By Audrey Tan, The Straits Times, 5 Nov 2013
WITH its energy-efficient escalators, natural skylights, and raised roof for better ventilation, Woodlands MRT station has become the first train station in Singapore to be certified environmentally friendly.
These "green" features, which also include toilet taps that reduce the rate of water flow, were rolled out progressively over the past year.
For its energy and water efficiency, among other things, the station earned a Green Mark (Gold) award from the Building and Construction Authority.
Yesterday, National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan, an MP for Sembawang GRC, officially launched the station as Singapore's first eco-friendly one.
The Green Mark Scheme recognises buildings for being environmentally friendly.
To be certified, a building has to meet at least five criteria, which include environmental protection and indoor environmental quality.
President and chief executive of SMRT Corporation Desmond Kuek said the company wants to adopt this model of green operations at its other MRT stations and retail space.
The Straits Times understands that the operator is studying if other existing, above-ground stations have a shot at getting the Green Mark certification.
When asked how green efforts would translate into cost, Mr Kuek said: "Green efforts and economics have to go hand in hand. When we make decisions... we will ensure that environmental and economic sustainability are well-balanced."
Woodlands resident Nor Hasidah, 32, welcomed these new features, pointing to how a better ventilated platform has improved the waiting experience at the station.
"It is quite crowded especially with the shopping mall in the area," the customer service officer said. "But the new installations have made the experience more comfortable," she said.
Twenty-eight of the 33 tenants at Woodlands Xchange, a shopping area within the station that has retail and food and beverage outlets, were also the first shops to be certified with the new Project: Eco-Shop label.
"It is quite crowded especially with the shopping mall in the area," the customer service officer said. "But the new installations have made the experience more comfortable," she said.
Twenty-eight of the 33 tenants at Woodlands Xchange, a shopping area within the station that has retail and food and beverage outlets, were also the first shops to be certified with the new Project: Eco-Shop label.
Jointly developed by SMRT and the Singapore Environment Council (SEC), the label encourages shops to be environmentally responsible by installing and adopting eco-friendly fixtures and habits.
The remaining five tenants at Woodlands Xchange are expected to be certified by early next year.
Fast-food restaurant Burger King, for example, has installed LED lighting that lasts longer and is powered by less energy. Plastic, paper cartons and general trash are also sorted and put in recycling bins.
Its head of operations, Mr Jonathan Liew, said: "Woodlands MRT station has designated disposal points, which make it easier for us to separate trash."
When shops go green, merits are twofold, said SEC executive director Jose Raymond.
He said: "Retailers will be able to save on costs, which will affect their bottom line, and they can be responsible stewards of the environment."
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