'Go Green' with GV Yishun

After an intensive three-month long facelift, 10-screen Golden Village Yishun reopened its doors to the public with a new eco-friendly concept on 4 November 2010 and is touted to be Asia's first green cinema.

The refurbishment, which cost S$5million, incorporates environmental sustainability initiatives that focus on energy efficiency, water efficiency, sustainable operations and management, and indoor environmental quality.

So, what are the new features of the environmental-friendly cinema?

• Carbon-dioxide (CO2) sensors: All halls are fitted with CO2 sensors that detect the levels of indoor airborne contaminants and automatically make adjustments to allow fresh air to enter thus improving air quality.
• Wider legroom space: It is now a good 1.15m compared to 0.45m previously.
• Go paperless with GV Mobile Ticket: After a purchase via website or mobile phone, a snippet of code will be sent to your mobile phone so when it's almost time for your movie, just flash the code to the code reader at the cinema entrance and you will be given access into the cinema.
• Electronic posters: Digital poster images that will be rotated from time to time which in turn will save paper, prevent wastage and cut down printing costs.
• "Self-Cooling" air-conditioning system: The glass-clad central well allows for more efficient and 'self-cooling' air-condition in the halls.
• Motion sensor lighting in restrooms: The lights will turn off automatically if it senses no movement within a period of time and switches back on once a patron walks in, saving more electricity.
• Waterless flush for male urinals: Instead of water, friendly bacteria will action on the urine.
• Water fittings certified with "Water Efficiency Label": The ultra-low flush toilets help save water and bidets help eliminate the use of toilet paper.
• Energy-saving LED lights: It will provide less heat emission and cooler cinema halls which will help to reduce the capacity of air-conditioning.
• Low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) paint: Volatile Organic Compounds are compounds that have a high vapour pressure and low water solubility which can affect the environment and humans if the quantity is overwhelming.
• Recycling bins: Recycle your food and drink packaging after the movie.

Next time, if you are planning to visit GV Yishun, don't forget to practice "The Green Guide" for a comfortable and healthier experience. If you had never done so, it would not hurt to start now:

• Purchase your movie tickets online with GV Mobile Ticket to save paper.
• Remove any leftover food to help maintain and improve indoor air quality.
• Recycle your food and drink packaging after the movie!