Time to build support for sustainable buildings in South-east Asia

SOUTH-EAST Asia is rapidly urbanising, with an additional 90 million people forecast to move to cities by 2030. Cities such as Singapore, Bangkok, Manila, Jakarta, Hanoi and others already generate around two-thirds of the region's gross domestic product and will continue to be a key driver of growth. Unfortunately, many of the same cities find themselves straining under the pressure of rapid growth.

The impact of global warming will be felt intensely in South-east Asia, affecting the region's economy and livelihood. Increased global warming is expected to significantly impact labour productivity and capacity by 2045. In fact, Singapore and Malaysia could experience decreases in productivity by up to 25 per cent!

Sustainable architecture and urban development have an important role to play in mitigating the impact of climate change, helping support the growth of cities and the ambitions of their people. From homes and workplaces to shopping and entertainment venues, sustainability in the building and construction industry must be viewed holistically considering the impact on the environment, contribution to public health and wellness as well as cost-centric measures like energy and water-efficiency.