Sweeping global developments on the public health front have given new meaning to the phrase a new normal. While contemporary measures such as remote working and physical dividers serve as stopgap solutions to maintain a semblance of normalcy, true economic recovery can only be possible if we can inch closer to pre-pandemic times.Smart building solutions have been steadily gaining traction over the years, being accelerated in recent times to how technology can be utilised to safeguard human health and wellbeing. With technology helping to ensure the health of a building for its occupants, our built environment can be well-equipped to face the new normal.In this SGBC Webinar supported by SGBC Founding Member Schneider Electric, find out how smart technology can help to shape healthy buildings.

Safety in construction sites is of paramount importance not only to protect oneself but also to ensure safety for fellow personnel on site. This programme is for stakeholders in construction projects (Resident Engineers, Resident Technical Officers, Site Supervisor etc) and it explains the concepts related to risk management & control which can be applied to activities on construction site. The programme also discusses safety management systems and safely audits and how to report and investigate accidents related to site activities. The programme will include safety management systems as prescribed in the Singapore Standards SS 506 series on Occupational safety and health (OSH) and CP 79

The BCA Design and Engineering Safety Award was launched in May 2008 to give recognition to the Qualified Person for Structural Works [QP(ST)], QP(ST)s firm and the project team for ingenious design processes and solutions in overcoming project challenges to ensure safety in design, construction and maintenance of building and civil engineering projects locally and overseas.

In 2005, the Singapore government embarked on the green building movement and launched the BCA Green Mark scheme as a benchmark for evaluating environmental sustainability in buildings. The scheme has since become a leading green building rating system in the tropics and sub-tropics.Against the backdrop of climate change and global warming, green building design, sustainable operations and maintenance are gaining more importance than ever to be key opportunities to cope with impact of climate change and reduce environmental impact of urban living.In order to advance Singapores sustainability agenda, there is a critical need to develop a pool of competent green building specialists to design, develop, manage and maintain green buildings. Certification courses on Green Mark are offered to stakeholders of the built environment sector at both entry and advanced levels to acquire knowledge and specialisation, which enable them to steer their organisations towards greater competitiveness in local and international markets.The Green Mark Advanced Accredited Professional (GMAAP) course aims to equip industry practitioners who are involved in new developments with the knowledge and skills to carry out detailed design and enhancement of building performance for higher Green Mark certification and implementation, with emphasis on super low energy buildings.

To create good jobs for Singaporeans, and to advance the built environment sector digitally through greater technological adoption, the programme is designed to support the Construction Industry Transformation Map (ITM) to equip learners with industry-relevant and work-ready skills in the emerging field of Integrated Digital Delivery (IDD). In addition to the traditional IDD supported through Building Information Modelling (BIM), the programme will provide insights into digital integration, digital design, and digital asset delivery and management. Upon completion, learners can pursue as Assistant Specialist/Specialist (Digital Delivery) under the Skills Framework for Built Environment assuming the career option such as BIM Modeller, BIM Co-ordinator and Assistant BIM Manager. The curriculum is developed in close consultation with the industry to ensure learners are equipped with occupational competencies and ready for employment opportunities when available. Course fee is highly subsidised and learners will receive a training allowance of $1200 per month during the programme. SkillsFuture Credit can also be used to offset the course fee. The programme, over a duration of 10 month on a full-time study basis, will be conducted on 2-module basis allowing learners to transit into full-time employment when job opportunity is available.

The pandemic has indeed caused much disruptions globally. Closer to home, while the built environment sector is facing unprecedented challenges amidst much uncertainties, the sector is working hard and appears to be on track for a sustained recovery. The construction sector grew by 38.7% on a quarter-on-quarter seasonally adjusted basis, which was a rebound from the sharp contraction of 59.4% recorded during the Circuit Breaker period (based on advance estimate by Ministry of Trade and Industry Singapore (MTI)). While the sector is grasping with recovery, it is equally essential to look ahead, grasp opportunities and gain stronger footing to emerge stronger from this crisis and remain resilient. Join the conversation at the upcoming Built Environment and Property Prospects Seminar 2021.

This webinar will provide an introduction to new Singapore Standards on Glazing in buildings Safety related to human impact (SS 653: 2020) and Curtain walls (SS 654 : 2020). Glazed elements in and around buildings may be subject to human impact, which could result in injury to the public and/or damage to finishes or other parts of the building. SS 653 provides the requirements to designers and installers of such glazed components on the materials and techniques to adopt in order to minimise the risk of injury to the public. This standard serves as a reference for the specification of glazed elements that may be subject to human impact. SS 654 specifies the materials and performance standards for metal-framed curtain walls and requirements for good practices in the design and installation of a curtain wall system. The performance standard includes tests for air permeability, water-tightness and structural performance. This webinar also highlights the major changes that are incorporated into this new standard compared with the previous SS 381 and CP 96.

Announcement Deadline for nominations extendedWe are pleased to inform you that the nomination for Design and Engineering Safety Awards 2021 (DESA 2021) is extended to 19 Feb 2021. Please refer to the TERMS & CONDITIONS & APPLICATION FORM below for more details on your nomination.

The built environment is the first line of defence in safeguarding human health and wellbeing. With greener, healthier buildings designed and operated in line with contemporary guidelines and standards, ease of mind can be assured when living, working and playing in the new normal.This February, sign up for 2 webinars themed around built environment health and wellbeing organised by SGBC in collaboration with SGBC Members. Hear from industry experts and built environment sector veterans on how our buildings must adapt to a post-COVID era and glean insights on a greener and healthier future.

2nd International Symposium on Advances in Steel & Composite Structures