Singapore to Implement Cool Coatings for Eco-Friendly Public Housing
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Synopsis
The public housing authority of Singapore has announced plans to apply cool coatings across all public estates by 2030, following a successful pilot. This initiative is part of the HDB Green Towns Programme aimed at enhancing sustainable living.
Key Takeaways
- Singapore's public housing authority is rolling out cool coatings across estates.
- The initiative aims for completion by 2030.
- Cool coatings reduce temperature and energy consumption.
- Part of the HDB Green Towns Programme.
- Over 1 million HDB flats support 80% of residents.
Singapore, Feb 3 (NationPress) The public housing authority in Singapore declared on Monday its initiative to implement cool coatings across all public estates nationwide, following a successful pilot program aimed at promoting sustainable living.
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) announced that it will collaborate with Town Councils, which are self-governing bodies operated by elected officials and local residents, to complete the application of these coatings by 2030.
In 2021, the HDB, along with the Tampines Town Council in eastern Singapore, initiated a pilot project that involved the application of specialized paint containing heat-reflective additives on approximately 130 HDB blocks. This innovative paint significantly decreases the absorption and emission of surface heat.
Results from this two-year pilot revealed that the cool coatings could reduce surrounding temperatures by as much as two degrees Celsius. Moreover, residents living in the coated blocks reported lower electricity usage, attributed to diminished demands on air conditioning.
“Five years ago, we launched the HDB Green Towns Programme to convert our public housing areas into more sustainable and livable environments for residents. Despite the challenges posed by Covid-19 during the initial phase, we have achieved significant milestones. I extend my gratitude to our stakeholders, particularly the residents, for their unwavering support of these initiatives. Building on this foundation, we are amplifying our efforts to extend these initiatives throughout HDB towns. Our aim is to ensure every town caters to the needs of current residents and future generations,” stated Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How.
The cool coatings initiative is part of the 10-year HDB Green Towns Programme, which will also introduce additional measures, including the installation of smart electrical sub-meters, upgrades to facilities, and the deployment of over 1,000 beverage container return points, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
Over 1 million HDB flats have been constructed throughout Singapore, providing accommodation for 80 percent of the resident population. Renowned for their affordability and community-focused design, HDB flats are a fundamental element of Singapore’s urban landscape.
