In Singapore, an impending policy designed to green more structures will require the removal of about 100 already-configured buildings that are considered to be energy-intensive.
This comes after parliament passed the Building Control ( Amendment ) Bill on Tuesday ( Sep 10 ).
Senior Minister of State for National Development Sim Ann referred to the proposed Mandatory Energy Improvement government as” an essential and important” step to speed up the decarbonization of Singapore’s built culture when it was submitted for a minute reading.
The new program, which targets energy-hungry structures that are now exempt from maximum energy standards, will start in the next quarter of 2025.
WHAT IS THIS ABOUT?
The Mandatory Energy Improvement program will apply to the most energy-intensive structures across four typologies – commercial structures, care services, administrative structures, as well as sports and recreation facilities.
These structures must also have a total surface area of at least 5, 000 square feet. The Building and Construction Authority (BCA ) stated that smaller buildings use less energy and will not be subject to the new regime to lessen the burden of regulations and compliance costs.
Buildings are also deemed energy-intensive if, for the third consecutive year, their energy use intensity ( EUI), which is the total amount of energy used per square meter annually, exceeds a prescribed threshold.
This will first be applied to structures that constantly fall within the top 25 % of their developing sub-typology in terms of energy consumption.
BCA estimates that “fewer than 100 energy-intensive properties across the four creating typologies” may come under the fresh government when implemented. Following that, annually, assessment notices may be issued, according to Ms. Sim.
Users of the properties that these entrepreneurs have identified may be required to appoint a competent professional to conduct an energy audit and create strategies to reduce the house’s EUI by at least 10 % from pre-audit degrees.
Ms Sim said depending on the building’s condition and energy efficiency, improvement plays can range from” simple, low-cost” types, such as the replacement of faulty components and sensors, to more extensive installing works like the alternative of a house’s compressor systems.
Creating owners are required to register audit reports to BCA within one month of receiving a notice of inspection.
Within three decades of submitting the audit report, they must also apply the energy-efficiency development plans, and they must maintain the required enhancement in EUI for a year.
Ms. Sim noted that authorities have engaged those who are likely to fall under the impending program, and that BCA will continue to assist building owners in getting ready and adhering to the new requirements.