BCA, too, plays many roles in green-building projects overseas, ranging from consultant to training to standard setting. For instance, the Green Mark Certification has also been used for the assessment of the sustainable performance of low-cost housing in Tanzania, which, like Singapore, is located within the tropical climate zone.

To continue our leadership in green buildings in the tropics and subtropics, BCA is embarking on the third Green Building masterplan, with a vision of making Singapore a global leader. The next step is to develop the "software"—a conscious and active pursuit of sustainability and green consumption behavior among building users and inhabitants and a focus on the well-being of these people. Close collaboration between the public and private sectors will be needed.

It turns out that what started as a sustainability rating tool and program for Singapore, a dense urban environment in a tropical climate, is just what is needed in so many places around the world. 

Dr. John Keung is chief executive of Singapore's Building and Construction Authority. He can be reached at john_keung@bca.gov.sg.