PTT Group, Thailand’s major conglomerate energy company and Envision Digital, the global decarbonization software leader headquartered in Singapore, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly accelerate the energy transition as well as net zero and smart power management efforts for building management, renewable energy management and EV charging management, via a decarbonization platform.
Under the partnership, both parties will look at equipping pilot sites under PTT Group with tools and capabilities to track their carbon emissions and energy consumption. The collaboration is expected to accelerate PTT Group’s net zero ambitions by 2050.
Dr. Buranin Rattanasombat, Chief Operating Officer, New Business and Infrastructure, Mr. Cherdchai Boonchoochauy, Senior Executive Vice President, Innovation and New Business, of PTT Public Company Limited and Mr. Ko Kheng Hwa, Chairman of Envision Digital International Pte Ltd participated in the signing ceremony of the MOU today.
Dr. Buranin Rattanasombat, Chief New Business and Infrastructure Officer, PTT Public Company Limited, said, “This cooperation combines the digital technology and platform development capabilities of both organizations, by jointly developing an intelligent energy management system to monitor and control energy consumption, including assessing the ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the project area. The first initiative was
developed by equipping EnOSTM, Envision Digital’s proprietary AloT net zero operating system in the Smart Grid at Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (“VISTEC”) in Rayong province, integrated with floating solar panels, rooftop solar panels, energy storage system, and electric charging stations at M4 building in the campus. This has allowed us to monitor and control electricity production from renewable energy and optimize this, to replace the use of electricity from fossil fuels appropriately. Therefore, the said building is a Zero Import Building, given we do not need to buy electricity from the grid that is produced from fossil fuel. Currently, PTT Group is in the process of expanding this model to other pilot areas in PTT Group.”
Mr. Cherdchai Boonchoochauy, Senior Executive Vice President, Innovation and New Business, PTT Public Company Limited, added, “According to PTT’s new business direction, Mekha V Co., Ltd. (Mekha V) has been established to support AI and Robotic businesses in various areas such as PowerTECH, HealthTECH, MobilityTECH, IndustrialTECH, and SoftpowerTECH. In the past, it has provided cloud services by Mekha Technology Co., Ltd. (MekhaTech) and trading of Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) through REACC company’s platform. In this collaboration with Envision Digital, Mekha V as the AI and Robotic Flagship company will be the representative of PTT Group, working with Envision Digital to study and test the said project. This is one of the key steps to drive clean energy and efficient energy management for a low-carbon society. It also supports PTT Group’s commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 and Thailand’s goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065.”
Mr. Michael Ding, Global Executive Director, Envision Digital, said, “PTT’s commitment to net zero is clear with the momentum and speed in which they are moving. As their decarbonization partner, we believe our digital system for decarbonization will support their commitment to Thailand’s net zero goals.”
ABB and Caverion, a Northern & Central European-based expert for smart and sustainable built environments, announced an agreement to strengthen their collaboration to advance energy efficiency and sustainability. The shared aim of the collaboration is to address carbon reduction challenges in select markets by providing advanced, joint offerings in line with evolving customer needs that drive down carbon, faster and more efficiently.
ABB provides technology solutions, including Mission to Zero™, a blueprint developed to help customers achieve their carbon-neutral ambitions using energy management solutions linked to electrification, distributed energy resources technologies and the integration of renewable energy sources. Combining ABB and Caverion’s sustainable solutions, integration capabilities, and expertise, will not only accelerate the development of carbon-neutral buildings and customer ‘Mission to Zero’ projects, but also enhance occupant wellbeing and comfort.
“The agreement with Caverion demonstrates ABB’s ongoing commitment to enabling a carbon neutral society through the power of collaboration. Our joint capabilities will enable customers in the Nordics and beyond to benefit even faster from the latest in innovative smart building technology according to their individual sustainability requirements,” said Uwe Laudenklos, Marketing & Sales Leader for Europe, Canada, and Francophone Africa (ECAF), ABB Electrification’s Smart Buildings division.
“We at Caverion want to create sustainable impact for every customer with the solutions we design and deliver. We are excited to expand our collaboration with ABB as we share common goals towards a sustainable, carbon-neutral society. Together, we will provide our customers with state-of-the-art solutions for energy efficient and sustainable buildings,” says Kari Sundbäck, Head of Services, Solutions, Digital and Sustainability of Caverion Group.
The collaboration will focus on projects in Finland, the Baltic countries, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany and Austria – expanding ABB’s and Caverion’s offerings in these countries for both new buildings and retrofits.
