The Sustainable Cities Challenge invites tertiary students in junior colleges, polytechnics, Institutes of Technical Education (ITEs) and any tertiary institutions of the equivalent in Singapore to design, innovate and reimagine sustainability through landscapes and architecture. In essence, the competition aims to foster a culture of sustainable design thinking.

By envisioning innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate sustainability into urban landscapes and architectural marvels, participants are given the opportunity to shape a greener and more sustainable future for our cities.

The Challenge

To address design improvements applied to the selected building to achieve a lower carbon footprint.

Participants are to create a comprehensive proposal on how to improve ONE of our industry partner’s buildings using illustrations and relevant case studies.



Hougang Mall

Hougang Mall extends a vibe of vibrancy, warmth and familiarity to its shoppers, many of whom visit the mall several times a week or day, simply to hang out with family and friends or to pick up daily necessities. Popular amongst the residents from the nearby communities, it aims to deliver a truly exceptional retail experience. Now, shoppers can look forward to a plethora of fresh initiatives such as new offerings and events including an ever-changing atrium showcase ranging from delicious dishes, home furnishing, accessories, gifts, electronic gadgets and more.

Established household giants namely Harvey Norman, FairPrice Supermarket, Popular Bookstore and Cheng San Community Library are some of Hougang Mall’s anchor tenants ensuring convenience and familiar comfort to all shoppers under one roof. Hougang Mall is the latest property in our portfolio to be accredited with Building Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Platinum certification for existing non-residential buildings. Despite being a relatively older building, the mall has been made more energy and carbon efficient through upgrading and retrofitting.

Hougang Mall’s existing cooling system was retrofitted to make it more energy efficient. Individual water- cooled package units serving certain tenants will also be removed and these units will be cooled by the new and improved chiller plant. The retrofitted chiller plant is expected to operate 34.4% more efficiently and save 1,000,000 kWh of energy annually. In addition, lights at common areas will be retrofitted with LEDs to have a lighting power improvement from the current 14% to 48.5% (comparing again Singapore Standards’ baselines), saving 100,000 kWh of energy. Through these initiatives, Hougang Mall has successfully reduced its annual carbon emissions by 395 tonnes of CO2e, as well as reduced its annual energy consumption by 968,000 kWh.



Frasers Tower

Nestled in a park of its own, Frasers Tower offers 663,000 sq ft of premium Grade-A office space at the gateway to Singapore’s Central Business District. The 38-storey features indoor and outdoor working areas surrounded by lush greenery and a 3-storey cascading retail podium. Designed to meet the demands of the workforce of tomorrow, Frasers Tower is WiredScore Platinum and SmartScore certified. In addition to world-class digital infrastructure, the development houses
future-focused work spaces built to foster team collaboration, nurture employee well-being, and support technology integration. A recipient of the Singapore Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark Platinum award, Frasers Tower offers a sustainable work-life environment equipped with energy-efficient and smart building features.

Its environmentally friendly design and resource-efficient features include the use of sustainable and recycled materials during construction such as green cement and recycled concrete aggregates. Its double-glazed façade design reduces solar heat gain while its building systems optimise water and energy efficiency and improve indoor air quality. Rainwater is also recycled to irrigate the building’s flora and run the water-cooling system. In addition to its direct link to the Tanjong Pagar MRT station, the office building provides secured bicycle lots with end-of-trip facilities and electric vehicle recharging stations to encourage more sustainable commuting.



Hillview Community Club

Officially opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on 5th May 2019, Hillview Community Club, situated in the heart of the Hillview neighbourhood, is uniquely positioned amidst nature, providing residents with a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, and serves as a dynamic focal point for fostering unity. With a diverse range of facilities, including multipurpose halls and recreational spaces like the newly established Community Library, the club offers a platform for community members to connect and build lasting relationships. Its vibrant calendar of programs and events, thoughtfully curated to cater to the diverse interests of residents of all ages, including children, adults, and seniors, spans across fitness classes, workshops and more. In essence, the Hillview Community Club is not merely a space but a testament to the power of community spirit, enriching the lives of its members and shaping the cohesive identity of the Hillview community.



What are we looking for?

We are looking for proposed improvement solutions for

A) Energy efficiency; AND
B) ANY TWO of the following areas:

  • Interior Design
  • Greenery Integration
  • Mobility
  • Water Efficiency
  • Waste Management

The most promising proposals will proceed to the second phase where shortlisted participants will be provided with guidance and mentorship to improve their submissions.

Submission for Phase 1 of the Sustainable Cities Challenge is now closed.

Groups selected for Phase 2 will be notified by email.
Watch out for the email to find out if you qualify for Phase 2.

The Prizes

CHAMPION

$800 e-CapitaStar voucher, trophy & Certificate of Award

1ST RUNNER-UP

$600 e-CapitaStar voucher, trophy & Certificate of Award

2ND RUNNER-UP

$400 e-CapitaStar voucher, trophy & Certificate of Award

*Competition result rests on the final decision of the Judging Panel and the Organiser