Singapore Marina Barrage wins top green infrastructure award

Singapore’s waterfront Marina Barrage wins Green Platinum Award in new Green Mark category introduced at the annual Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Awards.

Introduced for the first time this year, the Green Mark for Infrastructure category aims to promote and recognise environmentally-friendly and sustainable practices and features in infrastructure projects.

Projects under this scheme have to meet extensive and stringent guidelines covering 6 categories: Landscape, Ecology and land efficiency, Energy and renewable energy, Water, Project Management, Waste management and environmental protection, and Innovation.

Mr Jeffery Neng, Deputy Director of the Green Mark Department at BCA, says, “We are excited to launch the new Green Mark for Infrastructure scheme with a project as excellent as the Marina Barrage. Besides being an ideal example of the government taking the lead in green building projects, the Marina Barrage offers Singaporeans an iconic showpiece of what Green Mark certified infrastructure can achieve in terms of energy and water efficiencies, and environmental friendliness.”

A vision of Singapore Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew more than twenty years ago, the Marina Barrage was conceived and is managed by Singapore national water agency PUB. It spans the mouth of the Marina Channel, creating Singapore’s 15th reservoir, and its first in the city.

The barrage brings about three benefits in a single project: it creates a freshwater lake to boost Singapore’s water supply, acts as a tidal barrier to prevent flooding in low-lying city areas, and keeps the water level consistent, offering a venue for water-based activities in the heart of the city.

"During the planning process, green principles were applied in all aspects ranging from the design and construction to the operation of the barrage to ensure that energy and water were efficiently utilised and that waste generated was minimised,” said Mr Khoo Teng Chye, PUB’s Chief Executive, who received the award from Guest-of-Honour Senior Minister of State for National Development and Education, Ms Grace Fu.

Key green features at Marina Barrage include its iconic Green Roof, a large rooftop garden which uses one hundred percent recycled plastics and eco-friendly drainage cells, and acts as natural heat insulation for the building. Double-glazed glass panels also reduce heat penetration, minimising the energy consumption of the air-conditioning system, while the Solar Park, one of the largest collection of solar panels – 405 in all – currently in operation in Singapore, generates about 50% of the daytime electricity needed for indoor lighting and power points at the barrage.

A rainwater collection system harnesses rainwater to meet irrigation requirements, and water-efficient fixtures such as waterless urinals and water-efficient taps are installed at restrooms in Marina Barrage to effectively reduce water consumption.

In addition, highlighting Singapore’s efforts and achievements in maintaining a sustainable environment, the Sustainable Singapore Gallery housed within the facility educates the public on important environmental and water issues through interactive multi-media displays, exhibits and games.

with more than a quarter million visitors since its opening, Marina Barrage has hosted more than 40 local and international events. It will be also be the venue for the rowing and canoeing competitions of the Youth Olympic Games in 2010.


SINGAPORE, May 27, 2009 (Nanyang100.com) --