..."Greening urban areas is not just about making places look nice. Evaluate the contribution of green areas in cities to meeting the goals of sustainable development" (40 marks) Sustainable development is most frequency defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Thus, sustainable development means finding a balance between the fulfillment of human needs with the protection of the natural environment. Sustainable development can be conceptually broken into three constituent parts environmental protection, economic sustainability, and social wellbeing. In this essay I will evaluate how cities have used urban greening to make steps towards sustainable development. To do this I will focus on Singapore and Hamburg. Firstly, green urban areas act as vital regulating ecosystem services meaning they help to control the climate. Metropolitan areas like Singapore are often affected by the urban heat island effect whereby the inner city can be up to 5°C warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities (e.g. the use of cars). Areas of urban greening, for example Fort Canning Park, Singapore’s 18 hectare conservation park, have the ability to undertake the vital role of offsetting the urban heat island effect (UHI). Due to the parks location it acts as a green lung for Singapore’s CBD. With an estimated 1,700 trees the park absorbs heat and has an evaporative cooling effect. As well...
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...A study by the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) Sustainable Building and Construction Initiative (SBCI) have shown that the building and construction industry worldwide is responsible for a third of total energy use and in most parts of the world, the greatest contributor of greenhouse gas (GHG) (UNEP-SBCI, 2009). One would therefore think that the efforts resulting from the Kyoto protocol which sets binding targets to reduce GHG emissions would focus on the Building and Construction industry, and this is an opinion which may be true. The effect of the protocol have seen a paradigm shift in the industry towards a ‘Sustainable Development’ movement, being more conscious to the effects the industry has on the environment. The building and construction industry in Singapore has also recognised the need to protect the environment and there have been various efforts to encourage construction activities which may reduce GHG emissions such as the use of alternative energy, recycling construction materials, alternative materials and various government-led initiatives. Singapore however is a small city-state which the UNFCC recognises as an alternative energy-disadvantaged state, facing difficulties in using alternative energy given its small size and compact area (NEA, 2014). Nevertheless, Singapore continues to moderate its GHG emissions by exploring the use of alternative energy sources, particularly natural gas and solar energy. The switch to natural gas has effectively...
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...Understanding Green Building Construction in Singapore Abstract: Given the pressing environmental issues that is plaguing the world in the 21st century coupled with the global changing of the climate each day, Green Building Construction is starting to be more recognized among counties. Most countries around the world are looking more towards sustainable development in the long term. Such is the case of Singapore as it established various schemes and initiatives to address the environmental degradation problems that it is facing at the moment. In this paper, I will be elaborating the approach that has been undertaken by the Singapore Government in its efforts to developing Green and sustainable buildings in Singapore. From up to date, the initiatives were quite successful but there are still certain limitations which will be addressed at the later part. No doubt that Singapore has enjoyed some success in the area of Green Construction, it will still be imperative for Singapore to continuously improve itself and maintain its success should it want to keep its competitive advantage internationally in the long run. Key words: Green Building Construction, Climate change, sustainable development, environmental degradation, continuous improve Contents Page | | Abstract | 2 | 1.0 | Introduction | 4 | 2.0 | Research Methodology | 6 | 3.0 | Benefits of Green Construction | 6 | 4.0 | Singapore’s Commitment to Green Construction | 8 | 4.1 | Green Mark Scheme 2005...
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...transportation strategy cannot rely on building roads and more roads to serve its populace’s travel needs. It needs a comprehensive and affordable public transport system and sustainable demand management tools. Hence, its recently launched Land Transport MasterPlan is based on making public transport a choice mode, while continuing to manage road usage and to meet the diverse needs of its travelers. A key element to meet these objectives is the continued use of road pricing. Road pricing has long been associated with Singapore, starting way back in June 1975. Many changes have been made to the road-pricing scheme since that time. Started as a manual scheme based on paper permits and hence, using little technology, it has evolved to become a sophisticated system today, involving various technologies. The economic principles for road pricing however, continues to be valid but the charging structure had been evolving to keep the scheme effective, and deriving benefits to the community as a whole. References Sun Sheng Han, ( 2010, 'Managing motorization in sustainable transport planning: the Singapore experience', Journal Of Transport Geography, 18, pp. 314-321, ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost, viewed 4 May 2012. ABOUT Its innovation is to allow a parallel growth in motorization and public transit. The Singapore experience demonstrates how a range of well coordinated policies including efforts to control the number of cars in both...
