18 Nov 2020
In recognition of its efforts in incorporating green technologies and eco-friendly designs into SAF facilities, DSTA has received two Green Mark certification awards.
On 18 November 2020, DSTA’s Chief Executive Tan Peng Yam (left) received the awards from BCA’s Environmental Sustainability Deputy Group Director Jeffery Neng.
Bagging the Green Mark Platinum (Positive Energy) award – the highest accolade – is the team behind the A330 Multi-Role Tanker Transport (MRTT) hangar. Built with a multitude of green features, the hangar taps renewable energy via solar panels, conserves water by harvesting rain, and maximises natural ventilation through its design.
Team leader and Senior Programme Manager (Building and Infrastructure) Soh Tian Boon shared that one key feature of a net positive energy facility is that beyond energy efficiency, additional energy generated can be channelled to supplement other energy demands. This helps to achieve even greater cost and energy savings.
“The hangar is the SAF’s first net positive energy building. I am glad that the team’s efforts and hard work are being recognised with the Green Mark awards,” said Tian Boon.
The team behind the Changi Defence Squadron building at Changi Naval Base received the Green Mark Gold (Positive Energy) award for adopting eco-friendly building designs. The building employs energy-efficient air-conditioning and lighting systems, expels hot air naturally from vertical ventilators, and recovers waste heat for hot water generation.
Senior Project Manager (Building and Infrastructure) Liu Kai Ern said that the new building provides the servicemen with a conducive environment that adopted green initiatives in the design process.
“To improve the squadron’s operational efficiency and achieve a positive energy building concurrently was not an easy task. The team showed their dedication in finding the best green and design solutions to deliver this project successfully,” he said.
Beyond their Green Mark certifications, both buildings are also recognised as positive energy buildings – this means that they are the best in class in terms of energy performance, with at least 115 per cent of the building’s energy consumption including plug load being supplied from renewable sources.
Adding on, Head (Environmental Sustainability) Kuek Choon Han, who drives green efforts across projects in DSTA, believes strongly that it is imperative to create sustainable buildings in view of climate change. He said: “Delivering green and sustainable buildings is an effective way to reduce our carbon footprint. In DSTA, we are committed do our part and continue to build on these efforts for MINDEF and the SAF.”