Carrie Tan on Building Control (Amendment) Bill

Some residents enjoy their meals at the void decks and common stairwells just outside their flats, amidst the cool breeze of the reservoir or other community views. MP Carrie Tan said these are “smart” residents who know how to live in harmony with nature and save on electricity bills. Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday (Sep 10), she wants to see more people bringing back the “pleasurable experience” of enjoying the cool breeze on a hot day, just like what the older generation used to do. The younger generation, who are “aircon natives”, may not have many such experiences, she said. Noting that increasing natural ventilation is now an intentional component of HDB's design process for public housing and spaces, she said she hopes this can be mandated in progressive phases for commercial buildings as well. She urged the Government to require parts of buildings to be opened up to achieve natural light and ventilation and provide grants and support. She pointed out that air-conditioning is now the “go-to solution” for relief from the heat but air-conditioned buildings contribute to the heat island effect. Singapore must do two things - reverse this process and convert buildings that are currently fully air-conditioned to hybrid buildings with more natural ventilation, and make natural ventilation the default for new buildings. Ms Tan said this may sound wildly ambitious, but it is “entirely doable”.