Clive Briffett

Impact of ISO 14000 on construction enterprises in Singapore

As construction activity has a significant impact on the environment it is vital to consider how to improve the environmental performance of organizations in the construction industry. The ISO 14000 series of standards on environmental management provides construction enterprises with the tool to address in a structured manner the adverse impacts of their operations and to attain sustainable construction. In this study, a survey was conducted to ascertain the perceptions of construction enterprises in Singapore on the impact of the implementation of ISO 14000 on their operations. Major problems were identified, and recommendations are made for the future development of environmental management systems (EMS) in the Singapore construction industry.

Implementing environmental management systems in construction: lessons from quality systems

Abstract Quality has been a key issue in Singapores construction industry since the late 1980s. ISO 9000 certification is now compulsory for large construction enterprises and is an important feature of the industry. Following the global trend, environmental issues are gaining prominence in the country. A few companies have been certified to the ISO 14000 standard. It is predicted that this standard will have an impact which is similar to that of ISO 9000. Organisations are being urged to implement integrated management systems (IMS). A study was undertaken to assess the perceptions and expectations of contractors concerning ISO 9000 certification and the costs and benefits in practice. Contractors’ expectations of ISO 14000 certification were also ascertained, together with their environmental awareness, policies and current practices, and their views on measures which could promote its widespread adoption. The study was based on a postal survey. It was found that contractors had derived benefits from ISO 9000 but were driven by short-term cost-benefit considerations. Their attitude to ISO 14000 certification was generally similar. Suggestions for increasing the likelihood of a high uptake of ISO 14000, and IMS are made.

Bird use of linear areas of a tropical city : implications for park connector design and management

The National Parks Board of Singapore has plans to link up all urban parks and native habitats through a park-connector network. Although this connector network has already been implemented, it will take about 30 years to complete. We surveyed birds in 10 linear areas in Singapore. Of these linear areas, two were already completed park connectors, six were parks, and two were located in rainforest edges. We assessed and compared bird communities among these 10 sites. We also determined how the characteristics of these linear areas affect bird diversity and abundance. One of the established park connectors, the Ulu Pandan Canal, attracted 67 bird species, and its bird community was similar to a linear park (Kent Ridge Park). The other recently completed connector, the Jurong Canal, had only 37 bird species. Based on characteristics (percentage of area covered by built environment, open space, vegetation and water) within and surrounding the sites, we found that with increases in built areas, higher abundance of human-associated bird species (e.g. House Swift, Apus nipalensis and Common Myna, Acridotheres javanicus) was found at the sites. Similarly, the increase in vegetation cover (both native and managed) increased the abundance of parkland and rainforest-associated bird species (e.g. Greater Green Leafbird, Chloropsis sonnerati and Short-tailed Babbler, Malacocincla malaccensis). For completed connectors, landscape and management planners should preserve the existing diversity of habitats surrounding the connectors. Similar steps should be taken for the design of future park connectors.

The Construction and Experience of Nature: Perspectives of Urban Youths

In this paper, we explore the ways in which young people in a highly urbanised setting experience and develop constructions of nature. We do so by using Singapore as our case study, an Asian context in which urbanisation is total (Singapores population is totally urbanised). Based on focus group discussions, we conclude that young Singaporeans have little interest in and affinity for nature. This stems from a few factors: growing up in a highly urban environment in which contact with nature is limited; over-protective parents of two-children families who worry about the ‘dangers’ their children are exposed to when playing in natural areas; and the abundance of other recreational and entertainment options. This predisposes them to adopting the rationality of the State in privileging development priorities above conservation imperatives. We conclude by suggesting that certain activities be introduced to bring people, especially children, to nature areas so that their civic and emotional development may be enhanced.

Environmental impact assessment in Southeast Asia: fact and fiction?

Despite the early introduction of mandatory environmental impact assessment (EIA) in the planning systems of many countries in the Southeast Asia region successes in protecting the natural environment have been limited. Is this the failure of the EIA itself due to the use of an inappropriate western based model or is it more related to a lack of political will and implementation weakness? The facts indicate that the EIA is often used as a means to an end rather than as a beneficial planning tool in itself. The fiction relates to the impressive array of legislation and sophisticated processes on paper that are often ineffective in practice. This paper attempts to highlight the problem areas and suggests other techniques and strategies that may be introduced to solve them.

Is Managed Recreational Use Compatible with Effective Habitat and Wildlife Occurrence in Urban Open Space Corridor Systems

The extent to which urban open space corridors meet recreational, habitat and wildlife needs is highly dependent on the degree to which the interactive effects of these uses are identified and incorporated into planning, design and management decisions. For managers who aim to enhance compatibility between people and wildlife, the challenge is to bridge the gap between established practice and a more multi-functional approach. Ultimately the aim should be to put in place an enlightened and sympathetic management regime that supports indigenous biodiversity maintainable at an acceptable cost and is compatible with providing sufficient access to cater for a wide range of recreational activities. Principles relating to site evaluation and corridor management are discussed in the context of a case study in Singapore.

Nature and nurture, danger and delight: Urban women's experiences of the natural world

Abstract In this paper, we address a research lacuna in the area of human experience of, and interaction with, nature. We focus on women in an urbanized setting, exploring their actual and desired experiences of the natural world, using Singapore as a case study. Our intention is to contribute to both the evolving theoretical and empirical discussions on this subject. Based on data collected from focus group discussions and household questionnaires, we conclude that womens relationships with nature in Singapore are underscored by a strong inclination towards nurturing: teaching, tending and caring, in a way that is not as apparent in mens relationships with nature. Womens relationships with nature may also be conceptualized in terms of ‘danger’ and ‘delight’, a fine balance between ambivalent experiences of fear and enjoyment. In comparing results based on the Singapore context with those in Britain, sources of enjoyment appear to be similar, but the different social situations have resulted in differe...

The greening of Singapore's national estate

Abstract This paper presents the unique but achievable case of Singapores concern for its physical environment by adopting an innovation-managing approach to enhance the practice of effective environmental management. The countrys built environment is treated as the estate of the nation, largely because of the indirect influence of government in the physical planning regime with an emphasis on carefully integrated urban design, and of the direct influence of government in the provision of physical infrastructure through government agencies. These have facilitated a synergistic response by the local community comprising policy makers, businesses, industries, citizens and residents, in making environmental management a way of life in Singapore.

The performance of external wall systems in tropical climates

Abstract Early failure in external wall systems of multi-storey buildings can incur high costs of maintenance and repair works. The prevention of rain penetration, the control of temperature changes, and resistance to pollution and climatic effects are vital requirements for achieving better performance. Imported technologies and materials are partially responsible for problems occurring but design, construction and maintenance processes also contribute. This paper presents a number of case studies specific to tropical climates to define common problems, determine particular causes and recommend suitable solutions.

Proposals for the conservation of nature in urban Singapore.

The benefits of conserving nature in urban environments have proved to be a significant factor in improving the quality of life for residents of major cities throughout the world. In Singapore there are still many potential areas in which conservation management techniques would support sufficient natural habitat and attract a wide diversity of wildlife.This paper attempts to establish the criteria for selecting such areas, to identify the numerous human needs to be satisfied and to describe several case study examples.