INTRODUCTION

CRITERIA AND SCORING SYSTEM

BCA Green Mark is a green building rating system to evaluate a building for its environmental impact and performance. It is endorsed and supported by the National Environment Agency. It provides a comprehensive framework for assessing building performance and environmental friendliness. Buildings are awarded the BCA Green Mark based on five key criteria:-

• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency
• Site/Project Development & Management (Building Management & Operation for existing buildings)
• Good Indoor Environmental Quality & Environmental Protection
• Innovation

Under the Green Mark assessment system, points are awarded for incorporating environment-friendly features which are better than normal practice. The assessment identifies designs where specific targets are met. Meeting one or more indicates that the building is likely to be more environmental friendly than buildings where the issues have not been addressed. The total number of points obtained provides an indication of the environmental friendliness of the building design.

The assessment process consists of an initial assessment leading to the award of the Green Mark. Subsequently, buildings are required to have triennial assessment. This is to ensure that the Green Mark building continues to be well-maintained. Buildings are awarded Platinum, Gold^PLUS, Gold or Certified rating depending on the points scored. Apart from achieving the minimum points in each rating scale, the project has to meet all pre-requisite requirements, and score a minimum of 50% of the points in each category, except the Innovation category.

BCA Green Mark has assessment criteria for two main categories: New Buildings and Existing Buildings. The scheme for new building will provide the opportunity for developers to design and construct green, sustainable buildings which can promote energy savings, water savings, healthier indoor environments and adoption of greenery for their projects. The scheme for existing building will enable building owners and operators to meet their sustainable operations goals and to reduce adverse impacts of their buildings on the environment and occupant health over their entire life cycle.

New buildings assessed under the Green Mark will require triennial assessment to maintain their Green Mark status. They will be assessed under the existing buildings criteria during the triennial assessment. For existing buildings, they will be assessed under the existing buildings criteria unless they are undergoing a major refurbishment programme.

Please click here to view and download Green Mark Assessment Criteria

BENEFITS OF GREEN MARK

BCA Green Mark provides a meaningful differentiation of buildings in the real estate market. It is a benchmarking scheme which incorporates internationally recognized best practices in environmental design and performance. This can have positive effect on corporate image, leasing and resale value of buildings. Benefits of BCA Green Mark include:

• Facilitate reduction in water and energy bills,
• Reduce potential environmental impact,
• Improve indoor environmental quality for a healthy and productive workplace,
• Provide clear direction for continual improvement

APPLICATIONS AND ASSESSMENT PROCESS

Developers, building owners and government agencies would have to submit an application form to BCA to register their interest in participating in the BCA Green Mark Scheme.

BCA assessment team will have a preliminary meeting with the project team or building management team to brief on the criteria and request for relevant reports and documentary proofs to substantiate the subsequent submissions.

Actual assessment will be conducted at a later date to be confirmed with the team. A typical assessment duration will be one day. Assessment includes documentary reviews and site verifications. Subsequent visits may be needed if clarifications are required. An assessment report and results will be submitted to the participants after the completion of all assessments and visits.

Buildings that are certified under the BCA Green Mark will need to be re-assessed once every three years to maintain their Green Mark status. For any clarification on the BCA Green Mark Scheme, please contact: