1 DESIGNING OUR CITY

Planning for a sustainable

city

our designing Cities as we know them today Designing our city looks at how are already dramatically changing. Singapore is planned for long-term Our living environments are sustainability, encouraging us to reshaping the way we live. think about how we can shape it This new ‘urban age’ presents and new ideas that can transform a unique opportunity for us to our future. remake and reinvent our cities. How well we plan and design our living environments will matter. DESIGNING OUR CITY 3 INTRODUCTION Tokyo Osaka-Kobe In 40 years’ time, three-quarters of the world’s population will be city dwellers. This has a profound impact on the ecological balance of our planet and human conditions. Manila Shanghai Shenzhen , * Beijing is unprecedented. Guangzhou * Kolkata Dhaka — increase in the proportion of people living in towns and cities. Delhi a look at urbanisation While it took London a hundred years to become the world’s first megacity it is now taking just decades for new megacities to emerge. The scale and speed of urbanisation megacity — a metropolitan area with a total population in excess of 10 million people. urbanisation ­ * Mumbai Karachi Istanbul Moscow Cairo Lagos Paris Rio de Janeiro São Paulo Buenos Aires New York Population Figures in 1970 Population Figures in 2011 Population Figures in 2025 Projected Population 20 Mexico City 10 2 Population in Millions Population Note: on by 2025.This map shows the population of urban agglomerations with 10 million people or more in 2011 and their projected urban populati appear to have the largest urban population by can also see how much their urban population has grown since 1970. While cities such as Tokyo You others. This is evident2025, in actual fact, cities such as Lagos, Delhi and Shanghai are expected to register a higher urban population growth than by the thicker blue rings indicated on the map. Singapore is not in this list as its urban population is under 10 million. 2011 New York, Revision, The 2011 Urbanization Prospects: World Division, United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Source: Los Angeles Los

2 DESIGNING OUR CITY 5 PLANNING FOR SUSTAINABILITY GROWTH ECONOMIC ANTICIPATED POPULATION + FOR DEVELOPMENTS LAND USE & DENSITY SHOWS PERMISSABLE IN SINGAPORE PLAN SUFFICIENT LANDSUFFICIENT LAND LONG-TERM LONG-TERM GOOD CONTROL LIVING LIVING ENVIRONMENT USED ACCORDING TO USED ACCORDING USED ACCORDING TO USED ACCORDING DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES THE MASTER PLAN LAND USE THE MASTER PLAN LAND USE GUIDELINES TO ENSUREGUIDELINES ALL GUIDELINES TO ENSUREGUIDELINES ALL BUILDING HEIGHT CONTROLS HEIGHT BUILDING BUILDING HEIGHT CONTROLS HEIGHT BUILDING PROPERTIES ARE DEVELOPED & ARE DEVELOPED PROPERTIES PROPERTIES ARE DEVELOPED & ARE DEVELOPED PROPERTIES CENTRALCENTRAL ZONING, GROSS PLOT RATIO AND ZONING, GROSS PLOT RATIO AND WITH GOVERNMENT WEST, NORTH,WEST, NORTH, 5 REGIONS NORTH-EAST, EAST, NORTH-EAST, EAST, LAND USE PLANS FOR COLLABORATION 10 YEARS REVIEWED EVERY REVIEWED

PLAN BROAD PLAN MASTER THE & LAND SALES PROVISION OF BASIC PROVISION OF BASIC PROVISION OF BASIC PROVISION OF BASIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE MASTER PLAN IN THE MASTER PLAN COORDINATION LONG-TERM CONCEPT PLAN CONCEPT CONCEPT STRATEGIES OF THE STRATEGIES OF SUPPORT THE REALISATIONSUPPORT THE OF SUPPORT THE REALISATIONSUPPORT THE OF FOR VARIOUS LAND PARCELS TO FOR VARIOUS LAND PARCELS TO PLANNING INTENTIONS SET OUT PLANNING INTENTIONS SET OUT TRANSLATE INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE AND UTILITIES

