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Accor Opens Five New Hotels Across Asia

20 December, 2023/in News/by Editor

Reading Time: 4 minutes

Accor, a leader in hospitality, recently announced the openings of five distinctive properties across Asia, showcasing the Group’s commitment to providing diverse and unforgettable experiences for travellers. The new openings align with Accor’s vision of shaping the future of hospitality, and look forward to welcoming guests to these remarkable destinations for the holiday season.

Garth Simmons, Chief Executive Officer, Premium, Midscale and Economy Division for Accor in Asia, expressed excitement about these additions to the portfolio, stating “Accor is strategically expanding its presence across Asia to cater to the evolving needs of today’s travellers. Our vision is to provide elevated hospitality experiences for all segments, ensuring that each stay is marked by unparalleled service and comfort. These openings reflect our commitment to a diversified portfolio, offering a range of options for every type of traveller.”

To date, Accor has opened doors of 26 properties across Asia, continually strengthening the Group’s position in the region. The approach involves not only increasing the number of hotels but also upscaling properties across the premium, midscale, and economy portfolio simultaneously. Accor’s new openings include:

ibis PJCC Petaling Jaya (Malaysia)

Accor’s newly opened ibis PJCC Petaling Jaya sets the stage for accessible and quality travel experiences, catering to both business and leisure travellers. Located strategically in Petaling Jaya Commercial City, the hotel offers seamless connectivity to major expressways and renowned shopping destinations such as Sunway Pyramid. The hotel features 161 contemporary rooms with signature Sweet Beds™ by ibis, Smart TVs, and a complimentary minibar, with the lobby boasting a stylish design offering a Lobby Bar Café, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Facilities include a gym, a skyline-view swimming pool, and a children’s playroom. Dining options at ibis PJCC Petaling Jaya include ibis Kitchen, an all-day dining restaurant, and four meeting rooms for corporate events.

Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua (Philippines)

Situated in Metro Manila’s central business district, the Novotel Suites Manila at Acqua offers seamless access to corporate and leisure travellers, surrounded by upscale malls for shopping and dining. The 152 rooms and suites feature contemporary design. All suites come with spacious working, living, and dining areas, as well as a kitchen, suitable for corporate travellers and families on extended stays. Noteworthy amenities include the Tempus all-day dining restaurant, an infinity swimming pool, and a Lobby Lounge with panoramic city views on the 21st floor.

Mercure Tokyo Haneda Airport (Japan)

Embracing the design concept of “Tokyo Eclectic,” the hotel seamlessly blends ancient Tokyo with its futuristic counterpart, featuring décor inspired by Japanese subcultures such as manga and anime. Boasting 363 guestrooms, a uniquely designed restaurant and bar with a modern take on a traditional Japanese teahouse, a fitness centre, meeting rooms, and a dedicated crew lounge, the property caters to both leisure and business travellers. The property is set to be the 9th Mercure hotel to operate in Japan, contributing to Accor’s portfolio of 21 properties in the country.

Grand Mercure Lampung (Indonesia)

Grand Mercure Lampung is located in Sumatra’s tallest building, residing above the upcoming Grand Mall. The 198-meter-high hotel blends modernity with cultural richness, showcasing 344 contemporary rooms, including rare Pool Suites and an exclusive Penthouse with a private indoor swimming pool and a breathtaking 360-degree city view. Dining options include Flamboyant Restaurant and Sora Lounge offering diverse culinary experiences. Other facilities include event spaces, a wellness floor featuring a swimming pool, a fitness centre, and a spa. As the ninth Grand Mercure in Indonesia, this property reflects Accor’s commitment to excellence in the country.

Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre (India)

Accor launched its 24th Novotel property in India, the Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre (NJCC), positioned near the Jaipur Exhibition & Convention Centre (JECC), South Asia’s premier venue for exhibitions and conventions. Novotel Jaipur Convention Centre offers 226 well-appointed rooms, strategic proximity to Jaipur International Airport, and 42 acres of space, featuring pillar-less exhibitions-convention-entertainment facilities. With a Grand Ball Room, breakout meeting rooms, and a 70,000 sq. ft. lawn, the property caters to MICE events, conferences, weddings, and celebrations. Three dining venues, including Food Exchange and Ravanta, provide guests with diverse culinary experiences.

As travellers gear up for the festive season and plan their journeys into 2024, Accor envisions these new hotel openings as a catalyst for reshaping the hospitality industry. So far in 2023, Accor has opened 26 hotels with over 6,000 keys across Asia. The group’s dedication to consistently delivering exceptional experiences positions it at the forefront of elevating and contributing significantly to the industry’s revival and growth.

