Legislation on Environmental Sustainability for Buildings
Singapore’s built environment sustainability regulations are underpinned by mandatory requirements that drive energy efficiency and environmental performance across both existing and new buildings, including those undergoing major additions and alterations (A&A). These requirements are legislated under the Building Control Act and are enforced by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
Last updated 6 March 2026
Regulatory Requirements for New Buildings and Existing Buildings undergoing Major Additions & Alterations (A&A)
To advance sustainable development, the Building Control (Environmental Sustainability) Regulations requires a minimum environmental sustainability standard for new buildings and existing buildings that undergo major retrofitting. See Regulatory Requirements for New Buildings and Existing Buildings Undergoing Major Additions and Alterations (A&A) for more information.
Mandatory Higher Green Mark Standard for Government Land Sale (GLS) sites
Since 2010, building developments on land sold under the Government Land Sales (GLS) Programme in selected strategic areas are subject to higher Green Mark standards under the Building Control (Environmental Sustainability) Regulations 2008. This helps maximise the potential for cost-effective energy-saving solutions in the built environment. See Mandatory Higher Green Mark Standard for Government Land Sales (GLS) for more information.
Building owners and developers are required to:
Apply for Green Mark certification at the design stage and upon completion of the project.
Submit all necessary documentation, including design drawings, specifications, and as-built information, to demonstrate compliance with the Green Mark criteria.
Complete Green Mark assessment process conducted by BCA or appointed assessors.
Regulatory Requirements for Existing Buildings
To achieve an all-round sustainable built environment, it is important to ensure that existing buildings continue to operate efficiently throughout their life cycle. Based on PartIIIB– Environmental Sustainability Measures for Existing Buildings in the Building Control Act, owners of existing buildings must:
Meet the minimum environmental sustainability standards when making major energy-use change. See Regulatory Requirements for Existing Buildings for more information.
Conduct regular energy efficiency audits of the building’s cooling systems. See Periodic Energy Audit for more information.
Submit energy use and related building information. See Building Energy Benchmarking for more information.
Carry out energy audits and undertake energy efficiency improvement measures if your building(s) is consistently energy intensive. See Mandatory Energy Improvement (MEI) Regime for more information.
For more information on regulatory requirements or assistance with submissions, please Contact us.
Related Pages
Regulatory Requirements for New Buildings and Existing Buildings undergoing Major Additions and Alterations (A&A)
To advance sustainable development, the Building Control (Environmental Sustainability) Regulations requires a minimum environmental sustainability standard for new buildings and existing buildings that undergo major retrofitting.
Regulatory Requirements for Existing Buildings
Explore BCA’s regulatory requirements for existing buildings, including sustainability standards, submissions, fees, and audits.