a more energy efficient appliance.
There is a database of registered appliances where their energy efficiency can be researched in advance. If you’re planning an extensive home modification project that features the acquisition of new appliances, checking the database out will give you a good idea about the possibilities.
If you need a bit more information about eco certificates in Singapore, you should choose the right interior design company for the execution of your project. These professionals will have sufficient market knowledge and understanding of the importance of sustainability. Thus, they’ll recommend the programs and certificates that make the most sense.
Home Guide’s team has sufficient knowledge in the execution of both residential, commercial and retail projects. Apart from focusing on comfort and efficiency, we also work hard to ensure the environmental sustainability of the work that we do. Thus, we’d be more than happy to guide you through the range of Singaporean green certificates and what each one entails for the execution of your project.
Contact us today to find out more about the work we do and the ways in which we can assist the realisation of your residential or commercial project.
