Economic Survey 2025 Draws On Singapore's Vertical Gardens To Improve Sustainability

The Economic Survey 2024–25 focuses on the adoption of vertical gardens in urban areas to enhance sustainability.

The survey takes cues from successful initiatives in Singapore, particularly Changi Airport's Jewel, which features an extensive indoor forest spanning six acres and surrounding the world's largest indoor waterfall.

Vertical gardens, which consist of walls covered with plants, effectively cool environments, absorb carbon emissions and reduce air pollution. They also support biodiversity and improve the appearance of urban landscapes.

The greenery also aids in reducing stress levels in people as many studies have shown that exposure to green environments can boost mental well-being and productivity.

Changi Airport's Jewel is a key highlight as it combines nature and architecture. Opened in 2019, this terminal houses a six-acre indoor rainforest encircling a 130-foot-high waterfall that flows through a glass dome. The area contains over 2,000 trees and 1 lakh different plant and shrub species, creating a diverse ecosystem that enhances air quality, minimises noise pollution and provides a calm retreat for travellers.

The Gardens by the Bay showcase iconic Supertrees that serve functional purposes beyond aesthetics. These towering structures are surrounded by vast gardens and ecological parks, acting as solar energy collectors and rainwater harvesters, thereby supporting Singapore's sustainability goals.

The economic survey proposed including set guidelines for vertical gardens within the recently introduced Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code 2024.

The Income Tax Department had already taken steps to introduce vertical gardens in India by creating vertical gardens in 17 states using seven lakh recycled plastic bottles.

Some of the proposed steps to implement vertical gardens include integrating green facades into building codes and regulations, offering economic incentives to developers who incorporate vertical green spaces, fostering research and innovation in sustainable architecture and design and collaboration through public-private partnerships to accelerate the adoption of green infrastructure.