Sustainable urban design in Singapore

Abstract

More than half the world population lives in urbanized areas and urban areas are responsible for two thirds of the energy consumption. Sustainable urban design is crucial in order to achieve a sustainable future in the context of climate change, resource depletion and population pressures. Even as the rest of the world is struggling to achieve the various goals for sustainable development the country of Singapore contributes less than 0.2% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Siemens’ Asian Green City Index states that Singapore is Asia’s greenest metropolis. It is ranked second in the World Economic Forum’s Sustainable Competitiveness Index. The country has achieved considerable progress in various areas of sustainability especially in the areas of transportation, energy, building and housing, water and urban farming. Singapore has managed to harness the technological innovations of the twenty first century and apply it in the urban design process thus accomplishing sustainable urban design which not only enhances the environment but also enhances the life of its citizens.