In Harmony with the Environment

Not restricted to properties alone, Keppel Land’s commitment to the environment is an all-round effort, which extends to its own corporate culture. Staff are constantly encouraged to reuse, reduce and recycle office supplies.

Recycling bins have been allocated throughout the office for scrap paper, old newspapers and magazines. Used toners and ink cartridges from all departments are collected conscientiously every month and sold to a recycling agency.

As an ardent advocate of the environment, InterContinental Singapore has constantly championed the cause of going green throughout its daily operations since its opening in 1995. Some eco-friendly practices adopted to conserve water and energy include a linen programme which minimises daily linen changes, timer switches to turn off lights automatically when not needed, as well as cleaning products that are bio-degradable. The hotel also engages in an active recycling programme, which involves recycling paper, plastic, newsprint and glass.

BUILDING GREEN ACROSS BORDERS

One of the areas's best kept wildlife enclaves, Bontanic Cove attracts wild ducks to roost at its lush reserves every summer

Moving beyond the home front, Keppel Land demonstrates the same level of commitment to environmental conservation, and sets new benchmarks for sustainable development through its quality overseas projects.

Tucked away from bustling Sydney’s Central Business District lies Botanic Cove, a residential haven and habitat to over 130 species of indigenous flora and fauna. Nestled on a hillside in the suburb of Tarban, 7 km northwest of Sydney Harbour Bridge and overlooking Hunters Hill, a historic area renowned for its beauty and scenic views, Botanic Cove offers amazing views and a comfortable lifestyle in a botanic garden environment. The development enjoys water and bushland views, as well as access to 11 hectares of recreational area by the waterfront.

Residents of the Cove not only enjoy the conveniences of urban life but have the rare privilege of living next to the nature reserves, which Keppel Land has played a significant role in preserving. Via an extensive landscaping programme, Keppel Land has dedicated special effort to protect native species of vegetation and heritage-listed trees in the area, and integrate them within its development.

In keeping with the surroundings, the apartment blocks were also named after indigenous plants such as Grevillea, Banksia, Magnolia, Waterfern and
Willow Grove.

In addition, Keppel Land also works closely with Hunters Hill Council to protect nature reserves at Tarban Creek and Angophora Gully. These include the design of a sedimentation basin, which prevents soil erosion by storm water drainage into the creek.

These environmental efforts have reaped an unexpected benefit - the lush reserve has attracted migrating wild ducks to roost at Botanic Cove in the summer, making this one of the area's best kept wildlife enclaves.

Greening efforts have also been brought to capital cities like Shanghai. Keppel Land recently unveiled the master plan for premier development Park Avenue, one of the largest residential projects in Jingan District.

As an integral part of the local government’s scheme to revitalise Jingan into a premier residential enclave, landscaping work in Park Avenue’s master plan includes the greening of Wu Ding Road, the main thoroughfare that traverses the development, into a tree-lined boulevard. This landscaping will breathe new life into Jingan, carving out a green residential sanctuary in the heart of Shanghai, with fountains, public plazas and park benches.

Through heavy reforestation programmes, Spring City has helped reconstruct natural habitats where indigenous flora and fauna now thrive

In Kunming, Spring City Golf & Lake Resort is another testimony to Keppel Land’s eco-efforts,and an example of how humanity can co-exist in harmony with nature.

With meticulous planning and design, Keppel Land has succeeded in transforming barren land afflicted by poor surface drainage and severe soil erosions, into the home of two world class golf courses.

Sculptured along natural contours of undulating landscape, exceptional care was taken to preserve the land’s biodiversity. Through heavy reforestation programmes, Spring City has helped reconstruct natural habitats where indigenous flora and fauna now thrive.

Stringent measures were also implemented to control soil erosion that would otherwise destroy the ecosystem. Measures include constructing an extensive drainage system that diverts surface runoffs to retention basins.

All fertilisers used in golf course maintenance are biodegradable with slow-release properties to match the plant absorption rate and reduce excessive chemical tainting.

Waste water from the clubhouse, housing estate and maintenance yard is carefully treated within the resort’s sewerage treatment facility. Treated water is then pumped into the golf courses via a computerised irrigation system to reduce overruns containing chemicals and pollutants.

Keppel Land will employ similarly stringent standards in the development of its residential development adjacent to the Spring City. Special care will be made to preserve the region's natural landscape, fresh water lakes, customs and architecture. As part of a re-greening effort, vegetation will be brought back to the land and become the heritage for future generations. By so doing, Keppel Land hopes to build quality residential units that marry the province's natural beauty and rich cultural heritage with the best of modern design and amenities.

In a conscious effort to reduce pollution and protect the earth’s resources, Sedona hotels in the region continued to implement measures to preserve the environment.

For house-keeping purposes, Sedona Suites Hanoi uses water-based, biodegradable cleaning agents and deodorisers. Sewage water is also treated at the property before discharge, thus preventing pollution in the West Lake.

Doing its part for the environment, Hotel Sedona Makassar in Indonesia has also put into action, a series of 'go-green' programmes in the past year. These activities included participation in a major cleaning project organised by the local government. The hotel also embarked on the launch of water and energy saving campaigns within the hotel.

Closer to home at Ria Bintan, one of the golf resort’s top priorities is environmental health.

Refuse disposal is monitored closely on a daily basis where non-biodegradable items like used tyres are sifted and recycled by donating to the village school for landscaping and border fencing.

Effluents are also carefully tested and treated at the resort’s sewerage treatment plants to prevent pollution.

Through its commitment to harmonise with the environment, Keppel Land strives for quality of life, meeting the needs of the present without compromising resources for future generations.