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Straits Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
PUB to launch guidebook for building owners, developers to enhance flood resilience of their premises
In recent months, heavy downpours have led to flash floods in places like Yishun, Holland, Bukit Timah and Mountbatten. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO PUB to launch guidebook for building owners, developers to enhance flood resilience of their premises SINGAPORE – Building owners and developers will be able to draw ideas from a guidebook on how to improve the flood resilience of their premises come mid-2026. The guidebook – which will be launched by national water agency PUB – will contain measures that landowners and industry professionals such as architects and engineers can consider adopting to counter inland and coastal flooding, as well as case studies of how such measures have been applied. It will be co-created by an 11-member Alliance for Action committee, which will draw on the industry experience and expertise of the members, said PUB in a statement on May 20. The committee was launched by the agency on May 19 and comprises a mix of architects, engineers and developers. Announced at the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment's Committee of Supply debate in March, the guidebook will complement PUB's Code of Practice for coastal protection. The committee will wrap up its recommendations by the first quarter of 2026, said PUB, adding that the guidebook will be launched by mid-2026. Countries such as the US, the Netherlands and Japan have published guidebooks for implementing flood-resilient developments. The committee will reference these publications when developing a guidebook that is suitable for Singapore. For example, the committee will draw reference from guidebooks such as the Climate Ready DC Resilient Design Guidelines from the US and Multi-Level Safety: Water Resilient Urban and Building Design from the Netherlands, PUB told The Straits Times. The US document gives strategies on avoiding and minimising flood damage through measures such as dry floodproofing, using materials resistant to water damage or building vegetative , or green , roofs to retain rainwater. Development-specific flood resilience measures already in place here will also be referenced, said PUB, citing an example of raising the crest level at entrances with steps at some MRT stations. Not only will the committee develop the guidebook for the planning and designing of flood-resilient developments, it will also provide advice on development-specific measures applicable to Singapore's built environment. It will also recommend ways to promote adoption of flood-resilient design in developments here. In recent months, heavy downpours have led to flash floods in places like Yishun, Holland, Bukit Timah and Mountbatten. In January, residents in Jalan Seaview, in Mountbatten, were affected by flash floods during the first monsoon surge on Jan 10, as the deluge coincided with a high tide of 2.8m. At the launch of the committee, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment Koh Poh Koon said the guidebook aims to set out principles and guidelines instead of a one-size-fits-all approach. It will also contain measures building owners can adopt at development level without compromising the land use objectives, he said. This grants designers and building owners more room for flexibility and space for creativity in applying solutions that integrate best with the design intent, Dr Koh added. 'We hope to strike a balance between providing adequate and practical guidance to building and landowners to achieve effective flood resilience without being overly prescriptive and impeding creativity and customisation based on different needs and interests.' 'This close collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for the successful and sustainable implementation of our long-term climate adaptation plans,' he added. Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Sustainability and the Environment with members of the committee of the guidebook at its launch event on May 19. PHOTO: PUB The committee is co-led by PUB chief executive Ong Tze-Ch'in, Singapore Institute of Architects' immediate past president Melvin H.J. Tan and Professional Engineers Board president Lim Peng Hong. Mr Tan said while all efforts are focused on creating a sustainable built environment, it is imperative that architects, consultants and developers take on a preventive mindset that allows developments to be designed sensitively and yet provides protection. 'We envision the guidebook to provide suggestions on a mix of both hard and soft strategies that will not only be barrier-free but also realise Singapore's vision of a City in Nature,' he added. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Sassy Mama
16-05-2025
- Sassy Mama
Families Can Join Urban Farm Tours, Workshops & FREE Nature Walks From 16 May
Go Green SG invites the whole fam on an exciting greenventure with many sustainability activities, programmes, and experiences! Looking for a fun way to turn your kids into eco-warriors this June school holidays? Go Green SG's got you covered! Grab the fam and dive into a myriad of green activities that are anything but boring. We're talking outdoor adventures, hands-on crafts, and all kinds of sustainability fun that'll have everyone hooked. Trust us, this isn't your typical green day out! Join fun workshops, farm tours & more Brought to you by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and its partners, Go Green SG is a nationwide movement that's all about inspiring families to go green. Happening from 16 May to 29 June 2025, and in celebration of SG60, the public can look forward to an expanded line-up, including exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, curated learning journeys, events, workshops and activities for youths and families. Got a little explorer at home? Go Green SG has guided nature walks that invite you to explore Singapore's parks! On 7 June, take the fam to Chestnut Nature Park for a free guided walk through one of Singapore's hidden green gems. You'll uncover the park's rich history, learn about its fascinating plant life and maybe even spot some of its endangered residents like the mousedeer! This volunteer-led walk is run by the Friends of Chestnut Nature Park and guided by local residents, so expect plenty of insider knowledge along the way. Don't miss out on the 60-minute guided farm tour at City Sprouts' flagship urban farm in Henderson, featuring six interactive stations! Discover different farming methods, meet the resident chickens up close, and learn how composting and bio-digesters help manage food waste sustainably. After the tour, unwind with a mindful tea workshop that invites you to reflect on your relationship with food, others, and yourself. There is also the Sustainability Shopping Learning Journey with World Wide Fund for Nature (WFF) at FairPrice's flagship sustainable store at City Square Mall, where kiddos can explore how they can make smarter food choices, learn about eco-labels, discover ways to reduce packaging and waste, and pick up tips to fight food waste at home! Contribute your creativity to a good cause Eager to do your part to build a more sustainable Singapore? Kick things off at Wings of Art (24 Jun to 1 Jul), organised by Peace of Art SG and Wings of Childhood! This event invites you to contribute your creativity to a breathtaking butterfly-themed installation that symbolises hope and renewal. Look forward to a one-of-a-kind, 60m-long Barbie runway made from upcycled wine crates and brought to life by 60 Singaporean artists and artisans. Feeling inspired? Join the effort by creating your own winged Barbie doll using repurposed materials. Plus, 100% of the proceeds from the event go towards supporting education and mentorship for underprivileged children, and the dolls you make will be gifted to underprivileged children. Creativity with a cause? Yes, please! Ready to go green this holiday? Sign up for these Go Green SG activities and many more at With so many activities, there's bound to be an activity that suits your family's interests! Go Green SG,
