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.

Changi Airport’s Jewel is a key highlight; 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 one lakh different plant and shrub species, creating a diverse ecosystem that enhances air quality, minimises noise pollution, and provides a calm retreat for travellers.

Furthermore, 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.