HDB's green roof system enhances estates
Green roofs take a lot of science and experimentation to get it right in a smart and sustainable way, said National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan in a blog post today.
One example is the Prefabricated Extensive Green (PEG) Roof System developed by HDB at the rooftops of older HDB blocks or top decks of multi-storey car parks.
Different plant species are grown in these modular lightweight trays. The plant species also have to be hardy to flourish at rooftop.
"One such plant species is the Cyanotis Cristata. Under strong sun and drought conditions, its leaves turn from green to reddish, as though they are ushering in the autumn season. Another is the Zephyranthes Rosea. It usually blooms with beautiful flowers after a rainfall," Mr Khaw wrote.
The HDB Building Research Institute selected them and put them through stress tests, to ensure they thrive well in the climate. These plants were also chosen because they require minimal maintenance, typically twice a year.
Besides beautifying the estates, green HDB rooftops also lower the temperature.
Mr Khaw added, "Beyond rooftops, our greening efforts can also be found in water. Some examples are the mangroves and floating wetlands at MyWaterway@Punggol."
MyWaterway@Punggol features 22 freshwater-tolerant mangroves species, and various floating wetlands plants.
Image source: MND
Muneerah Bee, Senior Journalist at PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact her about this or other stories email muneerah@propertyguru.com.sg
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