PLAN PUBLIC 5 YEARS5 YEARS IN THE NEXT SINGAPORE’S SINGAPORE’S CONSULTATION ENGAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT PLAN TO GUIDE PLAN TO SINGAPORE’S DEVELOPMENT OVER THE NEXT STATUTORY LAND USE PLAN GUIDING & TRANSPORTATION & TRANSPORTATION 40-50 YEARS STRATEGIC LAND USE STRATEGIC REVIEWED EVERY EVERY REVIEWED REVIEWED 10-15 YEARS MEDIUM-TERM

Public is an integral part of land consultation areuse planning. The public and stakeholders consulted throughout the planning process during the Concept Plan and Master Plan reviews, on area-specific plans (such as the Railongoing public consultation efforts for the guidelines.control development and Corridor), vision, in also proactively realise our We collaboration with the public and private sectors, and the community.

sustainability planning forplanning

Provide a good quality of living and a sense of well-being for all

Land and sea Optimise our limited land and sea space Environmental Develop in an environmentally responsible manner Social Economic vibrant economy Sustain a robust and While our challenges today are vastly different from today are While our challenges same: cateringour priority remains the the 1960s, and a good quality of life,for economic growth green environment, andmaintaining a clean and of our resources. What hasmaking the best use approach to sustainableconstantly guided our holistic, and development is far-sighted, which enables us to takecomprehensive planning, needs through aninto account future development Our objectives are: integrated planning process.

4 DESIGNING OUR CITY 7 CHOICES WE MAKE The idea of reclaiming land at was Yew’s inspired by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan visit to Boston’s Logan Airport, where planes reducing took off and landed over water, aircraft noise. The first 1971 Concept Plan guided Singapore’s early development and into the 1990s. It was devised with United Nations’ help and ensured that essential infrastructure was provided for. DID YOU KNOW? Island has a dedicated “plug and play” infrastructure to help companies save on capital costs and build synergy through product integration. The island has a rock cavern at a depth of 130 m, Southeast Asia’s first underground liquid hydrocarbon storage facility. DID YOU KNOW? The centres were mooted by planners as congestion a way to better manage peak-hour traffic in and out of the city and to bring jobs closer to homes. DID YOU KNOW? Planting Day has been Since 1971, a Tree without fail, where Membersheld every year community leaders, and others of Parliament, island. plant saplings throughout the DID YOU KNOW? reclaimedLand around Marina Bay was and 1990s. throughout the 1970s, 1980s was exhibitedThe first detailed land use plan on this projectin 1992. Planners have worked from the 1970s until today. DID YOU KNOW? NOW NOW NOW NOW NOW The international airport was relocated to the east as decided in the 1971 Concept Plan, allowing for several expansions. It is one of the busiest in the world. Jurong Island as a chemicals hub was conceived in 1991. It not only supports our industrial needs but frees up land for other needs. It is one of Asia’s leading hubs. Bustling hubs The idea for commercial and regional centres was introduced in the 1991 Concept Regional and Plan. Centres haveNovena Fringe since become bustling hubs. More are underway. The challenge of balancing land use needs within Singapore has never been an easy one. In making easy one. been an has never within Singapore use needs land of balancing The challenge Here are needs. and future meeting current think about have to planners often decisions, land use today. on our lives impact a significant ago that have 40 years by planners made five decisions paid off Greening whenEven in the 1960s with planners grappled slums and overcrowding, greening was made a priority. Singapore stands Today, out as a City in a Garden. Marina Bay realised Marina Bay as a seamless extension of the Central Business District, was first mooted in the 1970s. From just an empty land, it has become an iconic destination. Airport relocated 1971 1991 1991 1960s 1970s Decisions forDecisions future the To achieve sustainable development, we need To to preserve options for the next generation. Often, we need to make difficult decisions that may require trade-offs in the short term Webut will reap benefits in the longer term. also have to carefully manage diverse and competing land use demands and priorities. It is not about keeping every tree and shrub in Singapore untouched or about building as many petro-chemical plants as we can. It is about considering all land use demands comprehensively so that potential trade-offs forbetween uses can be evaluated holistically continued economic growth and the provision of good quality living environments.

