THE JTC has developed a new Web-based embodied carbon calculator that aims to help developers better assess construction emissions, and nudge them to source for greener materials as well as manufacturers.

The Singapore Building Carbon Calculator (SBCC) was developed in collaboration with the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC). It was unveiled on Monday (Jun 26) at the International Green Building Conference by Second Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah.

Embodied carbon refers to the carbon footprint of buildings before they become operational. The count includes carbon emitted during the manufacturing of raw materials and when these materials are transported to the construction site. 

Apart from having a simpler and more intuitive interface, the new calculator also localises carbon emission factors. 

JTC noted that most carbon calculators were developed in North America or Europe and catered for the region. The new calculator would account for emissions from factors such as transportation when Singapore imports materials. 

JTC’s chief sustainability officer Tan Chee Kiat also cited the example of differing energy emissions from electricity production: “In Singapore, we use LNG (liquefied natural gas) for electricity, but maybe some other countries will have their own renewables or coal production.” 

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The SBCC also ranks results according to the materials that contribute the most to internal carbon emissions. 

“It allows the designer to decide which material to use, get the developer’s buy-in and subsequently contractors can source for greener manufacturers,” said Tan. 

The SBCC is the recommended calculator for BCA Green Mark application submissions, Indranee said. 

The Green Mark certification scheme is a green building rating system designed to evaluate a building’s environmental impact and performance.

SGBC president Lee Ang Seng also announced revisions to the certification criteria of both the Environmental Sustainability (ES) and Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) under its Singapore Green Building Services certification scheme.

A tiering system will be introduced for ES firms. As for EPC services, the existing tiers will be modified such that Level 1 will indicate the tier with the highest capabilities, while Level 4 will now be the base commencement tier.

“We hope that this will help building owners and developers make more informed decisions and appointments for their Green Mark building projects and retrofits,” said Lee.

The SBCC is free to use and will be available on SGBC’s website.