A new survey by Schneider Electric, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has revealed that only half (52%) of Singaporeans are confident that organisations in Singapore will achieve their publicly disclosed emissions targets in the coming decades. Less than two-thirds (63%) of Singaporeans are also confident Singapore can achieve its net zero ambitions by mid-century.
This comes as 69% of Singaporeans rank climate change and reducing greenhouse emissions among their top three most concerning environmental sustainability issues – followed by air quality and pollution at 58%.
The findings are part of Schneider Electric’s “Singapore Green Pulse” survey, which tracks sentiments, attitudes, and perceptions around sustainability issues in Singapore that are part of the Singapore Green Plan 2030. Over 500 Singaporeans took part in this latest edition of the study conducted in June 2022, which focuses on sustainable living1.
Younger generations are more optimistic and most Singaporeans see a need for more investments in new technologies
The survey finds that the younger citizens are generally more optimistic than older generations that organisations can achieve their climate goals, with 58% of Gen Zers saying that they are confident, compared to 46% of Baby Boomers2.
Singaporeans also see the need for more technological investments to drive greater progress in achieving sustainability goals. Less than half (49%) think there is sufficient investment in new technologies in the public and private sectors to improve energy efficiency and management.
A rising number of Singaporeans prefer to live and work in green buildings and now prefer to live in green buildings. This is a substantial increase from 2021, where only 47% of Singaporeans preferred to do so3. However, only 46% of Singaporeans are prepared to pay more to live in a green building.
At work, 81% prefer to work in a green building.
When looking at their employer’s overall sustainability, nearly two thirds (63%) of Singaporeans believe the sustainability performance of the organisation they work for is average at best.
Singaporeans are increasingly environmentally conscious and are shifting their behaviours
An overwhelming 90% of Singaporeans now consider themselves to be environmentally conscious. However, significant differences also exist between age groups with 45% of Gen Zers saying they are extremely conscious, compared to just 18% of Baby Boomers.
With growing environmental consciousness, most Singaporeans are making conscious efforts to reduce their household electricity use (89%). This includes reducing the use of air conditioning and fans when not needed (81%); and choosing more energy efficient home appliances (52%).
While only 42% of Singaporeans can currently monitor their household’s energy consumption on a daily basis, 93% would be keen to install a simple and affordable solution to monitor their household’s energy consumption daily if it was available.
Over three quarters (78%) are also supportive of increasing renewable energy sources in Singapore’s energy mix, even if it means higher electricity bills, and for 80% of Singaporeans, the use of renewable energy sources is now a consideration in how they choose their electricity provider and plan.
Outside of home, most Singaporeans have also increased their use of public transport for sustainability reasons (85%), with 72% using public transport at least three times per week.
Cost is a barrier to living more sustainably
The survey indicates that despite the growing consciousness, cost is still a key consideration in driving Singaporeans to change their actions as consumers. Less than a third (30%) of Singaporeans are willing to pay more for products and services that are environmentally sustainable. While over half (59%) of consumers want to be customers of environmentally responsible organisations, only a third (35%) would currently stop being customers of a company should it be found harming the environment.
Cost is also one of the main barriers among those who do not plan to own an electric vehicle (EV). However, the survey showed a positive shift in attitude towards EVs, with 51% expressing the desire to own one in the future – up from 45% last year 4. Other barriers to owning an EVs are concerns over charging infrastructure and locations, and a lack of familiarity with EVs.
Yoon Young KIM, Cluster President, Schneider Electric Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, said “The findings show sustainability is high on the agenda for Singaporeans, with many making the effort to reduce their carbon footprint, and more preferring to live or work in green buildings. These are positive developments that we hope will also motivate organisations to reduce emissions more aggressively, through greater adoption of innovative technologies for sustainability and efficiency. Schneider Electric is committed to forging strong partnerships with organisations across the public and private sectors, as we work together to build a greener Singapore.”
1 The first Singapore Green Pulse Survey involving business leaders with sustainability responsibilities was conducted in March 2022. 2For the purposes of this survey, we have adopted the definitions set by Pew Research Centre: Gen Zers are individuals born between the years of 1997 and 2012; Baby Boomers are individuals born between the years of 1946 and 1964.3Schneider Electric, “Building a Greener Singapore”, 2021.
Singtel is partnering with global real estate group Lendlease to redevelop its Comcentre headquarters into a S$3 billion1 world class sustainable workplace featuring the latest smart building and digital technologies.
