The Estella in Ho Chi Minh City is the first development to receive the Award from the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore

Keppel Land Limited (Keppel Land), one of Vietnam's pioneer and largest foreign property developers, continues to set benchmarks with its quality portfolio as The Estella, a condominium development, becomes the first property in Vietnam to be conferred the Green Mark Gold Award by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) of Singapore.

Launched in January 2005, the BCA Green Mark is a green building rating system to evaluate a building for its environmental impact and performance. It provides a comprehensive framework for assessing building performance and environmental friendliness. Buildings are awarded the BCA Green Mark based on five key criteria:

• Energy Efficiency
• Water Efficiency
• Site/Project Development & Management (Building Management & Operation for existing buildings)
• Good Indoor Environmental Quality & Environmental Protection
• Innovation

The BCA Green Mark Awards promotes sustainability in the built environment and raises environmental awareness among developers, designers and builders from the project conceptualisation to design through construction stages.

A luxury condominium development in District 2 of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, The Estella will incorporate some of latest green technology which is expected to yield an overall annual savings of 23% and 48% in energy and water consumption respectively.

This amounts to an estimated cost savings of over S$850,000 (US$572,912) annually for The Estella which will feature about 1,500 high-end apartments with supporting commercial space and comprehensive recreational facilities, when completed.

Mr Ang Wee Gee, Executive Director and CEO of International, Keppel Land, said, "With increasing affluence and awareness towards eco-living in Vietnam, home owners today are seeking developments which will reap benefits in terms of cost savings as well as for the environment.

"We believe that The Estella, with its innovative green features, will contribute to improve the quality of life in Ho Chi Minh City and allow residents to experience living in a clean, green and natural environment.

Mr Tan Tian Chong, Director for Technology Development from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) said, "Developments across the region are increasingly interested in achieving BCA's Green Mark Award, which has grown to become a recognised badge of distinction and environmental friendliness. Applications for the accreditation quadrupled from 5 in 2007 to more than 20 in 2008, and The Estella, being Vietnam's first Green Mark certified building, will continue to serve as an important yardstick for similar developments in the future.

Some of the green initiatives at The Estella include solar roof panels, use of low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paint and low emission formaldehyde composite wood. The development also features thoughtfully-designed elements such as laminated glass windows and doors, natural ventilation-enabled interiors as well as roof and sky gardens, providing residents with a cooler and quieter environment.

To promote eco-consciousness amongst residents, Keppel Land will also set up an education information corner on going green within premises at The Estella. In addition, every apartment block will have a dedicated collection and storage area for recyclable materials such as plastic, glass and metal to encourage residents to adopt a green lifestyle.

Another Keppel Land development in Vietnam also received a 'green' accolade - Saigon Centre, a landmark mixed development in Ho Chi Minh City's CBD, was named the Most Energy Efficient Building (First Runner-Up) in November 2008 by Vietnam's Ministry of Trade & Industry.

Mr Ang added, "Keppel Land is privileged to contribute to the growth of Vietnam whilst balancing our economic and environmental objectives. Achieving these 'green' awards for The Estella and Saigon Centre demonstrates our commitment to develop premium quality developments which are also eco-friendly.

In Singapore, Ocean Financial Centre, Keppel Land's prime commercial development in the business and financial district, became the first office development in the City to be awarded the Green Mark Platinum Award in May 2008. Other developments which have received the Green Mark Award include Reflections at Keppel Bay (Gold), Marina Bay Financial Centre (Gold), Marina Bay Residences (Gold) and The Tresor (Gold).