Is a denser and greener Singapore possible?

THE Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) recent incentive offering bonus gross floor area (GFA) for buildings that adopt district cooling systems marks a significant step towards Singapore’s vision of becoming a leading garden city. While well-intentioned, the URA’s focus on district cooling to increase GFA may incentivise developers to prioritise profits over genuine sustainability, leading to denser developments with less green space and a lower quality of life for Singaporeans.

Like many bustling metropolises, Singapore grapples with the urban heat island effect. Concrete, asphalt, and glass trap heat, raising the city’s temperatures. To combat this, the government has championed initiatives such as expanding green spaces and implementing district cooling systems, echoing the United Nation’s 2019 call for localised climate action. But are these efforts enough to offset the potential consequences of intensified urban density?

While district cooling promises greater energy efficiency, the allure of bonus GFA could incentivise developers to maximise building size, potentially cramming more residents and businesses into towering structures. Imagine a new development where a rooftop garden, meant for residents to enjoy fresh air and escape the urban heat, is replaced with another floor of luxury apartments, all while technically meeting the minimum requirements for “green” certification.