keep cool
URA’s research and development group director Chiu Wen Tung said the study will provide data on how heat affects Singaporeans and inform cooling solutions pursued by the agency. .
The agency is incorporating “climate-smart design” into its plans, such as locating buildings in new neighborhoods to increase wind speeds and shade. Cool paint is another way to reduce building temperatures, he said.
After the panel discussion, Mr Chiu told the media that trials of “cool paints” conducted by the Housing Development Board showed that the temperature of blocks using such paints could drop by about 2 degrees Celsius. said that it was done.
According to the study, even if the world continues on a path to sustainable growth, Singapore can expect more hot days as it approaches the end of this century. The study also predicts warmer nights and more days with high heat stress.
Singapore will get warmer under all scenarios, with average annual temperatures expected to rise by 0.6°C to 5°C by the end of this century.
“Singapore is a tropical country, so we have always had to deal with heat,” Mr Chiu said. “And then there’s the heat from urbanization’s heat island effect, and now perhaps…up to 5 degrees Celsius depending on the scenarios presented by climate change based on version 3, so the heat will always be there if we don’t.” But the version 3 findings probably added to the urgency. ”
As for how it will work with the private sector, Chiu said URA is investing in research into cooling measures, but implementation will require buy-in from the private sector.
“Builders, developers, building owners, architects and landscape designers all need to come on board and help build buildings that incorporate all of these climate-friendly designs. You get higher wind flow, shade provision, more expansive greenery,” and strategies to help lower temperatures. ”