Nine Developments Recognised for Outstanding Greenery under the National Parks Board's New Landscape Excellence Assessment Framework Certification Scheme

19 August 2013, Singapore - The National Parks Board (NParks) has launched a new certification scheme to recognise development projects with outstanding greenery. Called the Landscape Excellence Assessment Framework (LEAF), the scheme is the first and only one in Singapore solely dedicated to the provision and management of greenery. With LEAF, NParks aims to encourage more greenery in Singapore’s urban landscape. Today, nine developments were certified LEAF at the launch ceremony held in HortPark.

This morning, Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Minister for National Development and Guest-of-Honour at the launch ceremony, presented LEAF certificates to nine diverse developments including four condominiums, two HDB estates, a hospital, a hotel and an office building. They are:

New developments

•           Corals at Keppel Bay (Condominium)

•           Senja Parc View (HDB estate)

•           The Interlace (Condominium)

•           The Rainforest (Executive Condominium)

Existing developments

•           158 Cecil Street (Office building)

•           Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

•           Newton Suites (Condominium)

•           Pangshan Grove (HDB estate)

•           Siloso Beach Resort (Hotel)

Speaking at the event, Mr Poon Hong Yuen, CEO of NParks said, "Over the years, Singapore has developed a proven track record in greening our urban landscape amid economic growth. This sense of pervasive greenery is evident on our roads, in parks and park connectors, and also on buildings. This is achieved not only through government effort, but also the hard work and creativity of like-minded members of the community, including developers. Through LEAF, we are able to recognise developers and property owners who have creatively weaved greenery and nature into their developments."

Mr Tan Swee Yiow, President (Singapore), Keppel Land Ltd, said, “The LEAF certification for Corals reaffirms our commitment to develop properties that support healthy eco-systems as well as sustain natural resources. This is increasingly relevant as environmental issues dominate global agendas and homebuyers become eco-conscious.”

Dr Cheong Koon Hean, CEO of HDB, said, “Good landscape and lush greenery are absolutely critical even as webuild in a high rise and high density environment. Through our work with nature, I want to create a green and restful sanctuary and home for our residents.”

LEAF is applicable to new and existing development projects. They are assessed under two key areas: greenery provision and landscape management. Bonus points are given for additional effort to promote public appreciation of greenery. The certification is valid for three years; after which, a reassessment can be done to ensure that developments continue to maintain and manage their green areas.

Developers and maintenance agents of new and existing developments can apply to be certified under LEAF via e-mail at nparks_leaf@nparks.gov.sg. More information on LEAF can be found at www.nparks.gov.sg/leaf