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Dulwich College (Singapore) launches Singapore’s first net-zero international school building

By Nur Hikmah Md Ali

/ EdgeProp Singapore |

November 24, 2023 7:14 PM SGT

The rooftop garden at The Greenhouse, with building-integrated photovoltaic panels on its high glass ceiling (Photo: Dulwich College Singapore).

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SINGAPORE (EDGEPROP) - International school Dulwich College (Singapore) has launched its net-zero international school building The Greenhouse at its Bukit Batok campus on Nov 23. The launch was officiated by Minister for National Development and Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration Desmond Lee. The event was also graced by the British High Commissioner to Singapore, Kara Owen.

The first of its kind in Singapore, the school building achieves more than 100% energy savings and reduces about 216 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions during operations. It is the only international school building to receive the Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy, which is the highest level of construction certification.

This accolade is awarded to buildings that achieve a low energy use index of less than 115 kilowatt hours per sqm per year. In addition, its energy consumption must be supplied from renewable sources.

From left: Nick Magnus, founding head of college, Dulwich College (Singapore); Karen Yung, Education in Motion’s founder and chief collaboration officer; Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development and Minister-in-Charge of Social Services Integration; Kara Owen, British High Commissioner to Singapore; and Fraser White, Education in Motion’s founder, chairman & chief executive officer

The Greenhouse generates energy from its building-integrated photovoltaic panels, or solar panels, that cover the building to form an eco-envelope across its facade. The integrated solar panels have been designed to blend seamlessly and aesthetically with the seven-storey building, while providing practical spaces for students. The eco-envelope is expected to offset 85 tonnes of carbon dioxide and generate a total of 210,000 kWh of renewable energy annually.

The building will cater to about 3,000 Dulwich College (Singapore) students aged two to 18 who study at the Bukit Batok campus.

In a press release on Nov 24, Dulwich College (Singapore) says that the international school had collaborated with the relevant authorities, including the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), to ensure that the system complied with all safety and design regulations.

During his speech at the launch of The Greenhouse, Minister Lee applauded the school’s efforts in “pushing the boundaries of energy efficiency” and encouraged more organisations to follow suit.

The facade of The Greenhouse at the school's Bukit Batok campus (Photo: Dulwich College Singapore).

He noted that buildings contribute over 20% of the nation’s carbon emissions and nearly 40% globally. “The transition to greener buildings is therefore crucial in our journey to achieving net-zero,” he adds, referring to Singapore’s Green Plan 2030.

The plan sets three targets. The first target is to green 80% of all buildings by gross floor area by 2030. The second target aims for 80% of all new developments from 2030 to achieve super low energy standards, while the third target is to ensure that the best-in-class green buildings achieve 80% improvement in energy efficiency.

During the launch, Karen Yung, founder and chief collaboration officer of the global education company Education in Motion that owns and operates the Dulwich College international schools and high schools in China, South Korea, and Singapore, said that education and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. “The Greenhouse is a testament to nurturing environmentally conscious global citizens who are deeply passionate and committed to creating real impact for a better world. It also symbolises the valuable partnership between the public and private sector, providing opportunities for us to co-create and set new standards in sustainable development together,” she added.

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