Singapore Pavilion at COP28 Showcases Robust Ecosystem for Accelerating Collective Climate Action

19 December, 2023/in News/by Editor

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The Singapore Pavilion at the 28th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) successfully concluded on 12 December 2023. Themed “Accelerating Collective Climate Action”, the programmes at the Pavilion showcased Singapore’s commitment to global climate goals, emphasised the city-state’s vision to achieve net zero by 2050, and highlighted innovative and collaborative solutions backed by a strong ecosystem of partners across the private and people sectors, international organisations, and governments.

The Pavilion attracted in-person visitorship of more than 6,000, along with nearly 60,000 unique online visitors across its 12 days of programming. The diverse range of programmes – involving around 100 partner entities, including panel discussions, workshops, fireside chats as well as “pitch days” — covered multifaceted climate issues and provided attendees with opportunities for knowledge exchange and partnership development.

Numerous noteworthy announcements, launches and memoranda of understanding (MOU) signings took place at the Pavilion, as well as key announcements demonstrating concrete action Singapore is taking to support and accelerate the green transition in the region and beyond. These include the FAST P (Financing Asia’s Transition Partnership), Singapore-Asia Taxonomy and the Transition Credits Coalition (TRACTION). In addition, Singapore signed its first Implementation Agreement with Papua New Guinea on carbon credits cooperation under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

During the Pavilion’s closing ceremony, Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu said: “I am heartened by the ‘bias to action’ that we have witnessed here at the Pavilion. Many new climate initiatives and partnerships have been unveiled on this stage, by the Singapore government as well as our Partners. Like Singapore itself, our Pavilion has been ‘small, but mighty’. It is not about size, but impact. It is not about quantity, but quality. And it is not about making a once-off splash, but a sustained commitment with follow-through actions.”

The Singapore Pavilion was visited by foreign dignitaries, organisational and business leaders and key change-makers in the global climate ecosystem, reflecting Singapore’s position as a trusted regional and international partner that convenes climate collaborators and solutions. The Pavilion has provided a space for the private, public and people sectors from various countries and backgrounds to gather and work towards advancing climate action and building a better and more sustainable future for all.

All images courtesy of COP28 Singapore Pavilion.

Newer Premium Office Buildings More Well-positioned to Build ESG-compliant Portfolio

18 December, 2023/in News/by Editor

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In Asia-Pacific, newer premium office buildings are well-positioned to meet the rising demand for the ‘flight-to-quality’ and ‘flight to green’ trends, as companies seek quality workspaces to attract top talent, as outlined in Knight Frank’s Horizon: Asia-Pacific Tomorrow report.

With 79.4% of buildings in Asia-Pacific aged 40 years or younger (vs 33.2% in North America and 55.0% in EMEA), the nascent office market offers an opportunity to build cutting-edge office buildings with the latest amenities without the risk of becoming obsolete. This aligns with the growing emphasis on high-quality office space.

The forecast is one of three top predictions from the real estate consultancy’s flagship report, which provides predictions for the commercial property market over the next 12 months, including emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges. Three reasons why the Asia-Pacific office sector is the backbone of the office-first hybrid strategy include:

Emphasis on newer and ESG-certified buildings
Access to a valuable talent pipeline in APAC
Prominent emergence of a two-speed market with a bifurcation in the Asia-Pacific office sector

Trend 1: Emphasis on newer and ESG-certified buildings

The newer premium office buildings in Asia-Pacific are more well-positioned to build an Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG)-compliant portfolio aligned with the growing preference among APAC occupiers for modern, sustainable workspaces that enhance employee satisfaction, wellness, collaboration and productivity. The emphasis on newer and ESG-certified buildings is crucial as firms strive to create environments that seamlessly facilitate work, reflection, and collaboration.

Christine Li, head of research, Asia-Pacific and report author, says “The less mature office market in Asia-Pacific proves advantageous, enabling the development of state-of-the-art office buildings with modern facilities without the concurrent risk of obsolescence, a preference gaining traction among occupiers in the region. Most of these CBD (Central Business District) office buildings in Asia-Pacific are newer, which suggests that they are more likely integrated with the latest technologies that enhance user experiences. Obsolescence is also minimised as retrofit works are less complicated and cost-effective.”

