Written answer by Ministry of National Development on heat risks and mitigation at public rental blocks

Question No: 700
Question by: Mr David Hoe

To ask the Minister for National Development (a) whether HDB has assessed indoor heat risks in older public rental blocks which may trap heat due to design and ventilation; (b) what additional resources will be prioritised for such blocks including heat-reflective coatings, shading, and ventilation; and (c) whether HDB will consider the installation and subsidising of air-conditioning for tenants of such blocks.

Answer:

HDB has been studying innovative solutions to help mitigate heat in all HDB estates, including at public rental blocks. This includes the use of cool coatings to reflect solar heat and reduce surface heat absorption. Following the successful pilot in Tampines, cool coating will be implemented for residential blocks across all HDB towns. For existing estates, HDB will work closely with Town Councils to apply cool coatings during Repairs & Redecoration (R&R) works by 2030.

There are currently no plans for HDB to install or subsidise air-conditioning in public rental flats. Most tenants rely on fans for cooling, which are more affordable in terms of the upfront cost, subsequent servicing and repairs, and electricity bills. Lower-income households eligible for financial assistance may approach their Social Service Office if they need help coping with rising heat.