BCA-Nparks Green Mark for New and Existing Parks 2008–2014: Benchmarking Singapore’S Parks

AWARDS 20 BCA-NParks Green Mark for New and Existing Parks 2008–2014: Benchmarking Singapore’s Parks

BCA-NParks Green Mark for New and Existing Parks 2008–2014 Benchmarking Singapore’s Parks

Text by Benjamin Huang and Oi Keng Hunt Images as credited

Despite the ubiquitous presence of trees, not value to intensively used Central Business differ slightly but are broadly divided into all urban landscapes are sustainable. Poor District parks. two categories: Resource Self-Sufficiency landscape design, construction, manage- and Park Quality. Resource Self-Sufficiency ment, and maintenance can all lead International urban landscape bench- benchmarks the urban landscape’s to economically and environmentally marking schemes were reviewed to develop resource footprint against best practices unsustainable practices. the world’s first objectively measured, in similar urban landscapes. For example, triple-bottom-line framework that assesses it assesses material resource, water effi- Singapore’s BCA-NParks Green Mark for social, environmental, and economic sustain- ciency, and energy efficiency. On the other Parks was developed out of a need to bench- ability against current best practices. hand, Park Quality objectively assesses mark the sustainability of urban landscapes in The BCA-NParks Green Mark scheme is areas such as greenery and urban ecology, relation to their functional purpose (defined based on internationally accepted green design for ease of maintenance and access- by type, quality, and intensity of use), building assessment systems, such as LEED ibility, park development and construction management efficiency (including return on (Leadership in Energy and Environmental management, as well as deployment of other investment, or capital and upkeep relative to Design) in the United States, BREEAM innovative “green” initiatives. use), and environmental footprint. In response (Building Research Establishment Environ- to this need, the Centre for Urban Greenery mental Assessment Methodology) in the BCA-NParks Green Mark for Parks and Ecology (CUGE) under the National United Kingdom, CASBEE (Comprehensive provides four levels of certification: Parks Board (NParks) of Singapore worked Assessment System for Built Environment Certified, Gold, GoldPLUS, and Platinum. with the Building and Construction Authority Efficiency) in Japan, and Green Star in Green Mark Certified urban landscapes (BCA) of Singapore to customise a framework New Zealand. are recognised for exceeding the minimum that has the flexibility to be applied to a environmental, social, and economic great range of urban landscape settings, The assessment criteria for the BCA-NParks sustainability standards across similar from nature reserves with high conservation Green Mark for New Parks and Existing Parks “best fit” landscapes. At the other end of CITYGREEN #9 A Centre for Urban Greenery and Ecology Publication 21

NEW PARKS EXISTING PARKS PART PTS PART PTS Material Resource 20 Waste and Material Minimisation 20

Water Efﬁciency 18 Water Efﬁciency 10

ICIENCY UFF RCE S

U Energy Efﬁciency 12 Energy Efﬁciency 10

F- (Bonus for clean or renewable energy: 20 points) RESO SEL Greenery and Urban Ecology 22 Conservation and Heritage 15

Design for Ease of Maintenance and Accessibility 12 Park Management 40

Parks Development and Construction Management 16 Other Innovative Sustainability Features 5 ALITY Other Green Initiatives 20 QU (Bonus Points) ARK P Total 120 Total 100

Assessment Criteria for Green Mark for New and Existing Parks

the scale, Green Mark Platinum landscapes being assessed, the actual assessment not undermine the sustainability features of are recognised for having developed may take between one to three days. The the park. world’s best sustainability practices. To assessment team will comprise two or date, 22 parks in Singapore have received more certified assessors, depending on Certification a Green Mark rating. the size and complexity of the assessed All BCA-NParks Green Mark for Parks park. The assessment will begin with the candidates will be notified of their Criteria and Assessment Park Manager presenting a summary of assessment results. A formal acknow- The assessment process includes pre- how the project satisfies the criteria of ledgement and award presentation will assessment, actual assessment, site verifi- Green Mark for Parks. Assessors will verify take place to confer the accolades to cation, and certification. documentation submitted and clarify the recipients. Currently this takes place any queries with the Park Manager. The during the annual BCA Awards, generally Pre-Assessment assessors will then conduct site assessments held in May every year. Representatives Certified assessors will conduct a prior to discussing the assessment results. of the GoldPLUS and Platinum parks will preliminary assessment with the Park They will then provide a report with their receive their award on stage from the Managers to assist in the preparation of the recommendation and supporting reasons Guest of Honour. actual assessment. This step also allows to BCA and NParks for approval. the assessors to advise Park Managers For more information: www.greenmark.sg on the required documentation. For new Site Verification parks, this will generally involve a visual For new parks, the assessors will be inspection of the proposed park plans. deployed six months before the completion of the park, to inspect and ensure that Actual Assessment the parks’ sustainability features are imple- Depending on the size of the landscape mented and the construction activities do AWARDS 24 BCA-NParks Green Mark for New and Existing Parks 2008–2014: Benchmarking Singapore’s Parks

