Defining various forms of Skyrise Greenery under SGIS
Two main categorisation to consider when applying for SGIS:
Under the Scheme, NParks will issue a grant equal to 50% of installation costs for green roofs. The reimbursement is capped at $75 per square metre of planted area within the green roof.
Funding does not extend to hardscape elements such as pebbles or decking.
The grant will be distributed after the completion of works upon submission of a reimbursement form and supporting documents.
Green roof definition
“Green roof” refers to a roof surface that supports the growth of plants over a substantial portion of its area for the purpose of beautification, and water or energy conservation. It comprises a drainage layer, growing medium and plants.
In everyday terms a distinction is often drawn between green roofs and roof gardens. In general, green roofs use shallow soil depth, low maintenance plants and are cheaper. They are not designed with accessibility in mind.
Multi-storey car park, Tampines Ave 6
Photograph courtesy of Zinco Singapore Pte Ltd.
Roof gardens are developed to be accessible. They usually incorporate areas of paving and seating, and use deeper soil depths to incorporate a wide range of plant species.
Roof garden in Novena
Learn more about rooftop greenery.
Under the scheme, NParks will issue a grant equal to 50% of installation costs for green walls or vertical greenery. The reimbursement is capped at $750 per square metre of green coverage within the installation.
The grant will be distributed after the completion of works upon submission of a reimbursement form supporting documents.
Vertical greenery definition
“Vertical greenery” refers to the method of fitting a wall to support the growth of plants over a substantial portion of its area for the purpose of beautification, and/or energy conservation. It may comprise a support frame, substrate carrier, substrate medium, irrigation system.
There are many vertical greening methods, three of which are outlined here:
a. Cassette system
Modules containing growth media are mounted on the surface. The vertical surface is planted directly.
Vertical greenery using cassette system outside Ministry of Manpower
b. Planter system
Modules are mounted at regular intervals. Plant species are selected to spill over the planter to create the appearance of a continuous wall of greenery.
Planter System
c. Support system
Planters are mounted at regular intervals, typically less than 3 metres apart. A support system – typically mesh or vertically strung wires – allows certain plant species to climb the structure thereby creating a green screen.
Support system at Keppel @ Marina Bay multi-story car park
Learn more about vertical greenery.