from the ground Up

by Jessica Cheam, The Straits Times, May 28 2009

SINGAPORE’S construction sector, the only bright spot in the economy, is not just growing amid the recession but is also improving its quality and standards.
The Building and Construction Authority (BCA) last night handed out a record 151 awards at its annual event held at Suntec City.
This was a “reflection of the industry’s commitment to improving capabilities and productivity”, said Senior Minister of State for National Development Grace Fu.
Against a backdrop of weak external demand and economic contraction, the construction sector grew 24.4 per cent in the first quarter, from the same period last year, she noted.
This growth should be “sustainable” and the industry needs to continue to invest in manpower development, and build capabilities in new growth areas, she said. “Our construction firms should be forward-looking, willing to invest in people and in technology, and willing to adopt good practices.”
To encourage this, the BCA yesterday launched a new Built Environment Leadership Award for outstanding firms that have showed excellence and leadership in shaping the cityscape.
Property giant City Developments was awarded the inaugural platinum award – the highest accolade – while seven others, including CapitaLand, RSP Architects, Meinhardt Singapore and Woh Hup, won gold class awards.
Firms are assessed based on their contributions to the built environment through the type and number of BCA awards, and other local and international awards won by the firm.
Ms Fu separately launched three new schemes under BCA’s Green Mark initiative: Green Mark for infrastructure, landed houses and office interiors, in addition to its schemes for rating the environmental performance of buildings and parks.
The Green Mark scheme for green buildings has gained momentum, with 103 green building awards recorded this year, up from 69 last year, and a paltry 17 when it was first launched in 2005. BCA recently committed to “green” 80 per cent of Singapore’s buildings by 2030.
Environmental sustainability is another key emerging growth area, said Ms Fu. BCA has pledged $100 million to help existing building owners green their assets. The agency will train some 18,000 “green specialists” over the next 10 years to grow this sector.
Awards were also given for categories such as construction excellence, design and engineering safety excellence, universal design, and the green and gracious builder award.
BCA also celebrated its 10th anniversary at the awards. BCA’s chairman, Mr Quek See Tiat, noted the authority’s achievements over the past decade and acknowledged the challenges ahead.