NEW PARKS

2014 BCA-NParks Green Mark have been planted with mixed wetland for Parks (New Parks) Platinum species and palm trees to approximate Award the species replaced, coupled with an extensive freshwater lake system. The lake name Gardens by the Bay system comprises the Dragonfly Lake and award recipient Gardens by the Bay Kingfisher Lake. The edges of the lakes location Singapore were designed to allow the growth of plants completion date 2012 and invertebrate communities, while marsh areas were constructed and planted with The 101-hectare-large Gardens by the a wide variety of floating, emergent, and Bay site is a collection of three waterfront submerged species to provide habitats for gardens, namely Bay South Garden, Bay dragonflies and other wetland fauna. East Garden, and Bay Central Garden. The assessment site was at Bay South Garden, There is also extensive use of salvaged which is 54 hectares large and comprises and environmentally friendly materials, for the following main components: outdoor- example, in the brushed concrete footpaths, themed gardens, the Cool Dry and Cool woodchip footpaths, floor and wall tiles, Moist Conservatories, the Energy Centre, internal paints, waterproofing system, and support facilities, and Supertrees. Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete for the boardwalk. The two lakes in the garden have Careful planning and consideration were been designed to naturally cleanse the lake exercised at the project’s planning phase. water and surface runoff of the garden. This Measures were taken to conserve and is achieved using terraced filtered beds, minimise the impacts to wildlife associated man-made islands, bog gardens, aquatic with the removal of a vegetated island and plants, and bioswale weirs at the mouth of reconstruction of a pond. They include: the both lakes. first, minimisation of impacts through the careful sequencing of activities associated Some 270 pre-existing mature trees that with reconstruction of the pond and island; were in good condition and deemed second, reduction of impacts to wildlife to have a significant remaining lifespan through the placement of buffer strips; and were incorporated into the design and third, compensation for impacts through protected in place via in situ conservation. replacement of the former habitats. In addition, over 500 trees were relocated and transplanted in the gardens, while more The original island has been replaced than 100 were either harvested for timber or with Nibong island. A number of other processed into woodchip to be used on site islands have been created, all of which as mulch for the biomass system.

2. The Dragonﬂy and Kingﬁsher lakes in 4. The Gardens' iconic Cool Dry and Gardens by the Bay have been designed Cool Moist Conservatories and Supertrees to naturally cleanse the lake water and (Photo: Gardens by the Bay). surface runoff of the garden (Photo: Gardens by the Bay). 5. Eleven of Gardens by the Bay's Supertrees are embedded with 3, 6. The landscape at Gardens by environmentally sustainable functions the Bay extensively uses salvaged like photovoltaic cells to harvest solar energy and environmentally friendly materials (Photo: Gardens by the Bay). (Photo: Gardens by the Bay). 25