The redeveloped Comcentre is slated as Singapore’s first end-to-end carbon neutral development, from design to construction to operations. Designed by
The redeveloped Comcentre will be designed by a renowned team of architects including New York-based Kohn Pedersen Fox. The development will be a net zero energy development built in line with carbon neutral construction principles.
Singtel and Lendlease have agreed to enter into a joint venture for the redevelopment, where Lendlease will subscribe to 49% of the shares of the joint venture company in 2024 and Singtel will hold 51%. The joint venture company will pay S$1.63 billion to Singtel for the land cost of the development, in or around 2024. Singtel will be responsible for the differential premium payable on the redevelopment.
Singtel Group CEO Mr Yuen Kuan Moon said, “The redevelopment of Comcentre is in line with our capital recycling strategy to unlock the latent value of our assets and invest the proceeds in growth areas where we can achieve higher returns. This is a strategic move that will further strengthen our financial position, bring about an exciting next-generation workplace for our employees, and contribute to the rejuvenation of the Orchard Road precinct.”
Lendlease will provide development, construction and ongoing property and asset management services, complementing the digital and technology leadership skills of Singtel.
Lendlease Global CEO and Managing Director, Mr Tony Lombardo, said, “People around the world are increasingly demanding their workplaces operate more sustainably while incorporating the very latest smart building and digital technologies. That’s exactly what the new Comcentre stands to be. Singapore is, undoubtedly, one of the world’s great cities and we stand ready to work alongside Singtel to create one of the world’s great workplaces.”
The development is expected to have a total gross floor area in excess of 110,000 square metres, comprising two 20-storey buildings of premium grade/Grade A office space with views of the CBD and surrounding Orchard precinct. At ground level, a large sheltered arcade and vibrant urban space will offer almost 3,000 square metres of F&B, lifestyle and retail space, including Singtel’s new flagship store. The proposed design also includes an elevated rooftop park featuring a 300-person auditorium, a running and walking track and integrated wellness hub.
Artist’s impression: Grand arrival experience. Pictures are illustrations and the design may change as the development progresses.
As anchor tenant, Singtel is expected to occupy about 30%2 of the total space in the new development. The redevelopment’s dynamic people-centric design is focussed on providing a range of inspirational spaces, attractive to the very best talent whilst providing a healthy and digitally enhanced workplace.
Mr Yuen added, “We look forward to partnering Lendlease to create a lush green oasis in the heart of Orchard Road. With its unparalleled location in the centre of Singapore’s famous shopping belt with a modern urban design, smart workplace features and commanding presence, Comcentre will be an attractive location for progressive companies seeking a prestigious ‘deep green’ business address.”
Artist’s impression: ‘Innovation Park’ with a view of the city. Pictures are illustrations and the design may change as the development progresses.
Forecast to be completed in 2028, the development will create a new asset that delivers long term recurring revenue for Singtel, as demand for the new development is expected to be high given the scarcity of Grade A office space and limited upcoming supply in the Orchard Road precinct.
The new Comcentre will incorporate the best practices in sustainable and biophilic design, with the aim to minimise embodied, construction and operational emissions of the project. The development will target the highest health, technology and sustainability ratings, including BCA Green Mark Platinum (Zero Energy), WELL Platinum and WiredScore and SmartScore ratings. It will be designed to maximise natural wind flows and onsite solar generation, while creating an elevated landscape area for both the community and office tenants to enjoy.
1 Estimated gross development value upon completion
Competitive Advantage as Main Driver forCompanies Across S.E.A Prioritizing Sustainability
A recent global study conducted by Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI), the global leader for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, recently shared the results of a global study to evaluate progress companies have made in pursuing their sustainability goals, showing that sustainability is now the top business investment priority globally.
This priority is reflected consistently across regions including Southeast Asia, as indicated by 70% of the 246 business leaders surveyed across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. Results from a series of interviews and an online survey conducted by Forrester Consulting, commissioned by and developed in collaboration with Johnson Controls, found competitive advantage a clear driver.
“The survey clearly shows that business leaders in Southeast Asia see sustainability as the number one business priority now. And among the different key sustainability initiatives, energy efficient buildings and workspaces is high on the agenda, with 91% deeming this an investment priority within three years,” said Charles Lim, leader, Southeast Asia, Johnson Controls. “More than three quarters of respondents have goals to reduce carbon emissions across their portfolio of buildings by 26% or more; and 11% are gunning for net zero or carbon negative.”
Although organizations recognize the benefits of implementing sustainability practices, many companies do not know where to start in preparing for critical business transformations. Top five hurdles today relate to managing multiple parties involved, lacking strategic plan, lacking external partners, understanding of changing policy requirements, and struggling to scale up.
