Ten projects recognised for outstanding greenery under the National Parks Board’s Landscape Excellence Assessment Framework (LEAF) Certification Scheme

- Two new parks attained highest level of platinum awards

The National Parks Board (NParks) has concluded the Landscape Excellence Assessment Framework (LEAF) for 2021, which recognises projects with outstanding greenery. Launched in 2013, 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. This is one of the four key thrusts in our vision to transform Singapore into a City in Nature – a key pillar of the Singapore Green Plan 2030, a national movement to chart our course for sustainable development.

LEAF certificates were awarded to ten diverse projects including six parks and gardens and four developments. They are:

New projects

·       Thomson Nature Park

·       Gallop Extension (Singapore Botanic Gardens)

·       Yunnan Garden (National Technological University)

·       Tropical Montane Orchidetum (National Orchid Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens)

·       Active Garden (Gardens by the Bay)

·       The Garden Residences (Residential)

·       Stars of Kovan (Residential – mixed use)

Existing projects

·       Fort Siloso Heritage Park

·       St. Andrew’s Nursing Home Buangkok (Healthcare)

·       Sentosa Cove Resort Management (Residential)

Platinum Certifications

The Gallop Extension at the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Thomson Nature Park were awarded the platinum certification, which is the highest level under LEAF.

The Gallop Extension, an eight-hectare expansion of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, was opened in 2021. Forming one-half of the Tyersall-Gallop Core, the extension was developed on land that was largely unoccupied for several decades. The project is distinguished by sensitive restoration and conservation of the natural and cultural heritage, application of biophilic design principles with fun and educational interpretive elements, and active participation of corporate sponsors and public in the project. One of the key highlights was how it leveraged on existing structures and surrounding undulating topography to create a pleasing and soothing picturesque landscape.

Located east of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve (CCNR), Thomson Nature Park is one of the latest additions to the buffer parks around CCNR. This 50-hectare buffer park complements existing nature parks, including Springleaf and Windsor Nature Parks, by providing alternative green spaces for the public to enjoy nature-related activities and enhancing the existing ecological network for biodiversity with its rich flora and fauna. As the site of a former Hainan Village, Thomson Nature Park is unique for its rich cultural heritage, and it is also home to many rare and locally endangered animals. The strong efforts to highlight and conserve existing trees, such as designing pathways around existing trees, was one of the key highlights that resulted in its platinum award.

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 five years; after which, a reassessment can be done to ensure that developments continue to maintain and manage their green areas.

As Singapore transforms into a City in Nature, nature will be restored into the urban landscape. LEAF serves to acknowledge and encourage organisations’ efforts to restore nature into the built environment, which helps bring greenery closer to Singaporeans’ everyday lives. Restoring nature will mitigate the harshness of the urban environment and bring the therapeutic effects of greenery directly to homes and workplaces, contributing to our City in Nature vision. Since the start of LEAF in 2013, 68 projects have been certified under LEAF.

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

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