Singapore is arguably a world leader in developing the concept of a model green environmental city of the future.
The city state is seen by many well-informed commentators as being at the forefront of new initiatives to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint.
Major benefits from the government initiatives are already evident producing a feeling of wellness within the population and city communities. The greening of the city is a major talking point and topic of conversation by the millions of business visitors and vacationers each year.
What are the key main initiatives being taken?
Planning and Development legislation requires master planners, architects, landscape designers and engineers to comply with specific legislation and planning guidelines and criteria.
Key examples being new development applications are required to take account of the area of green landscape being removed to accommodate proposed developments.
For example, if a building is to be located on a site area of say 4,000 m2 then the equivalent area of greenery will require to be provided in the finished project. This can be done primarily via the introduction of Green Roofs and Walls and general landscaping of ground and podium level gardens and public open space. If you live in or have visited Singapore of late you will see many examples.
Even older buildings are being beautified by the owners restoring many to their former landmark status. This is particularly common on projects undergoing refurbishment.
It is just beautiful to see so much greenery emerging in a modern city with a skyline like that of Manhattan.
Being the author of an eBook entitled Green Living and Design and being a qualified Building Sustainability Assessor, you will understand my delight, great to see such initiatives being embraced by all.
Why am I going on about these initiatives when this book is about the Evolution of Drones in Property Development and Construction?
Well, I had the good fortune recently of being introduced to Uniseal a business in Singapore specialising in the construction of Green Roofs and Walls.
The business under the guidance and leadership of entrepreneur James Lim CEO, and May Choo the Managing Director is highly recognised for its contribution to the built environment. The company supplies and installs the roofs and walls and has to its credit already completed something in the order of 70,000 m2 of planting in roof top gardens.
They have developed considerable knowledge and IP on the subject often being called upon at the project design stage to assist master planners, architects and Landscape consultants to offer advice and develop the trade package specifications.
Green Roof Garden Construction Methodology Simplified (commercial buildings)
Typically, in new buildings the roof insulation is positioned immediately under the roof seal or waterproofing membrane. Conversely if the roof is designed from the outset to be a roof garden it is not uncommon for the roof insulation to be on top of the waterproofing membrane. This is referred to as an inverted roofing system.
In tropical and sub-tropical climates where roofs are subjected to high levels of exposure to radiant heat then it is quite common to insulate the roof in the traditional manner and then if you like double up by building the roof garden elements on top.
This is used where a high level of sustainability and EER (Energy Efficiency Rating) is required or highly desirable. It also stops the transmission of cooling generated on the inside of the building immediately under the roof from escaping resulting in improved economies as a result of energy conservation.
With any system it is of course imperative the design allows for the protection of the waterproofing membrane or roof seal. Protection can be defined to counteract pedestrian foot traffic, wear and tear, mechanical damage, temperature fluctuations, UV rays or radiant heat, and uplift or movement from storm damage. The whole thing about sustainable buildings is the ability to ensure temperature variations on building elements remain constant all year round.