The survey further found that only 18% of respondents in Southeast Asia have ESG reporting software to help measure their progress while 41% of respondents believe their organizations have a shortage of internal expertise, preventing them from tracking their carbon emissions effectively.
“In the race to decarbonization, companies must align priorities to the demands of many stakeholders, work with partners to develop transparent sustainability roadmaps, and identify metrics and adopt tools to track progress,” said Mei Peng Hor, business development director, sustainable infrastructure, Asia Pacific, Johnson Controls. “More customers are looking for ways to make this process easier, and are transferring their sustainability commitments and the risk to reach these targets to an external partner that has the capability, scale and ecosystem. Our OpenBlue Net Zero Buildings as a Service, for example, has helped the University of Hawaii reduce energy use by 80% across four campuses, saving US$80 million, through energy retrofit and renewable energy solutions.”
The global survey found that North America is the most aggressive with their carbon reduction goals. While the urgency among the private sector is picking up in Southeast Asia, more is needed. The ASEAN State of Climate Change Report noted that “there are still large gaps in implementation and ambition” based on emission reduction targets in 2030 and emission trends up to now.
L to R: Ms Kerryn Coker, Minister Grace Fu, Ms Jacqueline Poh, Managing Director of EDB and Mr Tan Yoong Heng, Arup’s Singapore Country Leader
Arup, a global design, engineering and advisory business with sustainable development at its heart, today launched the Centre for Climate Action in Cities (CCAC). Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, was the Guest-of-Honour for the launch together with Ms Jacqueline Poh, Managing Director of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).
Arup’s goal is to develop a truly sustainable built environment. It works with leading private and government organisations to address challenges related to climate change such as decarbonisation, city resilience, green and circular buildings, coastal resilience, and retrofitting or reuse of existing assets.
Supported by the EDB, the CCAC leverages Arup’s heritage as a design-led consultancy, its end-to-end capabilities from strategy to implementation and network of partnerships, to deliver sustainable, equitable and resilient outcomes in Asia.
Mr Tan Yoong Heng, Arup’s Singapore Country Leader, said: “This decade is a critical window of opportunity to rapidly decarbonise our cities and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Using Singapore as the hub for the region, the CCAC will provide innovative climate solutions for cities and organisations to achieve their sustainable urban development goals.”
Singapore aims to halve emissions from an expected 2030 peak and will raise its climate ambition to achieve net zero emissions by or around mid-century. From its operations in Singapore, Arup will be deepening its energy, waste and circularity, climate adaptation and water capabilities over the next three years. Through the CCAC, Arup will help private and government organisations navigate risks, identify opportunities, strengthen organisational resilience and implement changes responding to the climate emergency.
Mr Chintan Raveshia, Arup’s CCAC Lead, said: “Cities are responsible for more than two-thirds of global emissions and will need to be the focal point of climate action. Population of urban areas in Asia is predicted to increase to 3.5 billion by 2050. We will need to balance urban demands such as providing homes and infrastructure, while ensuring that this growth does not compromise our environment.”
Ms Jacqueline Poh, Managing Director of EDB, said: “As cities accelerate their decarbonisation plans, demand for sustainability solutions will continue to grow. Arup’s Centre for Climate Action in Cities will help to address this need by building Singapore’s capabilities in design, engineering and advisory, helping companies and governments across the region develop more comprehensive sustainability roadmaps. We look forward to partnering Arup to strengthen our suite of offerings in carbon services.”
Bringing together its global resources and leadership in innovation and sustainability, Arup delivers an impressive portfolio including pioneering research and urban transformation projects in Singapore, which can be used as a showcase for other countries in Asia.
Mr Tan added: “By integrating our design, engineering and advisory services, Arup brings an inventive and joined-up approach on any project. This will provide not only a tight focus to niche problems, but we can also pool expertise in new ways to develop highly original, improved responses to complex and multifaceted situations related to the climate emergency. This multidisciplinary suite of services will continue to grow as the Singapore office becomes the gateway to the region.”
Arup, a global design, engineering and advisory business with sustainable development at its heart, today launched the Centre for Climate Action in Cities (CCAC). Ms Grace Fu, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, was the Guest-of-Honour for the launch together with Ms Jacqueline Poh, Managing Director of the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB).
Arup’s goal is to develop a truly sustainable built environment. It works with leading private and government organisations to address challenges related to climate change such as decarbonisation, city resilience, green and circular buildings, coastal resilience, and retrofitting or reuse of existing assets.
