Our neighbour goes green

Singapore's Straits Times reports that its major developer, the Housing Development Board is embarking on a green project to install solar roof panels on 30 HDB blocks in 6 precincts across the City state. The project is expected to cost Sin2.3 million (RM5.3 million) or about RM177,000 per block. 

The roof panels will be used to power all common area services such as lighting, lifts and pumps. The precincts identified were: - Jurong, Aljunied, Telok Blangah, Bishan, Ang Mo Kio and Jalan Besar are expected to each save about $40,000 a year, according to the HDB.

The panels installed will serve about 3,000 flats and will cover a total area of 1.5 times the size of a football field. Each block will have about 150 of the panels, which measure s 1.8 metre by one metre and should last for 20 years or more.

It is heartening to note that Singapore is supporting efforts towards sustainable development. During my last visit to Singapore in June 2010, I had the impression that Singaporeans were a wasteful lot. The temperature at the hotel I stayed in was at if it was winter. I remembered the last time I shivered when performing my prayers was when it was winter in the UK during my student days.Besides the hotel, the airconditioning from the shopping malls could be felt while walking along the five foot ways.