As one of the few city-states in the world,As one of the few city-states Like all cities, weour conditions are unique. business, social,have to cater for housing, But as Singapore isand recreational needs. a sovereign state, wenot just a city but also activities that arealso have to accommodate typically located outside a city like seaports and airports, water catchment areas, utilities such as waste treatment plants and power stations, as well as military training areas and bases.

we make choices

6 DESIGNING OUR CITY 9 COMPACT CITY . QUALITY LIVING. HOUSING FOR ALL housing for all A sustainable city is also oneA sustainable city is also that offers a good quality of life for all. A key aspect of this is in ensuring that housing is available and asideaffordable. Land is set for a variety of housing types to meet different needs and aspirations. This ranges from affordable and quality high-rise public housing, where over 80 per cent of the population lives, to private housing that includes landed properties and high-rises. Coming up, , East Coast, and will be given makeovers under the Housing Development Board’s Remaking Our Heartlands programme. Our population is also ageing. By 2050, about one in four of our population will be aged 65 Caring and above, up from one in ten today. for and supporting the needs of the elderly even more important. Adequate become will and leisure housing, healthcare, community, facilities will be provided in tandem with the growing population to meet the needs and aspirations of both the young and the old. Given ourGiven limited land, aplanning for compact city is critical. This It is not just about providing good housing but it is also about creating a total good quality strategy enables us to make the best use of us to make the strategy enables provision for more efficient our land, allow the use of ourof facilities, and maximise By building moretransport infrastructure. homes and major MRTamenities around can benefit from greater residents stations, transport and readyconvenience to public greater This will translate to amenities nearby. car usage, and moretravel convenience, lower bonding. More thansocial interaction and of more than 30 storeys10,000 housing units land around MRTwill be injected in vacant Queenstown,stations like Commonwealth, and Bishan in the next decade and beyond. Even though our living environments are likely living environments quality to become denser, There will be will continue to be planned for. more ground level open spaces and parks, and community spaces at intermediate levels to facilitate community bonding. Good design and landscaping can also offer visual relief. compact city

living environment around where we live. live. we living environment around where The planning of residential towns takes into account not only the physical layout and architecture of housing blocks but also how schools, shops, medical facilities, parks, places of worship, and offices are within easy are also well-served by public access. Towns transport and road networks. These housing estates have since transformed Singapore’s landscape. Many of the older estates have been rejuvenated to meet the needs of residents. quality living

8 DESIGNING OUR CITY 11 SUSTAINING GROWTH. DECENTRALISATION. GOING PUBLIC

Publicis a more effective transport and also environmentally-friendly way to travel as compared to cars. The rail network and bus services have been continuously enhanced to make public transport a more convenient way to travel. This is complemented by measures to control car ownership and usage. By 2020, the rail network will double to 278 km with the addition of new lines announced in the Plan Master 2008 Land Transport — Thomson Line, Eastern Region North- Extension, and Line, South Line extension. going public

Given our limited resources, we will need to resources, we Given our limited growth to sustain our economic continue to high living standards, provide good jobs, maintain to visitors and investors.and remain attractive With global competition and the increasing maintaining ourrise of regional economies, will be even moreeconomic competitiveness opportunities toimportant to attract growth jobs. create more higher-value land and infrastructureSetting aside sufficient and services sectors, for both the clusters andand creating new employment ingrowth corridors will continue to be important maintaining our competitiveness. At the same time, we also safeguard sufficient land for critical infrastructure such as ports and airports to strengthen our linkages to the rest of the world.

growth the city centre and Lebar Central Paya in the East. Each of these hubs will sustaining decentralisation To reduce peak-hour congestion from traffic flowing in and out congestion reduce peak-hour To fringe centres outside of the city regional and of the city-centre, Plan to bring jobscentre were introduced in the 1991 Concept Regional Centre and Novena Fringe closer to home. Tampines offering a mix ofCentre have since become bustling hubs, facilities. Over theoffices, retail, entertainment, and commercial to support furthernext 15 years, three new hubs are planned sectors. growth in the commercial, retail, and entertainment Lake District inThe largest of these to be developed is Jurong Riverside at the fringe of The other two are the West. have a different economic focus and unique identity, while have a different economic focus and unique identity, Marina Bay and the city centre will continue to be the key business and financial district.

