Scribd
Upload
409 views14 pages

Home Green Home

Creating a greener world starts at home and it does not have to cost the earth. Our homes have to be healthy and productive.

Uploaded by

Singapore Green Building Council
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
409 views14 pages

Home Green Home

Creating a greener world starts at home and it does not have to cost the earth. Our homes have to be healthy and productive.

Uploaded by

Singapore Green Building Council
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 14

4

HOME
GREEN
HOME
CREATING A GREENER WORLD STARTS AT
HOME AND IT DOES NOT HAVE TO COST
THE EARTH.
Human beings spend an inordinate amount of time in buildings:
from the minute we awake, we leave our homes for our schools or
workplaces, move on to recreational places for leisure and then
return to our homes to call it a night. Although we spend the bulk
of our waking hours at our schools and/or workplaces, the places
we call home cannot be discounted. After all, our homes are our
sanctuaries of refuge and solace, therefore it stands to reason that
these places have to be safe, productive and healthy.

There is a growing body of research showing that green buildings


– homes, schools, workplaces, etc. – are able to mitigate the
effects of climate change by virtue of their onus on sustainable,
energy efficient design. Buildings account for almost half of the
world’s energy consumption and over a third of global greenhouse
gas emissions, therefore, they are in a prime position to address
challenges brought about by climate change. Essentially, helping
to create a greener world can start with our homes.
Home Green Home

GREEN IS THE HEALTHIEST COLOUR


The design of a green home and its material
selection play vital roles in ensuring that the
resulting space is healthy and productive. For
example, usage of certified green building
materials for high volume furnishings such as
paints and carpets can tremendously improve
indoor air quality. This is particularly important
since we breathe around 11,000 litres of air
a day and bad indoor air quality will have a
profound and detrimental effect on occupant
health and wellbeing.

Lighting is also key. Natural light helps to make


spaces healthier and cuts down on energy use.
It also reduces mould growth, improves sleep
patterns and boosts access to vitamin D. Having
access to natural light also brightens up the
home and lifts our spirits.

6
Home Green Home

There are many ways to green your homes, While homeowners in Singapore do not always
including but not limited to: have the option of going for renewable energy
sources, the liberalisation of the energy market
ƒ Using building materials such as paints, since late 2018 allows homeowners to select
carpets, flooring finishes certified for their energy retailers that provide green or clean
environmental performance (e.g. VOC electricity. This is typically achieved through
emission levels) solar power or carbon credits used to offset
greenhouse gas emissions to result in a net-
ƒ Having suitable house plants to purify the air
zero environmental impact. Choosing green
and provide biophilic views
electricity not only saves money, it is also a clear
ƒ Replacing conventional bulbs with energy- demonstration of your onus on sustainability.
saving LED fixtures
Occupant consumption habits also go towards
ƒ Using ceiling fans for ventilation and creating and maintaining green homes. By
setting the air-conditioning temperature making a conscious effort to reduce energy and
to 25 degrees Celsius, which is more than water use, you are also doing your part for the
sufficient for keeping homes cool environment.

ƒ Utilising a smart control system to operate


electrical devices and appliances

Issue 8.0 7
Home Green Home

MAKING A GREEN MARK The criteria are further structured into several
sections, each taking into account and recognising
The national green building rating tool administered an aspect that constitutes a green home.
by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) in
Singapore has a dedicated category for residential For more information on the Green Mark for
buildings. Into its fifth edition, the Green Mark for Residential Buildings 2016, visit www.bca.gov.sg
Residential Buildings 2016 (GM RB: 2016) assesses
and recognises new residential buildings for their BETTER PLACES FOR PEOPLE
design, construction and operation towards energy
efficiency and environmental performance. The World Green Building Council (WorldGBC)
created a guide to healthier homes as part of the
The GM RB: 2016 criteria centre around four Better Places for People project that was released
indicators mapped to internationally recognised during World Green Building Week 2018. The
sustainability outcomes: guide outlines the three main features of Indoor Air
Quality, Thermal & Acoustic Comfort and Lighting
ƒ Climate: demonstrate emissions reductions and that homeowners should take note of, as well as
resilience to climate change provides suggestions for green home improvements
such as how your home is designed to the materials
ƒ Resources: efficient use of resources to reduce
used to furnish it. A robust selection of such
environmental footprint over building life cycle
materials can be found in the Singapore Green
ƒ Wellbeing: liveable built environments vital for Building Council’s (SGBC) Directory of Certified
health and wellbeing Products, each of them rigorously assessed for their
environmental performance which often includes
ƒ Ecology: integration of nature and protection of VOC emission levels and energy efficiency. From
natural systems vinyl flooring to carpet tiles and ceiling fans, there
is definitely a certified product that suits your green
home needs. Visit www.sgbc.sg to find out more.

You might also like