CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
A multi-faceted approach to sustainable development in Singapore Development of plastic waste asphalt and low-noise asphalt. Samwoh Corporation Pte Ltd, a leading engineering and construction firm in Singapore, is setting new standards for sustainable practices in the construction industry. Recognised with the ASEAN Energy Award and BCA Green Mark Platinum Award, for its recent headquarters development, the Samwoh Smart Hub, the company is taking strides in sustainable construction initiatives. The Samwoh Smart Hub, located in the Sungei Kadut Eco-District, is Singapore’s first positive energy industrial building. Covering 16,707 m2 and adorned with solar panels, it generates an impressive 25% energy surplus, and is capable of powering up to 300 HDB four-room flats every month. Inaugurated on 6 December 2022 by Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, the hub not only showcases Singapore's advancements in sustainable construction but also serves as an inspiration to over 1,600 visitors, promoting sustainable construction practices. Expanding beyond the hub, Samwoh is actively involved in the development of green road materials using recycled materials, aligning with Singapore’s circular economy goals. One of them is asphalt mix containing recycled plastic waste, which can provide better durability than conventional asphalt, by about 30%. A live road at Jalan Buroh was paved using the recycled plastic waste asphalt and the performance was monitored over 12 months under actual traffic and local weather conditions, and in compliance with regulatory requirements. The project was conducted together with the Land Transport Authority (LTA); National Environment 50
THE SINGAPORE ENGINEER February 2024
Recycled plastic waste asphalt can provide better durability than conventional asphalt.
Samwoh deployed low-noise asphalt in the transformation of Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) Exit 26A.
Agency (NEA); PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency; as well as Singapore Polytechnic. The development of the recycled plastic waste asphalt demonstrated Samwoh's commitment to environmental sustainability and continuous improvement in road infrastructure. Another significant, sustainable initiative by Samwoh is the implementation of low noise asphalt, aimed at reducing noise pollution near residential communities, for a more sustainable and liveable urban environment. This practice has
been integrated into various projects, including the transformation of Pan-Island Expressway (PIE) Exit 26A. Recognising the proximity to residential communities, Samwoh utilised low noise asphalt in its sustainable road surfacing solutions, aiming to enhance living conditions by minimising noise disturbances. This adoption of low noise asphalt aligns with sustainability principles by mitigating noise pollution (reducing environmental impact) and enhancing living conditions (giving importance to social considerations).