10 DESIGNING OUR CITY 13 PLAY OPTIONS To complete the total quality complete To living environment, creative strategies have been adopted to leverage on Singapore’s key assets to enhance our leisure environment. One of them is the deliberate introduction of greenery everywhere. The result is Singapore as a City in a Garden, from streetscape and skyrise greenery to parks within 400 m connectors, of most homes. Park a novel idea using drainage space, have linked up parks to offer bigger and more extensive green spaces. 360 km of park connectors will be built by 2020 and a 150 km round-island route is in the pipeline. Promenades, boardwalks, and bridges have also been built over the years to link up green spaces and activity nodes and provide access to waterfronts and coastlines. exciting These efforts create new, recreational options that make this city more appealing and never dull. play options

12 DESIGNING OUR CITY 15 IDENTITY

Modern 1950–1960 Shophouse style Pre-war Flats Pre-war Towers Pavilions Singapore’s Conservation Programme was awarded the prestigious Urban Institute’s 2006Land and Global Asia-Pacific Awards for Excellence. Shophouses Art Deco 1930–1960 Shophouse style Bridges Second Black & White Houses Transitional Shophouse style Kallang Airport Late 1900–1940 Shophouse style Churches Schools Little India First Transitional Shophouse style Chinese Temples Hindu Temples Chinatown Early 1840–1900 Mosques Shophouse style architectural significance and rarity cultural, social, religious and historical significance contribution to the environment and identity economic impact Conservation buildings are selected based on: Singapore’s Conservation Programme began in the early 1980s as an integral part of city planning. It was the first large-scale urban conservation programme in Southeast Asia that protects urban streets and areas.

CAREFUL MAXIMUM SENSITIVE

guided by the when it comes to

In Singapore, we are In our small island home of In our small over 7,000714 sq km, heritage buildings and 100structures in more than areas have been gazetted 6,500for conservation. About of these are shophouses. toThe first shophouses be conserved and restored in Singapore were in in 1987. Pagar Tanjong conservation buildings:

Sustainable development is much moreSustainable development or preserving thethan building infrastructure putting the communityenvironment. It is about It is also aboutat the heart of development. communities,building rooted and cohesive our local character andas well as preserving the preservationsense of identity through heritage. Throughof our built and natural Programme, moreSingapore’s Conservation structures have beenthan 7,000 buildings and protected have also conserved to date. We four Nature Reserves to safeguard tropical rainforests and coastal mangroves and kept another 18 Nature Areas for as long as possible. The balance between heritage and development has never been a straightforward Often, planners have issue of retain or destroy. found creative ways of ensuring that buildings continue to be viable and relevant. Sometimes, retaining our heritage is not just about conserving key buildings alone but is about protecting and enhancing neighbourhoods with unique identities. Better pavements, tree planting and other works have been carried , Holland out to areas like , Village and others so that these continue to thrive. identity

