Having a smart nation is not just about having a digitally ready population, it also requires a tech upgrade of the surrounding environment.
The Smart HDB Town Framework by the Housing Development Board (HDB) is one such initiative that is dedicated to that.
It consists of a five-point approach which is being adopted by HDB for implementing technologies within public housing.
These five areas are: Smart planning, smart environment, smart estate, smart living, smart community.
Smart Planning
This involves the use of computer simulation and data analytics for enhancing the way towns are planned and buildings are designed. The simulation models will come with real-time information for producing the best results and cost-effective solutions for designing HDB landscapes.
Smart Environment
Various housing areas will be connected via a network of sensors for collecting real-time data on factors, such as temperature and humidity, which contribute to the living experience of residents. This information will be used to find ways to provide a more enjoyable environment.
Smart Estate
Smart technologies will be used for capturing and studying estate data for improving the frequency and schedules of maintenance works and to prevent any issues which may arise.
Smart Living
Digital infrastructure will be incorporated in houses for promoting smart homes. Residents can employ smart home applications which are created by commercial companies and leverage on these new inputs.
Smart Community
Employing the use of data analytics and Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for gaining a deeper understanding and equip residents with knowledge of smart homes and encourage them to contribute to it.
The Smart HDB Town Framework is supported by the HDB Smart Hub.
HDB Smart Hub overlooks the collection and integration of various sources of information in HDB estates. The information will include real-time data on energy usage by common services.
This information can be applied to find better ways for planning and designing landscapes of towns and buildings. This will also help the Town Council to improve its estate management.
Locations of future smart homes
Punggol- Smart planning tools and data analytics were used for analysing wind flow, solar irradiance and shaded areas. The data collected was then put to designing new flats and determining the best locations within Punggol for optimal temperature settings and an enjoyable living environment.
Northshore Residences I & II flats- These will be the first HDB flats to be equipped with smart home solutions. These are flats are to complete by 2020.
Future sustainability efforts
Smart lighting
Common area lightings will come with sensors and anticipatory software. This can help HDB to better understand patterns of human movement along with these areas and find ways to provide lighting in the best energy conserving ways.
SolarNova Programme
It aims to escalate the deployment of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in Singapore for encouraging and increasing demand for solar PV across government agencies, to achieve economies of scale and propel the growth of Singapore’s solar industry.
HDB will progressively implement 220 MWp of solar panels across 5,500 HDB blocks over the next few years.
Pneumatic Waste Conveyance System
This is an automated waste collection system which employs a vacuum-function underground pipe network for collecting household waste. The waste is then transported through underground pipes and into a sealed container which will be frequently collected by trucks for disposal.
This reduces the need for manual labour and improves living environments with less of a concern of bad odour and pests.
