Green Mark for Interiors
Introduction
To support Singapore's sustainability goals under the Green Building Master Plan, the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) have introduced the new Green Mark for Interiors (GMI) scheme.
This latest edition unifies the five BCA Green Mark user-centric schemes that had been offered in the past and offers a fresh approach to achieve sustainability for the following interior spaces with one integrated standard.
- Commercial Offices
- Restaurants
- Retail Spaces
- Supermarkets
- Laboratories
The Green Mark for Interiors (GMI) is designed for interior fit-out projects, enabling environmentally-friendly spaces, sustainable operations, and enhanced occupant health and wellbeing. It complements the broader BCA Green Mark building certification scheme.
SGBC has been designated by BCA to provide administration, assessment and certification services for GMI applications.
Objectives
GMI certification provides a blueprint for environmentally-friendly design and fit-outs for interiors, and aligns with national frameworks such as the Singapore Green Building Masterplan, the Go 25 national movement, and other initiatives. It serves as a benchmark for sustainable interiors that are both climate-responsive and people-centric.
In addition, green interiors complement green buildings by extending sustainable design principles indoors and driving positive outcomes through collaboration across the fit-out industry value chain, bringing together:
- Real estate & leasing managers
- Sustainability managers & consultants
- Design consultants & fit-out contractors
- Material and equipment manufacturers
- Building management technology developers
- Operation & maintenance providers
- Waste management providers
Benefits of GMI Certification
GMI certification:
- Provides strategies to futureproof operations and builds resilience against rising energy costs.
- Promotes healthier and active work environment.
- Enhances ESG credentials in alignment with sustainability reporting standards.
- Complements landlord's and tenant's sustainability programmes and green lease engagements.
Ratings & Scope
The GMI ratings are Gold, GoldPLUS, Platinum and Platinum ZE (Zero Energy). GMI assessment is conducted based on interior area defined by the lease boundary, and provides opportunities for profiling in five sustainability performance sections. Individual lease units will be assessed independently. Fit-out works and equipment belonging to the base building will be excluded from the assessment.
Each GMI assessment will include the lighting energy consumption improvement over the lighting power budget prescribed by SS 530: 2024, and the total points achieved in following five sustainability sections.
Additionally, projects aspiring for Platinum and Platinum ZE award ratings will have to achieve mandatory requirements highlighted in the assessment criteria. The following table lists the requirements to achieve GMI Gold, GoldPLUS, Platinum and Platinum ZE award ratings respectively.
| GMI Rating | Gold | GoldPLUS | Platinum | Platinum ZE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting Energy Consumption Improvement over SS 530 | ≥ 10% | ≥ 20% | ≥ 30% | ≥ 35% |
| Performance Score (70 points total) | 25 points | 30 points | 35 points | 35 points |
| Additional Prescribed Mandatory Requirements | nil | nil | ✓ | ✓ |
Certification Process
GMI certification follows a five-step process. Applications can be submitted through the Sign In portal, after which the SGBC team will reach out for guidance through each stage of the certification process.
Successful applications will receive a Letter of Award, and a Green Mark for Interiors certificate, which will be valid for five years. The certification will also expire if any renovation or retrofitting is completed before the 5 years, or if the premises are vacated.
Eligibility
GMI certification is applicable to fitted-out, occupied and functioning interiors tenanted within a base building, and have:
- Minimum three (3) months of steady-state operation.
- A lease that clearly defines the area and tenant-responsible furniture, fixture & equipment.
- Lighting energy consumption with improvement ≥ 10% over the total lighting power allowance prescribed by SS 530: 2024.
Transition Timeline
BCA will cease accepting applications for Green Mark User-Centric schemes with effect from 31 October 2025. The Green Mark for Interiors certification scheme administered by SGBC will commence on 1 November 2025.