Ms Li adds, “As the ‘flight to quality’ and ‘flight to green’ trends gain momentum, Asia-Pacific emerges as the optimal choice for workplace transformation due to its up-to-date building technologies and availability of prime, ESG-compliant spaces tailored to company requirements. It also starkly contrasts to North America and EMEA where over 30% of office buildings, built before 1960, face a high risk of obsolescence, unable to keep pace with evolving tenant preferences in the hybrid work era.”

Trend 2: Access to a valuable talent pipeline

As the global ‘war for talent’ intensifies, Asia-Pacific stands out with its sizeable working population, with a significant portion of them residing in urban areas and a literacy rate averaging around 94%, per Knight Frank research analysis. The region boasts a valuable talent pipeline characterised by youth and skill. Given this advantageous demographic landscape, Asia-Pacific remains an attractive location for multinational corporations to establish their presence, minimising manpower challenges. This, in turn, ensures a consistent demand for office space.

Trend 3: Prominent emergence of a two-speed market

Multiple evidence indicates a bifurcation in the Asia-Pacific office sector. On the one hand, we are observing occupiers with some financial capabilities taking advantage of the softening leasing market to relocate to newer and ESG-compliant buildings to enhance the employee experience and fortify ESG credentials; on the other, occupiers are being financially prudent towards portfolio planning amidst the prevailing headwinds and expansionary sentiments remained subdued.

Ms Li adds, “Growth in headcount and capital expenditure (CAPEX) is highly contingent on the macroeconomic situation for the latter, and with economic turmoil brewing, companies continue to be conservative. This is supported by the Q3 2023 Knight Frank Cresa Corporate Real Estate Sentiment Index – a unique index assessing the outlook of the global corporate real estate community in relation to the growth, portfolio, and workplace dynamics – where growth dynamics have seen two consecutive quarters of improving sentiment, although they remain negative.”

Tim Armstrong, global head of occupier strategy and solutions, said, “Although office attendance has now stabilised in the Asia-Pacific region, the rebound in demand for office space has yet to keep up with the strong employment rate. For 2024, while the trends of ‘flight-to-quality’ and ‘flight-to-green’ persist, the enthusiasm for expansion will be restrained. Tenants will continue to approach portfolio planning cautiously due to the difficult macroeconomic conditions. However, it also proves to be a good time to review portfolios to capitalise on softer rents.”

MTR Lab Announces Investment in WeMaintain

15 December, 2023/in News/by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

MTR Lab Company Limited (“MTR Lab”) has joined as a new investor in WeMaintain alongside existing investors including Eurazeo, Red River West and Bpifrance, the French Sovereign Wealth Fund. The investment will support WeMaintain’s expansion across Asia-Pacific, including entering the Hong Kong market, as the scaleup company looks to digitally transform the building operations industry, starting with lift and escalator maintenance. This marks MTR Lab’s first foray into investing in an overseas startup and supporting a B Corporation – a company verified to meet high standards of accountability, transparency, and social and environmental performance.

Founded in France in 2017, WeMaintain has disrupted the traditional model of building maintenance with end-to-end solutions, Internet of Things (IoT) integration, and predictive maintenance capabilities. Through its digital platform and on-site engineering expertise, WeMaintain allows for remote, live monitoring of building operations, including lifts and escalators, and leverages data analytics to enable predictive and prescriptive maintenance. Today, the company stands as an international PropTech pioneer, actively redefining building operations and facilities maintenance with its transformative technologies.

Powering a smarter and greener future together

WeMaintain’s data-driven solutions not only reduce equipment downtime and safety incidents, they also enhance the efficiency of lift and escalator maintenance by saving time and energy consumed for a smarter, safer, and more sustainable urban environment. The equipment data collected by WeMaintain’s devices, coupled with input from field engineers, provides valuable insights into component utilisation which, in turn, enables the identification of repair and replacement needs.

This facilitates the implementation of prescriptive maintenance solutions that proactively flag necessary repairs, optimise maintenance schedules and priorities, and facilitate capital expenditure planning. With the investment from MTR Lab and other investors, WeMaintain will strengthen its research and development efforts, enhance product development in both software and hardware and expand in Asia-Pacific.

As an innovation investor, MTR Lab is committed to introducing technologies across sectors to drive improvements and co-create a smarter, greener future. This investment in WeMaintain aligns with MTR Lab’s focus on smart city technology and sustainability, as well as the Hong Kong SAR Government’s policy direction of encouraging the introduction of smart technologies in housing estate management, by advancing the digitalisation of lift maintenance and building operations. Beyond financial investment, MTR Lab hopes to support WeMaintain as a strategic investor to help the scaleup company grow in Asia-Pacific including Hong Kong.