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...William Angliss Institute Final Report Integrated Resorts The Report for Gaming Operations Subject By Quynh Nhu Dang 28 August 2013 Teacher: Simon Hamm Table of Contents Introduction3 Body3 1.An overview of what is Integrated resort a) Sun city – South Africa 2. An overview of the Singapore Government’s approach to Integrated Resorts b) Singapore + Marina Land Bay + Sentosa 3.Objectives and aims, what will happen in the future ? . Discussion and Conclusion Recommendations and Implementation . References Integrated resorts I. Introduction The purpose of this report was to analyse the definition of the topic Integrated resort, also to explain different fields including geography locations, operational aspect and business entity. According to Nunkoo and Ramkinsoon (2010), the implementation of integrated resorts has been regarded as an option to operate sustain the economy and cash flows .While investigating these aspects of integrated destinations, it is also very important to consider the standard features and benefits. The information used will depend consisting of online website and individual knowledge. The intention of society dissection is to specify and provide ways to enhance the life of the citizens and the socio-economic requirements of the community (Board of Investment, 2009). Gaming areas, restaurant, hotels, retail shopping and other tourist attractions are consisting to be one: Integrated resort. When the term “IR” appears...
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...Singbridge and Singapore * how Singbridge is more than an investment subsidiary and how Singbridge bridges businesses between Singapore and China to develop the Chingapore Model and even more What is Singbridge Singbridge, a wholly owned subsidiary of Temasek Holdings, invests in, develops and manages integrated cities and sustainable solutions internationally which leverage on Singapore’s successful development experience. Formed in June 2009 (Temasek Holdings, 2010), Singbridge has key staff with extensive experience in large scale integrated projects in Singapore and overseas. What is its mission Singbridge’s strategic intent is to capitalize on the two global mega trends of massive urbanization and environmental improvement, especially in Asia, to create a new growth platform for Singapore. (Singbridge, 2013) Why this mission (知“己”Knowing Itself) With extensive study of the development trend of global cities and Singbridge’s portfolio, I believe that Singbridge is effectively practicing excellent strategic management decision. With the following Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat (SWOT) analysis and dissection of the company’s mission statement, we can better understand how Singbridge can effectively capitalize on its expertise to create its Blue Ocean in urban development. Strength: 1. A team of experts in urban planning and development with recognized experience. 2. Strong country brand capital enables Singbridge to sell its expertise...
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...Student Name Professor Name University Date Mission and vision Answer:- Mission City Square is the company which aims to be a leader in eco-friendly, sustainable construction of commercial complexes within and throughout the country. The company has a strong focus on Safety and sustainability. The company is committed to its ‘Safe and Green’ culture which will have a strong focus and emphasis on environmental and occupational health and safety for all the projects. The company will use sustainable building practice and will use environmental friendly and organic material which will help in minimizing pollution. The goals of our company to became a pioneer in eco-friendly, sustainable construction of commercial complexes within and throughout Ontario. Vision We will be recognized as leaders in eco-construction, and will pioneer the development of eco-complexes. We will submit very high level of quality service in the construction industry and will raise the environmental and community conservation and preservation through our new strategic goals and objectives. City Square Mall in Singapore is one of the first malls that have integrated with an urban park. There are many types of experiences and learning’s for the visitors regarding the environment and how can we protect the environment. Operational Strategy Description of the mall This mall will be built at one of the busiest junction of Singapore. The mall will be the highest building in the area since there is nothing high...