Supported by the EDB, the CCAC leverages Arup’s heritage as a design-led consultancy, its end-to-end capabilities from strategy to implementation and network of partnerships, to deliver sustainable, equitable and resilient outcomes in Asia.
Mr Tan Yoong Heng, Arup’s Singapore Country Leader, said: “This decade is a critical window of opportunity to rapidly decarbonise our cities and mitigate the impacts of climate change. Using Singapore as the hub for the region, the CCAC will provide innovative climate solutions for cities and organisations to achieve their sustainable urban development goals.”
Singapore aims to halve emissions from an expected 2030 peak and will raise its climate ambition to achieve net zero emissions by or around mid-century. From its operations in Singapore, Arup will be deepening its energy, waste and circularity, climate adaptation and water capabilities over the next three years. Through the CCAC, Arup will help private and government organisations navigate risks, identify opportunities, strengthen organisational resilience and implement changes responding to the climate emergency.
Mr Chintan Raveshia, Arup’s CCAC Lead, said: “Cities are responsible for more than two-thirds of global emissions and will need to be the focal point of climate action. Population of urban areas in Asia is predicted to increase to 3.5 billion by 2050. We will need to balance urban demands such as providing homes and infrastructure, while ensuring that this growth does not compromise our environment.”
Ms Jacqueline Poh, Managing Director of EDB, said: “As cities accelerate their decarbonisation plans, demand for sustainability solutions will continue to grow. Arup’s Centre for Climate Action in Cities will help to address this need by building Singapore’s capabilities in design, engineering and advisory, helping companies and governments across the region develop more comprehensive sustainability roadmaps. We look forward to partnering Arup to strengthen our suite of offerings in carbon services.”
Bringing together its global resources and leadership in innovation and sustainability, Arup delivers an impressive portfolio including pioneering research and urban transformation projects in Singapore, which can be used as a showcase for other countries in Asia.
Mr Tan added: “By integrating our design, engineering and advisory services, Arup brings an inventive and joined-up approach on any project. This will provide not only a tight focus to niche problems, but we can also pool expertise in new ways to develop highly original, improved responses to complex and multifaceted situations related to the climate emergency. This multidisciplinary suite of services will continue to grow as the Singapore office becomes the gateway to the region.”
The following are some research and innovation examples/projects of Arup’s involvement and partnership with NGOs, governments and industry:
The Future of Urban Agriculture
Arup has identified and worked on food strategy and master planning since 2019 before supply chain vulnerabilities resulting from the global pandemic had not yet underscored the importance of food resilience. We have developed the first Urban Food Production Masterplan, a framework which we are using to help cities globally create more resilient food strategies and design low-carbon food masterplans. Decarbonising food production – one of biggest emitters of greenhouse gases in the world – while strengthening food supply chain resilience will be a balance that cities must achieve in the coming decade.
The Future of Mobility
The Arup-led study, initiated with the Singapore Government and leading academic research institute partners, is a first-of-its-kind research project in Southeast Asia. Arup used an outcome-led approach that brought people-first design principles to the centre of decisions defining Singapore’s urban future. Arup’s research showcases new planning and design strategies including design ideas for future town configurations, future streets and future mobility hubs.
Circular Building Design Toolkit
Buildings account for 37% of global greenhouse gas emissions, with construction materials losing around 95% of their value during demolition. Arup and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation developed the Circular Building Design Toolkit which brings strategies, case studies and tools for designing more circular buildings to reduce waste and carbon. The Toolkit provides a practical framework and tools to enable stakeholders across the building lifecycle to optimise assets for circularity.
Terrain – Arup’s Artificial Intelligence and Land-use Analysis Tool
Cities face increasing threats from climate change such as heavy rainfall and extreme heat waves. Using Artificial Intelligence and land use analysis tool called Terrain, Arup has developed the Global Sponge Cities Snapshot. The term “Sponge City” was coined in 2013 by Professor Kongjian Yu of Peking University to describe cities that work with nature to absorb rainwater beyond concrete solutions. Using Terrain, Arup calculated the amount of green and blue areas in the urban centres of each city. It then factored in the impact of soil types and vegetation and calculated the rainfall runoff potential. The survey is intended to show cities how they can use digital tools to quickly establish a far better understanding of their natural assets to mitigate climate change effects.
A green switch to LED lighting in the professional market around the globe could eliminate more than 553 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and save a total of EUR 177 billion per year on electricity costs
With global emissions rising at unprecedented levels and energy prices around the globe reaching all-time highs, it is now more urgent than ever that world and business leaders at COP26 in Glasgow commit to bolder targets to tackle climate change. Signify, one of the world leaders in lighting, advocates a fast transition to energy-efficient connected LED lighting1 to accelerate decarbonisation and advance digitalisation for businesses and consumers. World and business leaders should focus on making changes that deliver results quickly and impact both the professional and consumer lighting markets.
