Speech by SMS Lee Yi Shyan at Build it Green Carnival (BiG Day Out)

Jun 27, 2015

A very good morning. I’m very delighted to be here at the Build it Green carnival, or the “BiG Day Out”.

Collaboration between Building Owners, Landlords and Tenants 

What is a Green building? I would like to think that a Green Building is one that consumes fewer resources to build. And when occupied, one that requires fewer resources to run. What are the resources needed to run a building? Water and electricity are obviously two key resources. Water is needed to sustain life and for cleaning. Electricity keeps buildings cool, lit, and modern equipment and machines working. 

Last year, a BCA study showed that building occupants and tenants accounted for half the electricity consumption in buildings. So users’ preferences and behaviour can greatly influence energy consumption. 

Realising this, BCA launched the Green Mark Portfolio programme to help landlords and tenants to adopt energy efficient design, technologies and good environmental management systems. 

Today, we would like to honour seven organisations which have pledged their support for the Green Mark Portfolio Programme. They have committed to green at least 20 premises covering office interiors, retail outlets, restaurants and supermarkets within a three-year time span. For example, some of these premises will be fitted with LED lighting and motion sensors to reduce energy consumption. Others will be painted with paints which do not emit harmful vapours. I encourage more building owners, landlords and tenants to follow their lead and collaborate to green their premises.

Making Green Living a Way of Life 

Greening buildings is for everyone. Here, you can learn how to make your own natural cleaning products using everyday items. You can learn about green homes, green offices, green label products and even green supermarkets at the game stalls. We all can play a part in creating a sustainable living environment. 

In the meantime, we can also embrace green culture as a way of life. In September this year, there will be a new consumer-focused green products exhibition called “Green Living” during the Singapore Green Building Week. In the exhibition, you will learn ways to conserve energy and reduce energy bills at homes and in offices. Some simple but effective tips for instance, would include cooling hot food before placing them in the refrigerator, switching on the heater only during the duration of shower; or switching off power points even for equipment on standby mode. 

Towards a Green and Sustainable Future 

To educate our young, BCA is pleased to launch a storybook called “The Adventures of Greco and Beco: The Glass House”. 

The story tells how Greco and Beco – our Green building mascots, and their friend, Nor, go around to convince the designer of the Glass House, Bucky, that a green home is a healthier and better living environment for his family. Written by Gwen Lee, the tale conveys the importance of conserving water and energy in ways in which our children could relate. 

In fact, many children have enjoyed the story-telling sessions already held since March this year. I would like to thank NLB and BCA for making the book available for loan at various libraries. Copies of the book will also be distributed to primary school libraries nationwide.

Conclusion 

To conclude, I would like to acknowledge the contributions of our partner of BiG Day Out, the Singapore Green Building Council, and Platinum Sponsors: City Developments Limited, Mitsubishi Electric Asia, and Panasonic Singapore, and other sponsors who have helped to make this event possible. 

On this note, it gives me great pleasure to open the carnival. Thank you.