“WeMaintain’s vision to advance how people and technology come together to manage buildings, and its efforts in fostering more efficient, predictive and sustainable infrastructure solutions, strongly align with MTR Lab’s goal of promoting smart city development,” said Mr Michael Chan, Managing Director of MTR Lab. “By supporting the company’s expansion and enabling it to extend its industry-leading maintenance solutions across borders, we hope to contribute to the development and adoption of smart city solutions in Asia-Pacific and help improve the region’s building operations sector in an efficient and sustainable way.”

Mr Benoit Dupont, Co-founder & CEO of WeMaintain, said, “Asia is central to our global strategy, and we’re thrilled to leverage the expertise and support of MTR Lab as we expand operations across the region. What distinguishes WeMaintain is our unique combination of on-the-ground expertise, an in-house team of skilled data scientists, and IoT engineers dedicated to ensuring the highest data quality. Substantial investments have been made in data science and IoT, with rigorous training of our algorithmic models to proficiently recognise and identify pertinent information. Armed with these capabilities, our goal is to revolutionise the building operations sector, not only in Europe but worldwide.”

Elevating the future of building operations

WeMaintain’s mission is to put the best of people and technology at the heart of the built environment. With an existing presence in France, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, and over 2,500 buildings in its maintenance portfolio, the company’s IoT-based solutions have demonstrated exceptional results, including an average of 30% energy savings per year on frequently used elevators and a 20% reduction in breakdowns on high-density sites.

With clients like SNCF (France’s national state-owned railway company) and Keolis, the company has proven its solution delivers higher efficiencies and a superior customer experience. The successful investment from MTR Lab will accelerate WeMaintain’s future advancements and growth in high-potential Asia-Pacific markets such as Hong Kong and Singapore, where it established an operational base in 2021, and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. This expansion aligns with MTR Lab’s mission to support innovative startups driving positive impact in the regions they serve.

Kaer Delivers Cooling as a Service Model for Paya Lebar Green

14 December, 2023/in News/by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Singapore-headquartered Kaer is executing its third project with global real estate group Lendlease, this time for Paya Lebar Green, a development between Certis and Lendlease. Lendlease’s adoption of the CaaS model on its third project demonstrates the growing large-scale adoption of sustainable cooling solutions in building projects across the region. Kaer’s CaaS solution is currently deployed at two of Lendlease’s projects – Paya Lebar Quarter and The Exchange, TRX. The introduction of the CaaS model at Paya Lebar Green brings Kaer’s CaaS portfolio to 20 million sq. ft of space with 250,000 tons of CO2 saved every year.

Justin Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, Kaer, said: “The CaaS business model is playing a crucial role in decarbonising our built environment, while simultaneously reducing operating costs for owners and driving up building valuations. We are extremely proud to continue our partnership with Lendlease, a global leader in delivering low-carbon, Grade-A offices and mixed-use developments. We look forward to unveiling this latest project in Singapore’s vibrant Paya Lebar precinct.”

Set to comprise the most sustainable development in Singapore, Paya Lebar Green has been awarded the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy certification and is the first development in Singapore to attain all five sustainability badges under the latest BCA Green Mark 2021 scheme. Set for completion in 2024, Paya Lebar Green will serve as the headquarters for Certis, with approximately 220,000 square feet of prime, decentralised Grade-A office space.

Kaer’s CaaS offering will deliver another efficient cooling system for Lendlease’s portfolio, and through the Kaer Connect app, will allow Kaer and Lendlease to measure and report carbon emissions down to the minute. It provides real-time tracking to assess energy efficiency and associated carbon emissions data for regulatory reporting, making it seamless to monitor, report and, improve ESG metrics over time.

Richard Paine, Head of Development (Singapore), Lendlease, added: “Through Kaer’s CaaS model, we’ve achieved significant portfolio efficiency gains, reducing our carbon emissions. With this sustainable cooling model introduced at Paya Lebar Green, we are elevating our sustainability efforts even further, as part of broader strides towards Lendlease’s global Mission Zero ambitions.”

As part of its Mission Zero commitment, Lendlease is tracking to achieve Net Zero Carbon (Scope 1 & 2) in Asia by 2025. With approximately 90% of total carbon emissions by Lendlease globally attributed to Scope 3 emissions – from upstream activities, such as the manufacturing of building materials and downstream activities, such as emissions from the use of electricity and natural gas by building tenants – Lendlease is turning to tackling Scope 3 emissions in its journey to reach Absolute Zero by 2040.