More than a decade after Signify’s call to phase out the incandescent light bulb around the globe, it now calls for the transition to energy-efficient connected LED lighting as the new standard of ‘general lighting’2. The move will contribute to meeting the goals of economic recovery plans around the world, including the European Green Deal and American Jobs Plan, and the commitments nations made in the Paris Agreement.
The call to action also reflects sentiment expressed by the International Energy Agency (IEA). In its recent ‘NetZero by 2050’ report, the IEA recommended that “the share of LED lamps in total lightbulb sales reaches 100% by 2025 in all regions” of the world and that minimum energy performance standards should be accompanied by smart control of appliances.
According to Signify’s findings, switching to LED lighting in the professional market could reduce CO2 emissions by 553 million tonnes – the amount of emissions that 25 billion trees could sequester in a year. Making the switch would also generate electricity savings of 1,132 TWh, which is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 494 million households. This would save a total of EUR 177 billion per year on electricity costs.3
“The current decade to 2030 will be decisive for world leaders to reach the goal of net-zero by 2050. They must back their commitments by actions that deliver results in the short to medium term,” said Brian Motherway, Head of Energy at IEA. “We envisage that a move to more energy-efficient technologies is one of the core measures that will help us in our Race to Zero.”
Doubling rate of building renovations to 3% per year
Upgrading lighting is the quickest and least intrusive part of building and infrastructure renovation, reducing the built environment’s lighting-related energy consumption by up to 80%, delivering carbon emissions reductions and cost savings. By moving directly to connected lighting, countries can also further their digital ambitions. It will accelerate the adoption of smart technologies in government buildings, industry, and households around the world, reaping benefits in productivity, health and wellbeing, and digital innovation. A revision of buildings codes will help to accelerate renovations around the globe.
“Interventions like the switch to renewable energy take time to yield results. Adopting energy-saving technologies can instantly relieve many of the urgent energy challenges the world is facing in electricity and fuel shortages and price hikes. We can act today by accelerating the switch to energy-efficient lighting, by doubling the rate of building renovations per year, and by mobilizing consumers to make their own significant impact in the Race to Zero,” said Eric Rondolat, CEO of Signify. “Driving energy efficiency improvements will reduce emissions and at the same time save businesses and consumers money, and create jobs.”
Raising awareness among consumers
Consumers can also play their own part in reducing CO2 emissions by switching to smart home lighting technologies and other ultra-efficient lighting innovations. To raise awareness and accelerate such a switch, Signify calls for the creation of public awareness campaigns that highlight the benefits of these lighting innovations, and to allocate some of the recovery funding for household lighting upgrades at a municipal level. Having people upgrade all their residential lighting would reduce their electricity use and CO2 emissions, and lower their electricity bills.
Nippon Paint introduces COOL-TEC cool coatings, reducing overall outdoor temperatures, in line with the government’s efforts to mitigate rising temperatures
In recent years, climate change and global warming have become increasingly urgent concerns. In countries like Singapore, the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, a phenomenon where pavements, buildings, and other surfaces in cities absorb and retain heat, is compounded by the warm tropical climate and the heat generated by air-conditioner compressors. These factors have contributed to Singapore’s mean surface air temperature increasing at more than double the global average rate.
As cited by Singapore Management University climate scientist Winston Chow, temperatures above 35°C in Singapore would result in an uncomfortable experience for humans and even our native flora and fauna. If left unchecked, the temperature in Singapore will continue to rise and cause severe public health.
Nippon Paint’s COOL-TEC cool coating range is thus a means the brand has anticipated and fulfilled this market need to combat rising temperatures, underscoring the brand’s leading role in offering innovative functional paints and coatings. Nippon Paint’s COOL-TEC range is Singapore’s first complete range of cooling coatings for exterior walls, roofs and roads. Paints in the COOL-TEC range adopt innovative solar reflective technology that reflects solar radiation and emission on the painted surfaces back into the atmosphere without warming the surrounding air. Each surface type (e.g. walls, roofs and roads) requires different paint system specifications, of which Nippon Paint has optimised for. E.g. It’s important to have waterproofing properties for roof coating and non-slip properties for roads. Nippon Paint’s COOL-TEC cool coatings are fast-drying, easy to apply, environmentally friendly, low-odour and non-toxic.
