This funding program introduced by NParks in 2009 to promote the installation of rooftop and vertical greenery on existing buildings. It supports Singapore’s City in Nature vision under the Singapore Green Plan 2030 by enhancing climate, ecological, and social resilience.
Objectives:
- Encourage sustainable and well-maintained rooftop and vertical greenery.
- Contribute to climate mitigation, ecological enhancement, and social benefits.
- Increase greenery provision in urban areas.
Target Beneficiaries:
- Owners or tenants of existing buildings or those undergoing Additions & Alterations (A&A).
- Eligible building types include institutions, community buildings (schools, hospitals, places of worship, community centres), commercial, industrial, non-landed residential common areas, and mixed-use developments.
- Applicants must not be receiving other grants for the same greenery installations.
Funding and Key Features:
- Co-funding scheme reimbursing up to 50% of installation costs.
- Caps: $200 per sqm for rooftop greenery; $500 per sqm for vertical greenery.
- Supports installation costs including green roof/vertical greenery systems, plant materials, irrigation, drainage, consultancy fees, and related structural supports.
- Excludes maintenance costs, lighting, artificial plants, hardscape elements, signage, GST, and movable pots.
- Both intensive and extensive rooftop greenery and all types of vertical greenery qualify.
- Projects must be outdoors, contribute to resilience goals, and be permanent installations maintained for at least 5 years.
- Funding is disbursed after project completion and submission of reimbursement documents.
- Projects are assessed on their merits and contribution to climate, ecological, and social resilience.
- Participation is first-come, first-served, subject to fund availability.
Application Process:
- Interested parties apply early due to limited funds.
- Applications are evaluated based on project sustainability, design, safety, maintenance feasibility, and integration with building architecture.
- Upon approval, reimbursement follows completion and verification of works.
- Any reduction in green area during the 5-year maintenance period requires NParks’ approval, and reimbursement may be recovered on a pro-rated basis if removed.
SGIS has supported over 200 buildings, including community edible gardens, therapeutic rooftop gardens, extensive green roofs, and lush green walls, fostering a greener urban environment in Singapore.