6 AWARDS 28 BCA-NParks Green Mark for New and Existing Parks 2008–2014: Benchmarking Singapore’s Parks

NEW PARKS

2012 BCA-NParks Green Mark for rating, under National Environment Parks (New Parks) Platinum Award Agency’s mandatory energy labelling system. Sun pipes are used extensively name River Safari in all animal exhibits to reduce the use of award recipient Wildlife Reserves artificial lighting. Singapore (Client/ Developer/ Project Manager/ Landscape Consultant) The Greenbag system is used for the location Singapore retaining walls along the periphery of completion date 2012 water bodies. This soft engineering collaborators DP Architects Ptd Ltd; system provides a solution for erosion Beca Carter Hollings & Ferner (S.E.Asia) control, slope stability, soil retention, Ptd Ltd) (M&E and Structural Engineer); bank protection, and earth-retaining wall Langdon & Seah Singapore Pte Ltd applications. (Quantitiy Surveyor); and Prelim Construction Pte Ltd (Main Contractor) River Safari will also be planting more than 13,000 trees and plants, comprising about River Safari is a river-themed wildlife 110 species, which is more than 10 times attraction situated between the Singapore the number of plants to be removed from Zoo and Night Safari. Featuring eight its previously disturbed land. These green major rivers of the world, River Safari zones will support a greater diversity of displays flora and fauna from these rivers wildlife, including 21 locally threatened in a naturalistic landscape. species and the globally threatened straw- headed bulbul. River Safari is designed and developed with significant sensitivity to the environment. The overall environmental sustainability A baseline survey was conducted before efforts focus on minimising the impact 7 development began to determine whether of River Safari on natural resources and the ecologically important species would wildlife species. The conservation and be affected. Mitigation measures were enhancement plan focuses on native taken to minimise the impact of the species, some of which are threatened, development. There is also an extensive use and outlines an action plan to ensure these of salvaged and environmentally friendly species find a permanent refuge within materials for the development. the created habitat, so they will eventually migrate to and from the surrounding This park is home to a pair of Giant Pandas. areas of the Zoo, Night Safari, and Central Both animal exhibits use a highly efficient Catchment Nature Reserve. River Safari chiller and a number of air-conditioner will contribute to a contiguous green units that have been rated with four ticks, corridor along the reservoir edge for the the highest and most energy-efficient safe passage of these animals.

7. River Safari’s Amazon River Quest passes through an aviary with Scarlet Ibis (Photo: Wildlife Reserves Singapore).

8, 10. River Safari’s Giant Panda Forest, picturing the resident female panda, Jia Jia (Photo: Wildlife Reserves Singapore).

9. The Upper Seletar Reservoir and Wild Amazonia section of River Safari (Photo: Wildlife Reserves Singapore).

11. Squirrel Monkey Forest at River Safari 8 (Photo: Wildlife Reserves Singapore). 29

10 AWARDS 30 BCA-NParks Green Mark for New and Existing Parks 2008–2014: Benchmarking Singapore’s Parks

NEW PARKS EXISTING PARKS

2011 BCA-NParks Green Mark interactive modes, are also prominently 2014 BCA-NParks Green Mark Park for Park (New Parks) Platinum displayed throughout the park. (Existing Parks) Gold Award Award The Eco-Garden’s strength lies in its efforts name Labrador Nature Reserve name Jurong Eco-Garden (former JTC to preserve the existing cultural heritage award recipient National Parks Board CleanTech Park Green Core) and to recreate and enhance the natural (Client/ Developer) award recipient JTC Corporation habitats throughout the park’s development. location Singapore (Client/ Developer/ Project Manager) Extensive baseline surveys and detailed completion date 1951 (founded) location Singapore site analyses were conducted to support to completion date 2013 these efforts. In planning for the retention Labrador Nature Reserve is one of the pilot landscape consultant Atelier Dreiseitl of vegetation, much thought was given to projects of BCA-NParks Green Mark for Asia Pte Ltd the augmentation of the existing vegetation Parks. It attained a BCA-NParks Green Mark and habitats, evident in the park’s succession for Parks (Existing Parks) Certified award in The 4.51-hectare-large Jurong Eco-Garden planting schemes. To retain the cultural 2008. Since then, significant efforts have (formerly known as JTC CleanTech Park essence and heritage of the site, the existing been made to improve the sustainability of Green Core) is situated at Jalan Bahar in close dragon kilns, the setting of the wooden the park. The nature reserve was reassessed proximity to Nanyang Technological University. platform around an existing Ficus tree, and a and awarded a BCA-NParks Green Mark for It was designed to be the heart and lungs of wooden pavilion on Thow Kwang Pond have Parks (Existing Parks) Gold Award in 2014. the eco-business park, CleanTech Park, and to been retained. It is located within walking distance from be a place for not only the human inhabitants, Labrador Park MRT Station, homes, and but also the flora and fauna that make up the The other strength of the park is the design busy offices and shopping centres. unique ecology of the site. of its stormwater management system. The natural topography of the site is retained The park has been conserving its natural Carefully chosen plant species were selected as much as possible to maintain the site’s surroundings, including habitats for flora to create a freshwater swamp forest habitat existing hydrology. As a result, almost 100 and fauna, providing visitors with a tranquil for people and fauna to thrive in the percent of the site’s potential stormwater nature escapade from the populated recreated habitat. The planning and strategic discharge is channelled into the main estate. The park’s green wastes are minimal design of the park incorporated a strategy retention pond. Focusing on “active”, and horticultural wastes are reused as of succession planting, designed to optimise “beautiful”, and “clean” water design, features signboards and soil barriers for the park. growth by staggering the maturation dates of the ABC Waters Design Guidelines such Stormwater and runoff are harvested for the of planted species, and the management for as swales and cleansing biotopes are exten- general cleansing of the park and watering of forest trees so as to eventually cover the site. sively used to naturally cleanse the water new plants. It has good water conservancy before its discharge to the stormwater canal. practices after overhauling its water supply The Eco-Garden was also designed with the system. 3Rs, “recycle”, “reuse”, and “reduce”, and The park is also designed to be well water conservation in mind. The park uses connected and leverages on its close The park offers a variety of recreational recycled, salvaged, and environmentally proximity to existing bus stops and park opportunities, such as bird watching, friendly materials and products throughout. connectors with the provision of bicycle cycling, guided walks, and fitness stations Treated stormwater from the cleansing stands and pedestrian walkways. Jurong and playgrounds to the users. The park has biotope is used for all of the toilet flushing in Eco-Garden will be served by an electric very strong natural and cultural heritage. all blocks. Educational messages on some of bus shuttle service, with a pick-up point at these green features, some using interesting Pioneer MRT Station.

