By Victoria Barker

RESPONSE from home-buyers to the Housing Board's (HDB) first eco-precinct has been so overwhelming that HDB is taking its environmental efforts even further.

Over 90 per cent of the units in The Treelodge@Punggol, launched in March last year and due for completion in 2011, have been taken up so far.

But these eco-friendly features will not put a strain on the wallets of buyers. HDB will keep such units "affordable", as prices will be subsidised and be below equivalent market value.

Treelodge@Punggol consists of seven 16-storey blocks with 712 three-, four- and five-room units in all. Prices range from $139,000 for a 3-room flat to $383,000 for a 5-room loft unit.

Among the environmentally friendly features at the eco-precinct are a solar-energy system and recycling refuse chutes. Water conservation measures will also be taken.

Under the Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme, there will be an integrated wash basin-toilet pedestal system that channels used water from hand washing into the toilet cistern for the next flush.

Rain water will also be collected and used for the washing of common areas.

At a press conference announcing the release of HDB's annual report on Tuesday, chief executive Tay Kim Poh said that the measures are "intended to minimise impact on the environment through the use of energy efficient systems".

After the eco-precinct's completion, HDB will "monitor the effectiveness of the various features and look into the feasibility of extending them to other precincts", he said.

Meanwhile, the board is working closely with the National Environment Agency to encourage residents to lower their energy consumption with more energy-efficient appliances and light fittings.

In addition, HDB is exploring the option of providing more skyrise greenery on the roof decks of multi-storey carparks to enhance the living environment for residents.

The new water-saving toilet cistern is also offered to residents under upgrading programmes.

Residents applaud HDB's green measures.

Mr Thomas Tay, 29, a photographer, has been living in a Punggol estate for a year.

"It is a good initiative which contributes to saving the earth, and at no extra cost to the residents," he said.

HDB said that more details on such eco-friendly estates will be announced at a later date, when plans have been finalised.

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