14 DESIGNING OUR CITY 17 RESOURCES. CLIMATE CHANGE

3

3

36% to 47%. to 36%

you t

by

1986 and 2007, 2007, and 1986 the green cover in in cover green the

15µg/m

Singapore grew from from grew Singapore Close to half of of half to Close

in greenery. Between Between greenery. in

Singapore is covered covered is Singapore

wha

know t didn’ air quality (surface smoke concentration standard) and cap Sulphur Dioxide levels at reducing the Particulate Matter reducing the Particulate by 2020 and maintain the same levels up to 2030 2.5 levels to 12µg/m Improve Increase greenery in high-rise buildings to 50 ha by 2030 70% of journeys to be made by public transport Source: Sustainable Singapore Blueprint 2009, Ministry of the Environment Resources and Ministry of National Development, Singapore. and Water during morning peak hours by 2020 Convention on Climate Change negotiations on Climate Change Convention by greenhouse gas emissions to reduce our scenario below Business-as-Usual 16 per cent is achieved. a global agreement in 2020 when we have these mitigation efforts, Apart from strengtheningplace measures like also put in enhancing ourour coastal protection, the resilience drainage systems, increasing and protecting our of our water supply, natural biodiversity. 80% of our existing buildings to achieve at least Green Mark Certification (minimum level of energy efficiency) rating by 2030 Open up 900 ha of reservoirs for every 1,000 persons by 2030 and urban t urban a pleasan t environmen 100 km of waterways for recreational activities by 2030 Provide 0.8 ha of green park space climate change climate island in the densely populated As a low-lying, to the impact is vulnerable tropics, Singapore must be prepared We of climate change. and effects with mitigation for the possible Singapore efforts. The Sustainable adaptation by the Inter-Ministerial Blueprint released has set out strategiesCommittee in April 2009 our improve intensity, to reduce our energy recycling participationwater conservation and Singapore pledged inrate. In December 2009, Nations Frameworkthe context of the United 2030 by in 2011 to ainable ainable Improve recycling rate from 59% 70% 140 litres 140 Improvement in energy efficiency by 2030 to 35% per capita per day by 2030 A more sust lifestyle Reduce total domestic water consumption from current 153 litres 153 we carry out large-scale used water recycling large-scale used water we carry out own brand Singapore’s NEWater, to produce and seawater reclaimed water, of high-grade can meet NEWater Today, desalination. needs, of Singapore’s water 30 per cent NEWater is to triple the current and the plan can meet 50 per centcapacity so that NEWater also intend We of future demand by 2060. capacity so thatto ramp up the desalination meet 30 per cent of desalinated water can the long term.our water demand in

More than ever, cities need to More than ever, grow in an environmentally sustainable manner and Singapore has set out our goals for 2030. These key targets will help guide the city towards a more lively and liveable city for us and our children.

city liveable liveable a more owards Towards resources has in place innovativeSingapore policies and technologiesenvironmental and waste our precious water, to manage Through a long-termenergy resources. Four strategy termed the water supply up aSingapore has built National Taps, supply of water forrobust and sustainable is collected through aits people. Rainwater of drains and comprehensive network to 17 reservoirscanals before it is channelled achieve water sustainability, for storage. To

16 DESIGNING OUR CITY 19 LIVING LAB 02 03 technique © PUB technique research project CBD is from a joint Mapping Studies for “Urban Climatic IHPC and URA,Singapore” by NUS, Research Fund funded by the MND Overview © EMA Pilot Conceptual Variable Salinity Plant water treatment Plant water Salinity 01 Variable wind-flow in the 02 Image of modelled Energy System (IES) 03 The Intelligent 01

Intelligent transport systemsIntelligent transport implementing the world’s firstHaving succeeded in system as a meanselectronic road toll collection Transport the Land of managing traffic congestion, Solution initiative Urban Transport Authority’s Singapore and testing out newfrom 2008 has been researching roads,solutions in better traffic management on the users anddelivering real-time traffic information to road integratedmeeting the diverse needs of people with an user experience. Climatic mapping To help create cooler and more comfortable To URA is leading environments for people to enjoy, thatan ongoing climatic mapping island-wide study and examines the impact of buildings, greenery, like air flowurban spaces on micro-climatic conditions mapsand temperatures. The study aims to produce acrossshowing where the hot and cooler spots are designSingapore and highlight planning and urban tostrategies that can leverage on climatic conditions create better living environments.

A way forward for energy consumption is to exploreA way forward for energy consumption is to and usage.smarter ways of managing energy demand This is what the Energy Market Authority’s current seeks toIntelligent Energy System (IES) pilot test-bed being builtdo. Launched in 2009, the IES is a platform for a to prepare Singapore for the future by allowing offeringgreater adoption of renewable energy sources, consumers more choices in energy consumption other new technologies like electric for catering and vehicle charging. Smarter power grids Largest solar test-bed withSolar technology has been given an extra boost the Housing Development Board’s largest ever five-year public housing precincts by 2015.30 in scheme test-bed capabilitiesThe scheme will help enhance the industry’s technologyand test the feasibility of implementing solar on a wider scale when it becomes more cost-effective. date, $18 million has been invested on 4MWp of Solar To towns. PV system for 80 public housing blocks in 13 Sustainable water solutions With estuaries dammed up to create all the major tap into the next step is to water, reservoirs for drinking and rivulets near the shoreline.the remaining streams the PUB has pioneered The national water agency, a new technology that enables Salinity Plant, Variable theminor catchments to be tapped. This will increase to about overall water catchment areas in Singapore water. 90 per cent, adding to our supply of drinking living lab living challenges and environmental complex urbanisation cities to address For viable new ideas, constantly seek out there is a need to of the future, itself as a living Singapore sees and smarter solutions. technologies, in and research institutes, many companies In recent years, laboratory. new technologies have developed with government agencies partnership be Singapore that can urban solutions in been testing out new and have replicated elsewhere.commercialised and

