Sustainable Construction in Singapore 2025

Solar panels on rooftop

Did you know? Singapore is racing toward its 80-80-80 Green Building Masterplan goals by 2030.

With stricter regulations, innovative technologies, and rising demand for greener spaces, the next five years will redefine how buildings are designed, built, and maintained.

In this post, we forecast the practices that will shape the built environment of tomorrow and highlight what developers, architects, and product suppliers need to know.

1. Super Low Energy (SLE) and Zero Energy Buildings (ZEBs)

By 2030, 80% of new developments must meet Super Low Energy (SLE) standards. Some pioneers are already moving toward net-zero energy buildings (ZEBs), which generate as much energy as they consume.

Current examples include the NUS SDE4 Building which is Singapore’s first new-build net-zero energy building, as well as CapitaSpring which integrates energy-efficient and biophilic design.

In light of this, developers will need to integrate passive design, high-performance insulation, smart sensors, and renewable energy generation (e.g., solar PV) into their project design.

2. Retrofitting as the New Norm

With the introduction of Mandatory Energy Improvement (MEI) measures from 2025, existing buildings must audit and reduce energy use. As such, retrofitting is set to outpace new builds in demand.

Some of these areas include:

• Using advanced waterproofing and anti-condensation systems to extend building lifespan,

• Incorporating smart glazing, insulation, and shading solutions,

• Upgrading cooling technologies to hybrid or radiant systems.

3. Sustainable Cooling and Climate Adaptation

Singapore’s tropical climate makes cooling a critical focus.

The Go 25 campaign, which promotes setting indoor air-conditioning at 25°C or higher, is gaining traction, alongside new cooling technologies that are environmentally friendly.

Here are some methods that developers and building architects have utilised:

• Reflective coatings that reduce heat gain

• Nanotech insulation, such as Nano-Star's Thermal Screed and Thermal Jacket

• Natural ventilation systems

• Hybrid radiant cooling systems

4. Greener, Smarter Materials

With an increased focus on sustainability and reducing construction waste, the industry is shifting from traditional concrete and steel to low-carbon, circular, and nano-enhanced materials.

These materials include:

• Carbon-cured concrete that locks in CO₂

• Nanotechnology coatings for waterproofing, condensation prevention, and thermal regulation

• Bamboo composites and bio-based insulation

Materials will need to be assessed based on lifecycle performance, recyclability, and reduced maintenance requirements.

At Nano-Star, we are committed to innovating and providing sustainable construction solutions that can last for the long-haul.

As the industry shifts to a greater focus on sustainability, we believe that everyone has a role to play in building a greener tomorrow for Singapore and beyond.