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...small land size of Singapore, what are the main urban obstacles facing the citizens? It is because of Singapore’s small land size that we’ve had to reconcile liveability, environmental sustainability, and economic competitiveness more so than many other cities, even as urban density increases with population growth. As a city-state, Singapore has limited resources. The scarcity of land has been and will continue to be a challenge we face, both for our citizens and the government. The small land area is related to other urban challenges such as traffic congestion and maintaining a liveable environment with adequate greenery and a sense of space. The challenge of balancing economic and population growth with liveability and sustainability is multi-faceted. Besides policy and technology innovations, the key is for all stakeholders to work together – government, businesses and the people to engage in positive interactions and collaborate on all fronts in order to overcome the urban obstacles. As many cities globally face increasing urban density, Singapore’s experience in ensuring a liveable and sustainable environment in spite of our population density is very relevant. At the same time, Singapore has much to learn from other cities. This is why platforms such as the World Cities Summit play a crucial role in facilitating necessary sharing and learning. The World Cities Summit from June 1-4 will have more than 130 mayors and city leaders gathering in Singapore, along with thousands...
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...SINGAPORE Singapore is located at the southern tip of the Malaysian peninsula and just over 100 km north of the equator. It consists of the island of Singapore and about 60 islets within its territorial waters, covering a total land area of 712.4 sq. km. Singapore is situated near the equator and has a typically tropical climate, with abundant rainfall, high and uniform temperatures, and high humidity all year round. Many of its climate variables, such as temperature and relative humidity, do not show large month-to-month variation. However, many variables exhibit prominent diurnal (or daily) variations from hour to hour, indicating the strong influence that solar heating has on the local climate. Singapore is one of the world's leading commercial hubs, with the fourth-biggest financial center and one of the five busiest ports. Singapore has developed rapidly from a third world to a first world country in five decades by prioritizing the twin goals of developing a competitive economy and pursuing environmental sustainability. Both are important in order to attract investors and enhance quality of life. Singapore is resource-constrained, and imports most of its food, water and natural resources. As an island city-state, it has its own share of existing environmental challenges, particularly with air quality levels, in part due to regional transboundary haze. Having developed its industrial base and achieved high economic growth in the last four decades, current...
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...Singapore and the Contemporary Right to the City When Henri Lefebvre first conceived of the right to the city in 1968, the Internet had not yet been invented; today, it is impossible to imagine a world without it. Advances in technology have allowed for dramatic improvements in the standard of living, and citizens in cities should have the right to realize these benefits. Singapore is striving to become a smart city, and has incorporated information and communication technology throughout the city that has resulted in improvements in transportation, sustainability, convenience and productivity. The contemporary right to the city is one in which all citizens have the right of access to technology, and Singapore is one city where this right is being satisfied. Lefebvre argued that every citizen, regardless of demographic should have the right of access to jobs, services, land and homes, and the right to contribute in changes to the city. While all of these rights certainly remain applicable today, the contemporary right to the city is one that also includes access to technology. Singapore is one of the densest cities in the world, with over 7,000 people per square kilometer, and as the city has become increasingly urbanized, it has turned to technology in order to ensure that the quality of life remains high. The city has undertaken a massive project to transform itself into one of the smartest cities in the world, with the government spending tens of billions of dollars...
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...years that the traditional method. The trees are grown on the empty spaces between the rice paddies together with other cash crops. These are Double A’s raw material in producing paper which promotes sustainable development and cause no harm to the trees in the natural forest. These trees are cared by more than 1.5 millions Thai farmers. This offers jobs and income for the local Thai families. Company differentiates its product from any other paper in the market by focusing on its 7 benefits to buy Double A’s product which are 1.Good runability 2.Two-sided copying 3.Printing sharpness 4.Bright appearance 5.Prolong performance of copier 6.Time saving 7.Longer storage period for documents Most of the products are sold internationally with the proportion of 35% nationally and 65% internationally. Main countries that Double A export to are Asian countries which are Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong kong, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Sri lanka, Taiwan, Vietnam, Iran and Turkey( 51%), Australia and New Zealand (4%), Europe(5%) and others(5%). Double A has widely established their networks with many factory mills and network offices include domestic and overseas branches all over the world. There are branches in big cities across the world such as Bangkok, Hong kong,...
