Summary Reader Response

In the article, “Green buildings, Singapore' natural ally for a greener future”, MacKenzie (2017) stated that green buildings designs portray a conducive environment for living and carry significance to Singapore's counter against climate change. With the rise of Singapore’s economy, buildings had generated an increasing amount of carbon emissions, which significantly contributed to climate change. The issue with carbon emission steered an opportunity for green buildings to counter climate change through its green building design and technology. Asia Square is one example of an efficient green building in Singapore. In comparison to other buildings, it reduced the energy consumption rate with its concept (MacKenzie, 2017). Applying bright colors, fully utilizing sunlight, implementation of technology, selecting sustainable materials are design elements that could be incorporated to counter climate change. With the adoption of green design and sustainability, Singapore guarantees the reduction of environmental impacts.

The article mentioned that green buildings play a critical role in fighting climate change and provided practical examples of building designs. Details on how green buildings would benefit Singapore in terms of technical, social and economic aspects could be further elaborated.

In terms of technical aspect, the leverage of green technology in buildings design could fight climate change efficiently. In the article, “In climate-stressed Singapore, the future is super low energy buildings”, Fernandez (2018) mentioned that the leverage of technology by developing a non-compressor air conditioning system could reduce 40 percent less energy and does not utilize ‘harmful refrigerant’ that leads to global warming. This goes to show that by implementing methods of green technology on buildings, energy consumption rate and carbon emissions could be potentially reduced. 

On the economic aspect, developing green buildings might be costly due to the incorporation of sustainable technology designs but green buildings could benefit the economy in the long run. In the article, “Singapore takes the lead in green building in Asia”, Ives (2013) stated that a study by the authority and analysts discovered commercial buildings designs based on Green Mark standards reduced about 11.6 percent off total operational costs while increasing their building capital by 2.3 percent. Although the development of green buildings might be costly, the usage of green designs potentially relieves the hefty sum of energy consumption bills in the long run (Ives, 2013). Local businesses could maximize their profits with this advantageous approach by adopting green designs.

On the social aspect, green design features incorporated in buildings help to spread and increase awareness about going green. In the article “Green buildings in Singapore: Adding the green touch with technology”, The Business Times (2011) stated an example about Siemens building which uses a ‘green building monitor’ to inform occupants of the building’s energy usage. It allows visitors and owners to understand energy consumption better and realize the importance of reducing energy usage. Additionally, the system offers useful advice on ways to conserve energy. By promoting energy conservation through such a platform, people will be encouraged to play their part in environmental initiatives. 

Living in an urban city, it is inevitable that we are surrounded by high rise residential and commercial buildings. With the development of buildings that incorporate green designs and technology, it reduces energy consumption and carbon emissions. Ultimately, green buildings help boost a nation’s economy. It would greatly benefit Singapore’s progress in shaping a better future

References

Eco-Business. (2011, April 26). Green buildings in Singapore: Adding the green touch with technology. Retrieved from Eco-Business: https://www.eco-business.com/news/green-buildings-in-singapore-adding-the-green-touch-with-technology/

Fernandez, H. (2018, September 7). In climate-stressed Singapore, the future is super low energy buildings. Retrieved from Eco-Business: https://www.eco-business.com/news/in-climate-stressed-singapore-the-future-is-super-low-energy-buildings/

Ives, M. (2013, December 16). Singapore Takes the Lead In Green Building in Asia. Retrieved from Yale Environment 360: https://e360.yale.edu/features/singapore_takes_the_lead_in_green_building_in_asia