North West CDC and NEA to encourage new BTO home owners to choose energy-saving appliances for their homes
JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN NORTHWEST CDC AND NEA
Singapore, 16 November 2013 – The North West Community Development Council (CDC), National Environment Agency (NEA) and Singapore Environment Council (SEC) has jointly launched the first eco audit for homes at the Clean & Green Singapore @ North West Carnival held at Northpoint Shopping Centre today. Named Green Homes @ North West, the new initiative aims to encourage home owners to embrace Green Living by choosing energy-saving appliances when buying or replacing them.
2 Green Homes @ North West was jointly launched by Mayor of North West District Dr. Teo Ho Pin, Chief Executive Officer of NEA Mr. Ronnie Tay, Chairperson of the SEC Ms. Isabella Loh, and Grassroots Advisers of the North West District Associate Professor Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, Er. Dr. Lee Bee Wah, Ms. Ellen Lee Geck Hoon, PBM and Mr. Patrick Tay Teck Guan, BBM.
3 The three-year initiative will see agency representatives, grassroots and student volunteers reaching out to new Build-to-Order (BTO) home owners in the North West District to promote energy conservation. New and existing home owners will be able to access an online resource guide[1] containing tips on the use and selection of energy efficient electrical appliances, and green habits they can adopt as part of their lifestyle. Using the knowledge gained, home owners can minimise their total household energy usage, reduce their electricity bills and contribute to a greener environment. The North West CDC and NEA aim to reach out to some 12,000 new home units within these three years.
4 To qualify as a ‘Green Home’, homes need to meet the five criteria listed below. The first four criteria were chosen based on the prevalent use of appliances in an average household with the highest energy consumption. The fifth criterion aims to encourage residents to practise the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) at home.
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An air-conditioner with a four-tick energy efficiency rating,
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A refrigerator with a four-tick energy efficiency rating,
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An instantaneous water heater,
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A washing machine with a three-tick water efficiency rating and
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A recyclables collection area in their home.
Home owners will have their homes certified as a ‘Green Home’ upon passing an audit of the five criteria.
5 Dr Teo Ho Pin, Mayor of North West District said, “The North West CDC and NEA have organised about 70 programmes this year under Green Living @ North West, the district’s 10-Year Eco Plan, to inculcate green habits to residents and promote ownership of the environment. With today’s launch of Green Homes @ North West, we wish to mainly target new BTO home owners and also those who are renovating their homes to encourage them to incorporate more energy-efficient appliances in their homes. Through this, we hope to see more residents do their part for energy conservation by taking small steps to reduce energy consumption in their daily lives.”
6 Mr. Ronnie Tay, Chief Executive Officer of NEA said, “Every action, big or small, can bring about significant improvements to the environment. Every effort to save electricity adds up. Taking the first step of using more energy-efficient appliances is a good start in helping to create a sustainable environment.”
Best Community Commitment Award
7 North West District continues to place a strong emphasis on Green Living and its values. Since the launch of the ‘Green Living @ North West’ 10-year Eco Plan in 2009, the North West District has rolled out over 110 programmes to reach out to more than 720,000 residents under the five pillars[2] of the Eco Plan. The District relies on its strong and dedicated network of grassroots organisations, partner agencies, community green clubs, schools, green champions and volunteers to inculcate these green values in its residents.
8 In recognition of its concerted efforts, the North West District has received the Best Community Commitment Award at the Clean and Green Singapore Awards this year. This national award is given to the district that has shown consistency and commitment in their community engagement and outreach efforts in attaining environmental and public health outcomes.
[1] Residents can log in to www.greenhomes-northwest.sg and sign up for an account to gain access to the Green Home guide. They may also sign up for the audit at the website.
[2] Green Living @ North West encompasses five pillars, namely CLEAN Everyday, LEAD (Lead Everyone Against Dengue), Fight Climate Change, 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) and CLEAN Toilets. Each pillar has specific programmes to help the residents in the North West District to take ownership of the environment.
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