18 DESIGNING OUR CITY 21 INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS 02 Jurong © HDB HDB’s new eco-precinct of 01 Aerial perspective @ , 02 Treelodge It also serves as a “living laboratory” to test new ideasIt also serves as a “living laboratory” to test new and water, and technologies in the areas of energy, to createwaste management, integrating urban solutions test-beda green living environment. An example is the fitted to power lifts, solar panels of energy-producing At night, households pumps, and lighting during the day. panels.can tap on excess electricity generated by the toThis potentially means zero emissions are generated block.power the common areas of an entire housing acrossIdeas tested here can potentially be replicated other towns. Park CleanTech is set to be the choice location for Park CleanTech by JTCgreen-minded business owners. Developed theCorporation, the 50 ha development will push serving as a large-scale boundaries of sustainability, andintegrated “living laboratory” for test-bedding demonstration of systems-level clean technology solutions. It will serve as an epi-centre for research, innovation, and commercialisation in clean technology. The park is envisioned to house a working population of 20,000 when it is fully built by 2030.

Plus . This will help reduce energy usage Plus way of locating all utility services like electrical andway of locating all utility and water pipes in the sametelecommunication cables allowing for easier maintenanceunderground network, disruptive and pollutiveand upgrading with minimal road excavations with lush tree planting forwell-shaded environment other elements like waterpedestrians. It also includes air temperature, making itfeatures, to cool the ambient a pleasant walking experience standard by the Building and Construction Authority, standard by the Building and Construction Authority, while new commercial buildings in Jurong Gateway Markwill be mandated to achieve a minimum Green standard of Gold of new developments by 25 to 30 per cent. Punggol Eco-Town eco- is Singapore’s first waterfront Punggol Town that takestown. It is planned with a holistic framework into account social, economic, and environmental considerations. Punggol is designed to have smaller, green. more intimate estates with a central common This enables better access to green spaces and makes it easier to link up estates, encouraging more cycling and walking. It is well-supported by transit systems and car sharing systems are planned to reduce individual usage of cars. • a novel has been built. It is common services tunnel A • designed as a The waterfront promenade has been Bay and Jurong Lake District, the both Marina For areuse of public transport, walking, and cycling encouraged. Both have a planned comprehensive paths.network of walkways, promenades, and cycling toA landscape replacement policy is introduced up byensure the greenery lost from the site area taken willbuildings will be replaced. All new developments the upperbe required to provide landscaped areas on levels of developments in the form of sky terraces, alllandscaped terraces and roof gardens. In addition, tonew developments at Marina Bay will be required Gold achieve a minimum Green Mark Platinum or

01

to local water supply by ten per centto local water supply by access to amenities, cuttingand office workers greater down on possible long distance travelling Marina Bay most ambitious urban Marina Bay is Singapore’s It is envisioned as a vibrant 24/7transformation project. people where mixed use precinct environmentally-friendly live, work, and play in. More than just giving Singapore a Bay has been designed with stunning city skyline, Marina environmentally-sustainable sustainability in mind, adopting in its development: strategies and technologies • reservoir that will add Marina Bay serves as a freshwater • offers residents A mix of uses planned at Marina Bay There are also larger-scale “living labs” in areas like Punggol, Marina Bay, Marina like Punggol, labs” in areas “living larger-scale are also There be to are designed that Park the CleanTech and Lake District, Jurong range of urban solutions. testing out a wide and are environmentally-friendly

