The mark of a green home seems easy enough to spot. Typically, it uses less energy and water, leading to utility savings for homeowners and a healthier planet. In Singapore, a country with hot and humid weather, living in a green home comes with numerous incentives for homeowners.
Interestingly, a study reveals that almost one-third of Singaporean homebuyers are unwilling to pay any premium for eco-friendly features. For those who are, they’d consider no more than a 5% price increase.
Regardless, if you’re in the market for a new home, you might not be actively seeking green features, but choosing one with reduced environmental impact during construction could align with your preferences.
This short guide highlights essential eco-friendly home features that you shouldn’t overlook if sustainability is a key criterion in your search for a new home.
1. Look for the Green Mark
Savvy homebuyers know that looking for a truly sustainable home requires considering green certifications. These certifications, awarded by independent bodies like the Singapore Green Building Council, provide a comprehensive assessment of a building’s environmental performance.
You can think of it like grocery shopping. Still, instead of checking for organic labels on individual products, you’re looking for a green “eco-label” for the entire building, ensuring its commitment to sustainability across various aspects.
Singapore’s flagship green building rating system, the Green Mark Certification Scheme, awards three levels of certification: Green Mark Certified, Green Mark Gold, and Green Mark Platinum. Choosing a Green Mark-certified home is like buying pre-washed, pre-chopped organic vegetables – it saves you time and effort in verifying the building’s eco-friendliness.
A fine example is Wing Tai Asia’s The LakeGarden Residences (Winner, Best Nature Integrated Development, Best Green Development), a stunning residential project overlooking Jurong Lake.
This development isn’t just about breathtaking views and proximity to nature; it’s also a Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy (SLE) development. This means that the project is built to achieve exceptional energy efficiency that translates to significant benefits for residents and the environment.
While Green Mark certification is a valuable indicator, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Look deeper into the specific sustainability practices employed by the developer. Do they prioritise locally sourced materials? How are they managing energy and water consumption?
The takeaway is to not settle for surface-level green labels. Delve into the developer’s approach to sustainability and choose a home that aligns with your values.
2. Spot the sustainability champions
Thankfully, navigating the world of sustainable homes doesn’t have to be an exhausting venture. In Singapore’s property market, some developers have carved a niche for themselves as green champions. Recognising these industry leaders makes choosing an eco-friendly home that much easier.
One such developer is Hoi Hup Realty (Winner, Best Lifestyle Developer), a company known for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. Consistently incorporating cutting-edge green technologies and eco-conscious practices, their project Terra Hill (Winner, Best Premium Condo Interior Design) is a luxurious freehold hilltop residence constructed with sustainable approaches, including eco-friendly materials.
It’s worth noting that the company has garnered multiple accolades, including BCA Green Mark Gold Plus certifications for its mixed-use and residential developments and the first green club loan in the Southeast Asian hospitality sector.
Choosing a home developed by a recognised green champion such as Hoi Hup offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides peace of mind knowing that your home has been meticulously crafted with the environment in mind, as in the case of the developers. Secondly, you gain access to the benefits of their implemented green technologies, potentially translating to lower utility bills and a more comfortable living environment.
3. Eco-friendly materials matter
While location, amenities, and aesthetics remain crucial for discerning homebuyers, some are partial to environmentally friendly materials in their homebuying decisions.
Consider Lentor Modern (Winner, Best Integrated Development, Best Private Condo Development, Best Private Condo Architectural Design, Best Developer, Special Recognition in Sustainable Design and Construction, Sustainable in ESG) by Guocoland, a development rising above a shopping mall and seamlessly connected to the Lentor MRT station.
Green construction materials, certified by the Singapore Green Building Council like those used in Lentor Modern, prioritise low VOC emissions and minimise indoor air pollution, creating a healthier environment for residents. Additionally, using ALC panels, plastering and skim coat, adhesive, and waterproofing improves indoor air quality.
Meanwhile, sheltered bicycle parking lots and end-of-trip facilities at Lentor Modern offer more than convenience. They actively encourage residents to choose healthy and environmentally friendly commuting options, reducing carbon footprint and promoting a sense of community.
These features, along with several others, have earned Lentor Modern a well-deserved BCO Green Mark Gold Plus certification, a tangible assurance of the development’s commitment to sustainability and its positive impact on its residents’ lives.
4. Consider sustainable, smart home features
It’s easy to get swept up in the buzz surrounding energy-efficient appliances, waste management systems, and water-saving fixtures. These features are undoubtedly crucial for green living, but there’s one often-overlooked factor that can take sustainability to the next level: smart home features.
At the forefront of these game-changing features sits the humble electric car charger. As Singapore actively pushes towards a greener future, as outlined in the Singapore Green Plan 2030, homes with electric vehicle charging infrastructure represent more than just convenience; they’re a statement of forward-thinking environmentalism.
Take, for example, the Pollen Collection (Winner, Best Landed Housing Development, Best Housing Development – Singapore, Best Landed Developer, Special Recognition in ESG) by Bukit Sembawang Estates Limited. This stunning development of three-storey terraces and semi-detached houses goes beyond lip service to sustainability.
Each residence boasts a sleek, future-proofed car porch with a dedicated electric charger. This seemingly simple feature aligns perfectly with the Singapore Green Plan’s ambitious initiative to transform the nation’s vehicle population to electric models.
But Pollen Collection’s commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop there. Each rooftop is adorned with solar panels, allowing residents to harness the sun’s power and generate renewable energy. This translates to reduced electricity bills and actively contributes to a greener Singapore.
So, as you embark on your homebuying journey, remember to look past the usual suspects regarding sustainability. Seek residences that embrace the power of smart home technology to create a living space that’s not just technologically advanced, but also future-ready and environmentally conscious.
