NUS launches building cluster targeting net-zero emissions, new interdisciplinary centre for urban systems education

Two new initiatives in support of sustainability have been launched by the National University of Singapore (NUS) on Thursday (Feb 2).

Officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, the initiatives include the launch of NUS first building cluster targeting net-zero and a new interdisciplinary centre.

The building cluster comprises buildings SDE4 – which was recently accorded the Building Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark (GM) 2021 in Operation Platinum Positive Energy Award – and the two newly retrofitted SDE1 and SDE3 buildings.

Built in the 1970s, SDE1 and SDE3 are among the oldest buildings on NUS Kent Ridge Campus. They underwent the university’s first adaptive reuse project, which cut energy consumption by two-thirds, meeting new needs while reducing future carbon emissions. 

The new interdisciplinary centre, known as NUS Cities, offers university-wide education and research programmes. It serves as a unique interdisciplinary and multifunctional centre and is said to bring together researchers and seasoned practitioners from diverse fields to improve the planning, management and governance of high-density cities.

The College of Design and Engineering (CDE) will finetune its current educational offerings and expand them to provide a more complete spectrum of programmes to both undergraduate and graduate students. 

It will also pursue research and deliver advisory services in cities and urban solutions.

“This inter-disciplinary, cross-sectoral approach will position NUS Cities well to offer sustainable urban solutions and grow capabilities, for Singapore and beyond,” Mr Heng said.