Jurong Lake District Jurong Lake the largest of three new growth Jurong Lake District is Covering 360 ha of land, it isareas being developed. least 500,000 sqm of office space, envisioned to provide at and entertainment space,250,000 sqm of retail, F&B, a number of edutainment2,800 hotel rooms and precincts —attractions. It has two district Jurong Gateway (leisure). Companies and(commercial) and Lakeside to work with government agenciesresearchers are invited urban solutions in a real-life environment.to test-bed can be tested are smarter waysSome possible ideas that energy and water consumption,to manage waste, reduce and connectivity. and improve urban mobility

solutions integrated

20 DESIGNING OUR CITY 23 WHAT CAN I DO. LOOKING AHEAD must

Singapore lookSingapore like in 2030? What else get there? we do to What does a does What sustainable LOOKING AHEAD may be overwhelmed with rising to the challenge or simply don’t care. But don’t or simply the challenge rising to with overwhelmed may be water and saving Beyond what we can. doing small and starting it is about ideas: here are some electricity, When it comes to sustainability, what can we as individuals do? Many of us do? Many individuals can we as what to sustainability, it comes When

22 DESIGNING OUR CITY 25 LOOKING AHEAD

Dr Amy Khor, Minister of State, of State, Minister Khor, Dr Amy District West South and Mayor, Ministry of Health Singapore 2030 is no Utopia is no 2030 Singapore place to be a it I envision but nevertheless, pride, are people show civic ordinary where the environmental conscious of much more choices, of their personal consequences adopt and corporations where institutions notpractices sustainable just because it is politically correct to do so,economically or the responsible thing to do.but because it is will need to further get there, government To calibrated set of positivedevelop a carefully to align behaviour and negative incentives Above all, with consequences. it needs to embedding sustainabilityshow the way in and policies. throughout its practices

Again, cultural Relatedly, a culturally Relatedly, Singapore is onesustainable own culturalwhich has its voice and idiom, with unique cultural expressions that underscore a local sense of identity and indeed, innationhood, particularly the face of globalising and potentially homogenising forces. institutions and programmes that stimulate and give space to creative expression are critical for the successful fulfillment of this endeavor. Such institutions andSuch institutions to focus need programmes poor, rich and on bridging and and old, citizen young well as those of as foreigner, and religions.different races also help bringThey should together! men and women

Professor Lily Kong, Vice-President (University and Global Relations), Relations), and Global (University Vice-President Kong, Lily Professor of Singapore University National ‘Sustainability’ encompasses‘Sustainability’ the commonly-heldnot only of environmentalnotion to but needs sustainability, and culturalembrace social as well. A sociallysustainability Singapore is onesustainable inclusive, withwhich is socially in the community, strong bonds interaction,healthy social the vulnerable,protection of and respect for social diversity. While social interaction it can also evolves organically, andbenefit from institutions programmes that support the development of healthy communal bonds and the building of trust relations.

24 DESIGNING OUR CITY 27 LOOKING AHEAD Wong Mun Summ, Summ, Mun Wong Director, Founding WOHA Recycling will be second nature toRecycling will be Singapore. Every single person has a role to play in sustainable Singapore. do realise my ideal 2030, I feel we To theneed a firm partnership between need government and the people. We massesto educate our people and get the to see sustainability’s strong points. the authorities to carry also need We ofout a complete and in-depth review visexisting government policies vis a advantage need to take We sustainability. of Singapore being in a ‘close-loop’ situation — an island — which makes our little red dot different from other countries.

