Singapore Is Building A ‘Smart’ Green City With Centralized Air Conditioning
Image via Singapore Housing & Development Board
The Southeast Asian city-state of Singapore aspires to become more environmentally-focused with a new “smart” city of 42,000 homes.
The forthcoming “Forest Town,” located in a district called Tengah, will feature nature-centric neighborhoods where residents will be invited to be “At Home with Nature” and revel in its benefits.
The town will include a car-free city center, which will be hoisted above roads, to allow pedestrians and cyclists to move around freely and safely. There will also be an automated waste collection system, which will utilize high-speed air to carry trash, as well as a smart lighting system that moderates itself according to the time and level of human traffic.
Image via Singapore Housing & Development Board
Perhaps the most compelling attribute is the eco town’s centralized air conditioning, a feature that the Singaporean government believes could be central in cutting emissions.
The country of under six million residents might be smaller than New York City, but, as Robb Report points out, it emits more greenhouse gases per capita than the UK and China. Being close to the Equator, the urban nation has a hot and humid climate all year round, driving locals to rely on air-conditioning units much of the time.
Introducing a centralized cooling system, which will also promote wind flow, will hopefully eliminate the widespread dependency on home AC units.
The district will also be readied for a spectrum of facilities, like an integrated community hub, a town center, medical establishments, and a sports hub. Additionally, it will welcome greener efforts and activities, like farmer’s markets and farm-to-table dining.
According to CNN, prices for two-bedroom units in the settlement currently start from S$108,000 (US$81,000). The first set of apartments are expected to see completion in 2023.
Image via Singapore Housing & Development Board
Image via Singapore Housing & Development Board
Image via Singapore Housing & Development Board
Image via Singapore Housing & Development Board
[via Robb Report, images via Singapore Housing & Development Board]
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