Over the course of 2020, Singapore will provide 24.8 million dollars for the energy-efficient home renovations of one, two and three-room HDB apartments. Thus, if you’re planning the renovation of your flat right now and you’re looking for a source of funding, you’re in luck.
The climate-friendly household package will be rolled out this year, Minister of Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli announced. Who can apply for the funding and what exactly will the process entail?
The climate-friendly household package will include a one-off voucher for 150 dollars. Offered by the National Environment Agency (NEA), the package will be available for investment in energy and water efficient refrigerator models.
As already mentioned, one to three-room HDB flat owners can apply under the new scheme.
According to preliminary estimates, approximately 300,000 households living in HDB apartments will qualify for funding under the scheme.
On top of enjoying a brand new appliance, households will also get to benefit from the energy savings that stem from the use of an energy efficient fridge, the official announcement reads.
In addition to the fridge vouchers, the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources will also offer LED programme vouchers for more energy-efficient light installations at home.
The LED light programme was first launched in 2018. Originally, only one and two-room HDB flat owners could apply. Currently, the programme has been expanded to also offer funding to three-room HDB flat owners.
As a part of the package, each household will receive a 25-dollar voucher for the purchase of LED lights. Current estimates show that LED lights are nearly 80 per cent more energy-efficient than their traditional counterparts like incandescent light bulbs. They’re also 40 per cent more energy-efficient than fluorescent light bulbs.
The LED light programme will benefit 233,000 households. As per official statistics, 64 per cent of these families do not have LED lights currently installed in their home.
Since the LED light programme has been in existence for some time already, there’s evidence of its effectiveness. Already, 8,700 families living in one or two-room HDB flats have received their funding for a switch to a more energy-efficient lighting solution.
The home improvement funding for energy efficiency projects isn’t the only way in which official entities are attempting to counteract environmental changes.
The Minister of Environment and Water Resources also announced various measures that will target refrigeration and air conditions as two of the primary contributors to greenhouse emissions.
These measures will be introduced and enforced by NEA from 2020 to 2023. The primary target is hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – a refrigerant that can be found in a vast range of equipment and climate control units. The problem with HFC is that it can potentially leak at any time – from installation to maintenance and even during the removal of a unit.
Some forms of HFCs used in refrigerator and AC units can trap a lot more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, hence the measures.
One of the things that NEA will do is the introduction of a climate-friendly label that households can use to identify fridges or air conditioning systems that use alternatives to HFCs. According to NEA, currently only 10 per cent of refrigerants installed and used throughout Singapore are climate-friendly.
Companies that want to make a switch to environment-friendly commercial water chillers will also be entitled to NEA grants.
In addition, NEA will launch a course that will help AC technicians handle equipment in the best possible way to minimise the eventual leakage of refrigerants.
It seems that 2020 will be the year of sustainable home improvements in Singapore.
While you may need to invest some money in more energy-efficient and green choices, these deliver a very high return on investment. The conservation of resources you’ll achieve through such solutions will bring down various utility bills, leading to significantly reduced household expenditure in the long run. These savings will help you pay off the home improvements and then save some more!
To make the most of the new grants and other clever energy efficient improvements for your home, you will need the right partner. Luckily, a reputable Singapore interior design company can help you there in a cost-efficient, reliable and tailored way.
To get started with sustainable home improvements, think of what your flat misses the most.
Is it lacking insulation, which leads to escaping heat or cooling? Are your appliances old, which makes them consume a lot of electricity? Or maybe you have items of questionable origin that are potentially emitting VOCs and other harmful compounds?
The first step would be to carry out a thorough home assessment. If you don’t know what you’re doing, the Home Guide interior designers can handle the task for you.
Just schedule an appointment and we’ll come to your HDB flat to analyse its current condition. Based on the state of affairs, we will recommend a personalised renovation plan that will make your house greener and also contribute to the biggest long-term savings.
With the new measures introduced by the government, carrying out a home renovation does not have to be expensive. On top of the funding, you can also benefit from affordable packages and promotional offers to get the best outcome on a limited budget.
Don’t hesitate to check out our residential interior design portfolio and acquaint yourself with the work that we’re most proud of. If you like what you see, contact us today to get work on your brand new sustainable home started.