Liam Wee Sin, President (Property), UOL Group Limited UOL Group (Property), President Sin, Wee Liam What I hope in 2030 is that Singapore What I hope in 2030 of life. embraces sustainability as a way designNot just the way we plan our city and go aboutour parks and buildings but how we if thereliving our daily lives. It would be ideal ofis a significant reduction in the number will usemotor vehicles on the road. People aboveunderground mass people movers; to peopleground, right of way will be given walking and using bicycles and seaways. due toWith the diminishing need for roads green,less vehicles, we could have more will bemore trees and more parks. Our city withmore compact, buildings will be taller greenery. breathing spaces, landscaping and ourMore land can be set aside to increase nature reserves, parks and greenery. Singapore can truly be a city in a forest. and nature will co-exist andPeople Singapore will be a gracious society that cares about the city and the environment. Smart offices and homes, instead of being consumers of consumers of being instead homes, and offices Smart Buildings, energy. producers of into can be transformed energy, footprint. add to the green green, can of depleting the instead information, use of the extensive communicationIncreasingly, resource will enhance real-time and sensory technology informed choices, can enable citizens to make optimisation that quality of life. the city and improving ultimately benefiting

,

Singapore

smarter and more inclusive. smarter and as a compact and efficient garden city, can city, garden and efficient as a compact to optimise approach a holistic will put increasing pressure as central to the as central seen are increasingly Cities climate change. against climate fight and pollution, smart cityintegrate resource reduce wasteconsumption, offer infrastructure infrastructure a sharedand promote community to make our city greener, make our city greener, to community Lee Tzu Yang, Chairman, Shell Companies in Singapore Chairman, Shell Yang, Tzu Lee

will continue to be important for Singapore. Industry inwill continue to be important energy and carbon efficient,Singapore will become more environmentally conscious.and customers will be more New energy solutions for customers and new business and pricing models will be developed. on energy supplies over the next 40 years worldwide.on energy supplies over the in particular are key issues and industrial growth Transport in The cities that succeed for Singapore’s energy sector. be effective in promoting publicmeeting these challenges will providing the clarity andand private sector collaboration, investment in changestability in policies that encourage environmental challenges.to meet economic, energy and

urban planning on an integrated basis urban planning on Environmentally sustainable Environmentally rapid urbanisation rising prosperity andrising prosperity Population growth,Population

26 DESIGNING OUR CITY 29 LOOKING AHEAD

Editors Serene Tng Serene Tan Design Green House Design + Communications No part of this publication may be reproduced in whole or in part without the prior consent of the URA. All rights reserved. Printed on 100% recycled paper.

Dr Shawn Lum, President, President, Lum, Dr Shawn Society Singapore Nature Singapore will be among those leading to helping the way, bring together all humanity under a common cause for the benefit of all. In a sustainable Singapore in 2030, we frown in 2030, we Singapore In a sustainable an and cooled buildings excessively upon will We on air-conditioning. over-reliance most tropical heritage, and embrace our joy in outdoor will find greatest seeking out activities rather than recreational families will Many at every opportunity. air-con and everyone willbe into urban gardening, eat fresh, delicious,have an opportunity to Nature will be ahome-grown vegetables. psyche, and urbanmajor part of the Singapore integrated into ournature will be seamlessly have more biodiversity inwild spaces. We’ll 2030 than we have today. in all aspects ofSingapore will be a leader development,sustainability — technological nature conservation, green investments, policy, education, and lifestyle — and will become an international centre for training and disseminating innovations in sustainability throughout the world. In 2030, municipal leaders from many countries will be coming to Singapore to learn how adopting an environmental ethos can help every sector with the Living in harmony of society. environment will become a focal point for community and national pride, and in 2030,

The sustainable Singapore I envision will see alignment between widespread orimplementation in cutting edge renewable policies progressive sustainable technology, from thethat encourage their use, and buy-in sustainability Most importantly, private sector. will become a part of the Singapore lifestyle, as much a part of our identity as our love on won’t be as reliant for hawker food. We automobiles for commuting (cars certainly will not have any special cachet, and gas guzzlers will definitely be considered tacky), recycling will be easy and will be second nature to everyone. Sustainability will extend to all aspects of our consumer and lifestyle choices, with the result that Singapore will initiativesdrive environmentally-enlightened and the implementation of environmental best practices far beyond our shores. we know it we know make towardsand any progress we will be built onbecoming more sustainable in the next fewfoundations we put together technical advancesyears. I can’t anticipate Singapore will havevery well, but I imagine renewable energy, access to state-of-the-art waste minimisation, recycling, green transport, green buildings, and other technological innovations. us before be uponbe 2030 will2030

28 To make Singapore a great city to live, work and play in.