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...diverse and ranges from municipals to the industrial, institutional and commercial sectors (800 super, 2015). 800 has posted healthy profits year after year, with FY2014 revenue increasing 17.9% to S$115 million and net profit after tax improving 57.1% to $9.1 million (Chairman Statement, 2014); as of HY2015, revenue has already increased 95.4% to S$12.3 million, pushing current net profit to S$4.6 million (800 super, 2015). 800’s recent prominent deals include a Ministry of Home Affairs S$38.6 million three-year contract for cleaning and horticultural services in the East and West regions (shareinvestor, 2015). Winning two out of eight integrated public cleaning (IPC) seven-year contracts in the North-west and South-west regions of Singapore to the tune of S$302.2 million; receiving one out of only four NEA-approved solid waste management provider licenses and getting re-contracted another seven-years for one out of six public waste collection (PWC) tenders in the Ang Mo Kio – Toa Payoh sector worth S$160.6 million. Other key milestones in the last five-years include the Enterprise...
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...What we have learned from developed cities abroad: An efficient infrastructure facilitates delivery of information, goods and services, supports economic growth and assists is achieving social objectives such as raising the living standards and educational levels * Encourage more compact development The best example would have to be Singapore, where they made public spaces work harder and developed affordable mixed-use neighborhoods. Singapore also relieved density by adding a variety of green boundaries around neighborhoods. With compact development, it becomes possible to achieve sustainability on a national level because it allows neighborhoods and employment centers concentration of population and employment, create a mix of uses, and encourage pedestrian-, bicycle-, and transit-friendly design. Moreover, this kind of development improves physical and social activities and prioritizes public spaces. * Singapore’s New Towns supported by Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system This plan constituted of construction of high-density housing estates called as New Town, which are connected by a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system linking them to the central business district and the industrial estates. Apart from urban roads, the MRT lines are also served by three Light Rapid Transit (LRT) systems, which act as feeders. * Singapore’s Green Plan This is a government blueprint addressing the challenges of Clean Air, Clean Water and Clean Land. Clean Air seeks to phase...
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...Corporate Concrete Jungle Michael Pohling Abstract: This paper analyzes the staggeringly low fertility rate in Singapore and compares it to countries around the world. The research strives to find a highly statistically significant variable through simple linear regression analysis that attributes to the low fertility rate. The paper then provides a logical way to manipulate this variable to promote a sustainable fertility rate for the future growth and development of the country. 1. Introduction It is undeniable that the future of a country depends on the ability of the population to promote a healthy rate of economic and social growth through a sustainable fertility rate. This truth is particularly evident in the country of Singapore because the fertility rate directly attributes to the growth of the completely urban economic environment within the city-state. The estimated total fertility rate of .79 in Singapore is lower than any other country in the world (CIA 2013). This low and downward-trending figure is arguably the single most relevant concurrent issue within the city-state that will have direct negative impact on the economic and social longevity of the country if no solution is found. 2. Discussion and Analysis: Finding the root of the problem A low fertility rate is inherently a self-reinforcing effect in a developed society such as Singapore. As the birthrate falls, the population for each new generation that will mature and become responsible for future...
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...3.3. Strategies 3. Green city: Environmental Sustainability 5-6 4.4. Failures 4.5. Strategies 4. Distinctive Singapore Identity 7 5.6. Failures 5.7. Strategies 5. Online references 8 * Land Use Plan 2030 Singapore and A New Vision To it Creating Dynamic Economy * Creating a dynamic economy which will generate good jobs, opportunities and resources so as to invest in the city and the people thus help them achieve their aspirations. As poor growth also affect the people who are less educated and the employment. * Looking at the demographic profile it is seen that Singaporeans are becoming better educated with 70% of citizens aged 25-29 have diploma qualifications and above. By 2030 the expected rise in PMET jobs will be nearly 50% to about 1.25 million compared to 850,000 today while the other non-PMET jobs are expected to fall by 20% to about 650,000 compared to 850,000 today. By 2030, two-third jobs will be held by Singaporeans compared to about half today. * To create this number of good jobs it is needed to i. remain competitive to tap Asia’s growth, ii. make a strong Singaporean workforce, iii. Complement the Singaporean core with the foreign workforce. * Creating more commercial and urban centres near homes would help meet higher aspirations and new lifestyle preferences. As currently the employment sector is in western region and in the city while the housing is in the north...
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