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Singapore has long been recognised as a trailblazer in sustainable urban development, consistently turning its constraints into opportunities for innovation. With limited land, scarce natural resources, and a dense population, the nation needed to adopt and plan ahead. Over the years, it has become a global model for weaving environmental responsibility into urban growth. From water recycling initiatives like NEWater to the use of sustainable building materials and an extensive public transport network, Singapore has earned its reputation as a “City in a Garden.”
This same spirit of innovation is evident in the construction industry, where sustainability has evolved from a niche concept into a national priority. Guided by the Singapore Green Plan 2030, developers, policymakers, and businesses are working together to create buildings that conserve resources, reduce emissions, and provide healthier environments for people.
Knowing where the green construction industry stands today sheds light on how far Singapore has come and how it is preparing its built environment for the challenges of tomorrow. Here are some insights that will prove relevant to both stakeholders in the construction industry and its beneficiaries in the public.
1) The Green Mark Scheme: Setting the Benchmark Since 2005
A pivotal moment for the local industry came in 2005 with the introduction of the Green Mark Scheme by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA). Before its launch, sustainability was not consistently prioritised in building design and construction. The scheme changed that by offering a clear and structured framework to evaluate buildings on their energy and water efficiency, environmental protection features, and indoor environmental quality.
Since then, the Green Mark has become a widely accepted benchmark. Developers and building owners now recognise certification as a regulatory requirement and as a value-add, with tenants and investors often associating it with reduced utility costs and healthier spaces. Today, more than 40 percent of Singapore’s buildings have some form of green certification, with flagship projects such as Marina One and Jewel Changi Airport exemplifying the integration of biophilic design and sustainable technologies.
2) Government Support Driving Green Construction
Government support remains one of the strongest enablers of green construction in Singapore. Recognising the high costs and risks involved in adopting new technologies, agencies such as the BCA have rolled out incentives, research funding, and policy measures to help the industry transition.
For example, the Green Buildings Innovation Cluster (GBIC) provides a platform to testbed and scale promising technologies, while the Super Low Energy (SLE) Programme encourages developers to push beyond basic standards and adopt best-in-class solutions. Additionally, the government has integrated sustainability into urban planning, mandating minimum standards and progressively tightening requirements to align with the Green Plan 2030. These efforts collectively ensure that environmental goals are both practical and attainable.
3) The Adoption of New Eco-Friendly Materials and Technologies
Parallel to policy support is the growing adoption of innovative materials and construction technologies. Traditionally, the construction sector has relied heavily on carbon-intensive materials such as concrete and steel. However, developers in Singapore are increasingly turning to low-carbon concrete, which incorporates recycled aggregates and alternative binders to reduce embodied emissions. Sustainable timber, certified by global stewardship bodies, is also becoming more common in projects that prioritise renewable resources.
Technology also plays a vital part in this. Advanced glazing systems reduce heat gain while maximising natural light, lowering the reliance on air-conditioning. Solar glass panels are being trialed to generate renewable energy directly from building facades, and high-performance insulation materials are improving energy efficiency in both residential and commercial spaces. Collectively, these innovations reflect how the industry is rethinking construction from the ground up, with both environmental and economic benefits in mind.
4) The Rise of Smart Building Systems for Efficiency
Equally transformative has been the rise of smart building systems, which use digital technologies to improve the efficiency and sustainability of operations. Equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and data-driven platforms, buildings can now monitor and optimise their energy and water consumption in real time. For instance, smart lighting systems automatically adjust brightness based on occupancy and daylight, while intelligent heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC )systems fine-tune temperature and air quality without unnecessary energy use.
5) Sustainability Through Modular Construction and Prefabrication
Beyond operations, the way buildings are constructed is also undergoing a major transformation. Singapore has been at the forefront of adopting Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DfMA) approaches, particularly through Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC). Instead of constructing components entirely on-site, building modules are prefabricated in controlled factory environments and then assembled quickly on-site.
This method offers several advantages. It drastically reduces material wastage, minimises on-site dust and noise, and lowers carbon emissions associated with traditional construction methods. Furthermore, with standardised processes, PPVC enhances safety for workers and accelerates project timelines, which is especially valuable in Singapore’s dense urban context.
6) The Costs and Capabilities in the Green Transition
Despite these successes, the green construction industry is also facing challenges. A recurring concern is the higher upfront cost of green buildings compared to conventional ones. Although such buildings often deliver cost savings over their lifespan through lower energy and water bills, the initial investment required can deter smaller developers or businesses with tighter budgets. Financing models and incentives are gradually being refined to address this gap, but it remains a significant hurdle to widespread adoption. Tools like the UOB Sustainability Compass can help developers and contractors identity their readiness and areas for improvement and build an action plan; combined with suitable sustainable financing solutions, this makes the upfront cost of green construction easier to manage and implement.
Another issue is determining whether the workforce is ready. As green construction demands specialised knowledge, there is a growing need for professionals who are proficient in sustainable design, environmental engineering, and project management of advanced construction technologies. While training programmes and academic courses are available, the pace of upskilling must accelerate to meet the sector’s evolving demands. Without a sufficiently skilled workforce, the adoption of innovative practices risks being uneven.
Singapore’s green construction industry stands at the forefront of a global shift towards sustainability, with the chance to set new standards across the region. Continued efforts to push boundaries in innovation and design can also help shape cities that are both resilient and liveable. The choices made today will define a future where urban growth and environmental responsibility move forward together, creating built environments that truly uplift people and planet.