SINGAPORE – The Housing Development Board (HDB) has launched a Smart HDB Town Framework today (Sept 11) to leverage on technologies that will make HDB Towns and estates more efficient and sustainable for residents.

The framework will focus on four key areas: Smart planning, smart environment, smart estates and smart living.

Through smart planning, HDB will make use of computer simulation and data analytics to improve the planning and design processes of its towns, precincts and buildings. They will also derive optimal cost-effective solutions to achieve its goals for sustainability.

HDB will also look into linking estates with a network of sensors that will capture real-time information like temperature and humidity, to create a smart environment. Innovative solutions can then be implemented to create a more pleasant living space for residents.

The aim of achieving a smart estate will be conducted by collecting data through the use of smart technologies that will help optimize maintenance cycles and pre-empt problems in doling out estate services. For example, enhanced understanding on the usage patterns of lifts and lights can be obtained through the use of sensors. Any change in pattern could signify potential problems that can be promptly resolved.

Furthermore, HDB will provide digital infrastructures in flats to pave the way for intelligent homes. Residents will be able to tap on smart home applications like energy saving management systems to monitor their energy consumption patterns, and possibly reduce their energy usage.

Punggol Northshore will be one of the first few public housing districts to test-bed these smart technologies. This will include an intelligent parking demand monitoring system that will automatically increase the number of available lots during non-peak hours for visitors and decrease them when residents return home in the evening.

An elderly alert system will also be trailed in the district, as sensors placed in the flat to monitor the movements of the elderly will alert caregivers when it detects irregular movements.

HDB’s chief executive officer, Dr Cheong Koon Hean said, “HDB has, in the past few years, introduced many fresh ideas into our plans and designs. Our next exciting step is to embark on the development of the Smart HDB Town. We want to leverage on Information and Communication Technology to make HDB towns and estates more liveable, efficient, sustainable and safe for our residents.”