Nippon Paint’s COOL-TEC cool coatings have been shown to reduce roofs’ surface temperatures by up to 22°C, external walls’ surface temperatures by up to 2°C, and roads’ surface temperatures by up to 9°C. When applied as a total cool coating system, it is observed to derive a cooler air temperature of 2.49°C. What this cooler air temperature translates to is a wide range of inter-connected benefits including cooler indoor temperatures (decreased reliance on air conditioners, thus more energy savings), improved occupant comfort, and lowered carbon emissions. It is also very much in line with Singapore Green Plan 2030 to reduce carbon emissions. One could deduce that when Nippon Paint’s COOL-TEC cool coatings are applied on a larger scale, more people in the community can enjoy the improved thermal comfort.
To date, Nippon Paint’s COOL-TEC cool coatings range has been successfully applied on a number of public, residential, commercial and industrial buildings. These include National Heart Centre, Temasek Club, Hwa Chong Institution Sports Complex Costa Del Sol, Regency Suites, E-Bridge Infant Care & Preschool at Sengkang, Keppel DC Singapore 3 (T27) Data Centre and Woodlands Hospital.
Report highlights the Group’s commitment and ongoing performance towards carbon-neutral data centre operations by 2030
ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC), a leading data centre service provider headquartered in Singapore, today published its inaugural Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, providing a comprehensive overview of the Group’s approach, programmes and performance across three key pillars. These include Decarbonisation, a Safe, Secure and Inclusive Workplace, and Ethical & Responsible Operations.
“As an enabler of digital infrastructure across our global operations, we know that climate change has only further underscored the need to optimise our energy efficiency, source our energy responsibly and minimise our resource usage,” said Bruno Lopez, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres. With our inaugural ESG report, we reaffirm our commitments to providing reliable, resilient and responsible digital infrastructure across all our existing data centre platforms, even as we expand to new geographies.”
STT GDC has also recently participated in the inaugural auction of a portfolio of high-quality carbon credits hosted by the Climate Impact Exchange (CIX) in Singapore. Through the auction, it has successfully secured 25,000 tons of carbon credits that will offset approximately 15% of the company’s emissions in Singapore.
“Climate issues are a rising concern for many businesses and consumers. As Singapore pushes the envelope on sustainable development, it is imperative for the ecosystem to come together to make a collective impact and bring positive change. Sustainability has always been a core priority for our business and we have pledged to be carbon-neutral in our data centre operations by 2030. The CIX Alpha Auction represents an exciting opportunity for us to make a difference as part of our overall global ESG strategy and we are excited to join forces with other like-minded organisations to strengthen the marketplace and spearhead lasting change for future generations,” said Lopez.
Energy Efficiency: Over the year, STT GDC has achieved 43% carbon-free energy usage across its operations. In Singapore, it has installed a 2,000 m2 rooftop solar photovoltaic system at its latest data centre, STT Loyang. In addition, it has signed additional renewable energy power purchase agreements (PPAs) to increase renewable energy penetration from 32% to 51% across its India business in the coming years. In the UK, the company has renewed and expanded contracts to procure 100% renewable energy.
Green Buildings: Newly constructed buildings will be LEED Gold certified as a minimum. In Thailand, STT GDC built the first LEED Gold data centre whereas, in Singapore, it achieved both LEED Gold and BCA-IMDA Green Mark Platinum certifications for the STT Loyang data centre.
Water Stewardship: STT GDC regularly implements water usage efficiency programmes such as non-chemical treatment of the cooling tower at its STT Tai Seng data centre in Singapore, which allowed an estimated 7,300 m3 of environmentally friendly water to be discharged into the sewerage system without polluting the environment. In India, STT GDC had also pioneered a unique reverse osmosis (RO) plant in Chennai, allowing 40 kilolitres (kL) of blowdown water to be reused each day.
Fostering a Safe, Secure, Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
Diversity and Inclusion: STT GDC boasts a diverse leadership with women making up a third of the management team (32%) in 2020. It plans to make further strategic plans regarding the critical topic of diversity in 2022.
Labour Rights and Safety: As part of the Group’s drive towards world-class Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) performance, STT GDC has recorded 10.4 million hours worked in its construction program without serious incidents. STT GDC has also achieved zero work-related injuries within its operational data centres and zero high-consequence injuries throughout 2020.
Building Industry Talent and Expertise: In India, the company launched the STT GDC India Centre of Excellence in 2021, providing career pathways for local students and upskilling industry talent.
