17 Oct 2024
Climate change is
one of the most pressing challenges of our time. As industries evolve and
societies expand, the need to manage resources responsibly and protect the environment
has become increasingly critical.
At the inaugural MINDEF/SAF Sustainability Day, held in conjunction with the International Day of Climate Action on 24 October, services under the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) along with several agencies such as the National Environment Agency, Public Utilities Board, National Parks Board and more showcased their sustainable initiatives. Colleagues from DSTA’s Building Infrastructure team also presented the various projects that demonstrate our commitment to supporting the SAF in its sustainability efforts.
Among the notable
projects is the new CMPB
Building, scheduled to open in phases in 2025. The new CMPB was
awarded BCA Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy Certification with three
badges under the stringent criteria of the prevailing Green Mark framework
despite having more than 70% of its spaces air-conditioned. Designed to be
among the top 10% most energy-efficient buildings in its class, it is projected
to achieve energy savings of approximately 47%. In addition, its rainwater
harvesting system and water-efficient fittings are expected to save the
equivalent of 10 Olympic-sized pools of water annually.
Besides the new CMPB Building, the NS Square, which has been designed with sustainability at its core, is set to deliver around 40% energy savings and 43% water savings - equivalent to the volume of 12 Olympic-sized pool of water annually. The project also repurposes demolition waste from the former Floating Platform, reducing the need for new resources.
DSTA’s efforts in
sustainability were also recognised with the IES Sustainability Award 2024 for the MINDEF/SAF
Training Centre. Despite
the facility requiring substantial power and cooling, the project team achieved
a 40% reduction in energy consumption - enough to power 340 four-room HDB flats
- and cut water usage by 67%, saving the equivalent of five Olympic-sized pools
annually.
These projects are
just a few examples of the sustainable, energy-efficient solutions being
developed by DSTA. Sustainability is not just a goal - it has long been a
cornerstone of our operations, and we will continue to develop innovative
solutions that reduce environmental impact and advance sustainable practices.