Carbon Footprint for Retrofitting Old Buildings Compared with Demolition

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for National Development in view of the high carbon emissions associated with the demolition of buildings (a) whether the Building and Construction Authority guidelines or regulations take into consideration the lighter carbon footprint associated with retrofitting old buildings compared with demolition; and (b) whether there are any schemes that give financial incentives to projects which retrofit old buildings rather than demolish them.

Under the Building Control (Environmental Sustainability) Regulations, building projects are required to implement a minimum number of sustainable construction practices, such as retaining existing building structures for adaptive reuse where feasible. On top of this, Building and Construction Authority (BCA)'s voluntary Green Mark scheme recognises redevelopment projects that retain existing building structures and reuse or recycle demolished materials. These measures help to encourage the reuse or retention of existing structures in building projects where possible.

To encourage retrofitting of conserved buildings, the Urban Redevelopment Authority provides incentives, such as tax concessions and additional floor area, for owners who renovate their buildings to meet new uses while enhancing the building's character. Building owners who wish to undertake energy efficiency retrofits can also apply for BCA's Green Mark Incentive Scheme for Existing Buildings 2.0 to co-fund the cost of these works.