NUS graduate receives Shell Best Dissertation Award

31 Jul 2009

NUS graduate Ms G Kannagi from the School of Design and Environment (SDE) clinched the Shell Best Dissertation Award 2008/2009 for her study on vertical greenery in Singapore. Her study found that vertical planting can reduce up to 11 degrees Celsius in the surface temperature of facade walls, which could lead to significant reduction in energy costs required for air-conditioning.

The dissertation was part of the requirements for her NUS Master of Science (Environmental Management), a multi-disciplinary programme involving seven faculties and hosted by SDE. Kannagi's study was a joint research project funded by National Parks Board (NParks), NUS and the Building & Construction Authority.

On choosing the topic of vertical greenery, Kannagi explained: "There are a multitude of negative impacts of urbanisation on the environment and the use of vegetation in mitigating these impacts is also well-known."

Kannagi said that in Singapore's context, one of the biggest challenges of "greening" the city-state is space. "Sky-rise greenery is an example of how we can add new dimensions to the green space in the city. Vertical greenery fits the call to integrate greenery in the densely built environment like Singapore," she noted.

Kannagi took her Master studies part-time while working as an Assistant Director (Development Administration) at NParks.

Shell Companies in Singapore have been awarding the Shell Best Dissertation Prize annually to the student with the best dissertation of the cohort. Shell also supports the programme through an annual grant of prizes, research, publications and bursaries.