Ethical and Responsible Operations
Robust Governance: In addition to ensuring 100% of its employees formally acknowledge and commit to anti-corruption and ethics policies annually, STT GDC also ensures that 100% of its suppliers formally acknowledge the Group’s code of conduct.
Fostering Local Communities: Launched in 2018, STT GDC’s Lakhpati Initiative is a community-centric approach where the Group builds enabling infrastructure based on farmers’ feedback. The programme has since engaged with over 1,000 households in India, helping them to generate a sustainable income
STT GDC’s inaugural ESG Report is based on the Group’s financial year from 1 January to 31 December 2020, covering all operations (data centres and offices) under STT GDC’s control during the year (i.e. Singapore, India and the UK).
Multi-prong impact-driven approach to reduce scopes 1, 2 and 3 carbon emissions drive long-term value for the planet, partners and the community
In October 2021, Lendlease announced its Mission Zero Roadmap for Asia as part of its commitment to becoming a 1.5°C aligned company and achieving Absolute Zero Carbon by 2040. The roadmap details steps that Lendlease will take across its business in Asia to achieve its Mission Zero ambitions – Net Zero Carbon by 2025 and Absolute Zero Carbon by 2040. In Asia, Lendlease will undertake a multi-pronged approach by reviewing the fuels burnt, power consumed, materials and services purchased and tenant emissions at its projects, assets and across operations. This includes:
1. Reducing Scope 1 emissions, which are direct emissions from Lendlease-owned and controlled resources, produced directly from fuels burnt.
Initiatives include trialling alternative onsite fuels, increasing use of electric construction plant and equipment, and use of battery storage and charging infrastructure.
For example, the team will be using biodiesel on generators at one of Lendlease’s redevelopment projects
2. Reducing Scope 2 emissions, which are indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy from a utility provider, produced by the power consumed.
Initiatives include increasing renewable electricity incrementally to reach 100% by 2030, increasing onsite solar generation on our assets and integrating renewable energy infrastructure on all new developments.
Lendlease prioritises the health and wellbeing of its employees and will only occupy high-performance buildings for its workspaces. For instance, 100% of Lendlease’s assets in Singapore have achieved a Green Mark Platinum rating.
3. Reducing Scope 3 emissions, which are all indirect emissions that occur upstream and downstream of Lendlease’s value chain, through the review of materials and services procured.
Initiatives include investing in R&D and collaborating with suppliers to eliminate embodied carbon in construction materials procured.
For example, Lendlease is part of the Singapore Green Building Council’s Embodied Carbon Taskforce and signed the Embodied Carbon Pledge to Act, working with industry peers and partners to reduce upfront emissions from the manufacture of building materials.
4. Reducing Scope 3 emissions from tenants
Initiatives include partnering with tenants to reduce their emissions and developing next-generation green leases.
For example, 100% of tenants in Lendlease’s malls in Singapore are on Green Leases, which promotes energy efficiency.
Lendlease-managed funds achieve top accolades at the 2021 GRESB rankings
Meanwhile, Lendlease has again retained its top positions in the 2021 GRESB Real Estate Assessment in the Asia Retail category, continuing its momentum in maintaining its sustainability leadership in the built environment. GRESB is an investor-driven benchmark and reporting framework for the global real estate and infrastructure industry based on environmental, social and corporate governance performance. More than 1,500 property companies, REITs, private equity funds and real estate developers representing US$5.7 trillion of AUM participated in this year’s assessment.
All Lendlease’s non-listed funds clinched top spots in the Asia Retail (Non-Listed) category by coming within the top 5 positions, while Lendlease Global Commercial REIT (LREIT) emerged top in both the Asia Retail (Listed) and Asia Retail (Overall) categories. LREIT retains its status for the second year as Regional Sector Leader in both Asia Retail (Overall) and Asia Retail (Listed) categories. Likewise, Parkway Parade Partnership (PPP) clinched its status as Regional Sector Leader in the Asia Retail (Non-Listed) category. These top rankings are a clear testament to Lendlease’s longstanding commitment to integrating sustainability into business operations.
Justin Gabbani, Chief Executive Officer Asia, Lendlease, said: “In line with our commitment to becoming a 1.5°C aligned company, our Mission Zero roadmap cuts across our integrated business in development, construction and investments. We recognise the importance of setting targets with a clear plan to set our sights on a more sustainable future and create communities that can thrive.”
He added, “We are proud to be recognised by GRESB as Regional Sector Leaders in Asia, underscoring our efforts to champion environmental stewardship and the wellbeing of our community. These form strong fundamentals which will stand us in good stead as we continue to achieve excellence in sustainability.”