Sustainability Science Integrated Policies Promoting Interaction-Based Building Design Concept as a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy for Singapore and Beyond

Abstract

The latest IPCC report reinforced the idea that a complete climate change strategy must consider both the mitigation and adaptation aspects of addressing the causes and possible effects of climate change. The Singapore National Climate Change Strategy (NCCS) has included both these strategic aspects. Although the NCCS contains broad directions and statements on adaptation, there is almost no mention in the industry at the national level on the detailed strategies to adapt building stocks and infrastructures to cope with the possible consequences of climate change. This study sets out to find out what local industry experts think the most likely effects of climate change in Singapore are, and the most suitable strategies of adapting building stocks and infrastructures to these likely effects. A series of structured interviews were conducted using the Delphi technique. Incoherence was observed between the arrived consensus on the possible effects of climate change on Singapore and the required strategies. Based on this observation, an integrated interaction-based design concept for building was proposed by first characterizing the problem with three design elements – water, soil and built environment. Various policy strategies were then suggested, which were then combined with the help of four integrated policy strategies aimed at promoting adaptation measures for the building industry. Suggestions were also given on how this model can also be applied to countries and territories at large.