S$63 million to enhance Green Mark Incentive Scheme for Existing Buildings

THE Green Mark Incentive Scheme for Existing Buildings will be enhanced to the tune of S$63 million, although applicants will now need to meet higher standards to qualify, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee said at his ministry's Committee of Supply Debate on Tuesday (Mar 8).

The grants under the scheme help building owners undertake retrofits, and achieve higher standards of energy efficiency and sustainability, said Lee. These include changes such as upgrading the cooling system, installing solar panels, or redesigning spaces for natural ventilation.

Under the enhanced scheme, the minimum qualifying standard will be raised to Green Mark Platinum, from the previous Green Mark Gold.

The scheme will also be expanded to include residential and light industrial buildings.

"The grant amount will be based on the additional carbon abatement and Green Mark certification achieved, instead of the cost of works as used by the previous scheme," said Lee.

For example, a project that achieves Zero Energy certification can receive up to S$1.2 million under the enhanced scheme.

Building owners can apply for the scheme from Q2 2022.

"We are also exploring whether to require building owners to conduct energy audits, to improve the energy performance of their buildings," added Lee. "We will consult our industry partners on this before deciding."

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