The carrot and stick of sustainable investment in real estate

SINGAPORE has just raised its environmental standards for buildings, but Europe has already taken similar steps. What lessons can the Republic’s investors draw from Europe’s experience?

Earlier this month, changes to the Building Control Act were passed in Singapore’s Parliament for a new Mandatory Energy Improvement regime. This requires highly energy-intensive buildings to improve their energy efficiency or face a penalty of up to S$150,000.

The move is in line with the Singapore Green Building Masterplan and the shift towards a low-carbon built environment, and will contribute to the national commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.