12. Jurong Eco-Garden is designed to be 16. One of Labrador Nature Reserve’s the heart and lungs of CleanTech Park and attractions, the Labrador Nature and a place for not only human inhabitants but Coastal Walk connects three trails: also the site’s unique ﬂora and fauna Alexandra Garden Trail, Berlayer Creek (Photo: Atelier Dreiseitl Asia Pte Ltd). mangrove trail, and Bukit Chermin Boardwalk (Photo: ICN Design 13. Bridge crosses a bioswale along the International). wildlife corridor at Jurong Eco-Garden (Photo: Atelier Dreiseitl Asia Pte Ltd). 17, 18. Collared Kingﬁsher and Mudskipper are among the wildlife sighted at Labrador 14. Bioswale at Jurong Eco-Garden Nature Reserve (Photos: ICN Design (Photo: Atelier Dreiseitl Asia Pte Ltd). International).

15. Labrador Nature Reserve’s Berlayer Bridge (Photo: ICN Design International). 31

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17 18 AWARDS 32 BCA-NParks Green Mark for New and Existing Parks 2008–2014: Benchmarking Singapore’s Parks

OTHER AWARDED PARKS

BCA-NParks Green Mark Gold Parks

2013 BCA-NParks Green Mark for Parks (New Parks) Gold Award • Fireﬂy Park @ Clementi by Housing and Development Board

19 2008 BCA-NParks Green Mark for Parks (Existing Parks) Gold Award • Fort Canning Park by National Parks Board • Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve by National Parks Board

BCA-NParks Green Mark Certiﬁed Parks

2014 BCA-NParks Green Mark for Parks (Existing Parks) Certiﬁed • Kent Ridge Park • Mount Faber Park 20 • Telok Blangah Hill Park

2010 BCA-NParks Green Mark for Parks (New Parks) Certiﬁed • Dairy Farm Nature Park by National Parks Board • Greenwood Sanctuary @ Admiralty by Housing and Development Board

2010 BCA-NParks Green Mark for Parks (Existing Parks) Certiﬁed • Bedok Reservoir Park by National Parks Board • West Coast Park by National Parks Board • Japanese Garden (Seiwaen) by JTC Corporation

2009 BCA-NParks Green Mark for Parks (Existing Parks) Certiﬁed • Admiralty Park by National Parks Board 21 • East Coast Park by National Parks Board • HortPark by National Parks Board • Pasir Ris Park by by National Parks Board • Toa Payoh Town Park by National Parks Board • Yishun Park by National Parks Board

2008 BCA-NParks Green Mark for Parks (Existing Parks) Certiﬁed • Chinese Garden by JTC Corporation

19. Fireﬂy Park by Housing and Development Board (Photo: Surbana International Consultants Pte Ltd).

20. Fort Canning Park by National Parks Board (Photo: Nuriman Samsi).

21. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve by National Parks Board (Photo “Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve”: Walter Lim on https:// ﬂic.kr/p/aEe6ek / Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic License).