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Published January 29, 2010

FOCUS ON PROPERTY

HDB to turn Punggol into eco-town

Area will test ideas and tech promoting sustainable devt

By EMILYN YAP


THE Housing and Development Board (HDB) has identified Punggol as Singapore's first eco-town, and the area is set to become a 'living laboratory' for ideas and technologies promoting sustainable development.

HDB announced this yesterday, together with plans to install solar panels at Tampines, Bukit Panjang, Tanjong Pagar and Marine Parade.

'As the largest developer in Singapore, we have the responsibility to promote environmental sustainability,' said HDB CEO Tay Kim Poh at the International Housing Conference at Suntec Singapore.

As an eco-town, Punggol will become home to more environmentally friendly buildings. New developments along the waterway passing through the town are likely to have higher Green Mark ratings.

Punggol will also have facilities such as cycling paths and spaces for car sharing services, to encourage residents to adopt more environmentally-friendly ways of getting around.

When it comes to testing new technologies in energy, waste and water management, Punggol will be taking the lead. More importantly, HDB will look at lowering implementation costs and replicating these solutions in other towns.

HDB will also be working with advisers, town councils and grassroots leaders to encourage residents in Punggol to adopt a greener lifestyle. For instance, there will be outreach programmes to educate them about the eco-town's environment and design.

Other towns will be getting their share of action in promoting environmental sustainability. Following the successful trial installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels at Serangoon and Wellington,

HDB will be testing the technology in Tampines, Bukit Panjang, Tanjong Pagar and Marine Parade.

This move is part of HDB's $31 million plan to test solar PV panels in 30 HDB precincts by 2015. Last week,

HDB agreed to collaborate with the Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore on two projects.

In the meantime, HDB will continue to rejuvenate older towns and estates through the Remaking Our Heartland programme. It plans to extend the programme to all other towns, after Punggol, Yishun and the Dawson estate, Mr Tay said.