Which comes first for green buildings: technology transformation or cultural change?

(Eco Business, 11 Sep 2019) New measures unveiled at the first International Built Environment Week in Singapore aim to drive digitalisation in the sector. But a culture of openness to change is equally important, speakers emphasised.

Amid global trends of rapid urbanisation, digitalisation and climate change, the construction sector must transform itself to meet growing demand for infrastructure while reducing damage done to the environment. 

The construction sector lags others when it comes to productivity and technology adoption, said experts at the inaugural International Built Environment Conference in Singapore last week.

But with regional demand for infrastructure holding strong, now is the time to play catch-up if Singapore’s built environment sector is to take advantage of opportunities, said Lawrence Wong, the city-state’s Minister for National Development, in his opening address.

The built environment is responsible for 39 per cent of global carbon emissions and 50 per cent, or 42.4 billion tonnes, of materials consumed every year. The latter will double by 2050, said Lisa Bate, chair of the World Green Building Council (WGBC). 

“People take potshots at the aviation sector, which contributes 2 per cent of global emissions. You may say that those of us who are able to fly are an entitled bunch, but still when you look at where we can get big savings, the built environment is a large part to focus on,” she told an audience of industry professionals. 

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Eco Business, 11 Sep 2019: Which comes first for green buildings: technology transformation or cultural change?