Kaer’s ongoing expansion across Asia underscores the escalating demand for sustainable cooling solutions, driven by rapid urbanisation and climate change, and aligns with global calls for a carbon-resilient future.

Crafting a New Era of Workspaces: Cultivating Environments for Well-being and Sustainability

30 November, 2023/in News/by Editor

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Building Review Journal speaks to Joanne Morris, Head of Design and Delivery for Asia, at Unispace about the intersection of contemporary workspace design, sustainability, and the imperative shift towards holistic, community-centric environments

In today’s swiftly evolving corporate landscape, the nexus between employee well-being, productivity, and environmental sustainability has become a pivotal focus for businesses worldwide. The seismic shift triggered by the COVID era has rendered traditional office setups obsolete. As we emerge into a post-pandemic world, the call is for adaptive, responsive workspaces that transcend the confines of home offices.

Biophilic Design: Transforming Workplaces for Wellness and Sustainability

In today’s fast-paced corporate environment, businesses are more than ever recognising the critical value of prioritising employee well-being and productivity. Unispace shares this view and believes it is critical to develop viable buildings and public spaces that contribute to resilient communities. Our method aims to reestablish the connection to nature and encourage biodiversity, particularly in the workplace, where people spend a substantial amount of time – essentially becoming their “second home.” Fostering such relationships positively impacts individual health and overall organisational resilience and success.

The emergence of a new type of workplace

The advent of COVID marked a transformative shift in the growth landscape, particularly in the context of work environments. The post-COVID era has brought about a significant transformation in workplace dynamics, making traditional office setups obsolete. The new approach requires offices to be adaptable and responsive to the changing needs of the workforce.

As we emerge from the pandemic, workspaces should go beyond what home offices offer, incorporating improved ergonomic design, attractive environments, increased social interaction, ample space for contemplation, and versatile micro-environments. The rationale behind daily commuting is now under scrutiny, prompting offices to articulate compelling reasons for in-person presence. Essentially, the modern office must evolve into a dynamic space that exceeds the expectations of a workforce influenced by pandemic experiences, highlighting its distinct advantages over remote work.

Our “Returning for Good” workplace insights report underscores that employees now have new or refined expectations, with collaboration and concentration standing out as the most crucial. Current workspaces must be flexible to accommodate all work modes, providing collaborative spaces, secluded work areas, routine workspaces, and even areas for focused learning. A significant portion (53%) of employees noted that their workplaces lack access to amenities that would enhance their well-being, such as prayer rooms, lactation spaces, and digital-free zones.

Wellness and connection with nature and community become of paramount importance

In response to the increasing acknowledgement of the importance of prioritising employees’ physical and mental well-being, businesses are exploring the potential of integrating green spaces and biophilic design into their workplaces. The impact of wellness on the design of workspaces is crucial as it addresses the diverse needs of individuals. It goes beyond creating functional offices; it involves shaping environments where people can genuinely live, work, play, heal, and learn. A workplace that promotes health and harmony can enhance employee satisfaction, productivity, and performance.

The trend towards holistic, healthy living and interior design that extends beyond aesthetics to encompass the well-being of the mind and body is emphasised in the report from the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID). Workspaces embracing this concept focus on creating environments that encourage physical activity, mental relaxation, social interaction, and personal growth. Recognising that a balanced and nurturing space contributes to employees’ happiness and increased productivity, this approach represents a profound shift in contemporary workspace design.

The need for biophilic design

In the commercial context, biophilic design revolves around viewing the office as a community, striving to establish workspaces that foster social integration and communal well-being. This design approach, gaining rapid popularity, draws inspiration from nature’s patterns, forms, and processes to craft environments that either mimic or incorporate natural elements. Research indicates that exposure to nature in design can alleviate stress, decrease blood pressure, and enhance cognitive function.

A favourable habitat, characterised by ecologically sound and productive environments, facilitates individuals in operating at their optimal potential. Additionally, it advocates for the use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient practices to reduce an organisation’s environmental impact.

Biophilic elements integrated into the workplace have the potential to enhance creativity and focus, leading to heightened productivity and job satisfaction. The inclusion of features like greenery, natural light, and outdoor connections not only improves the indoor air quality and energy efficiency of a building but also elevates the well-being of its occupants. In healthcare settings, design inspired by nature has been proven to expedite recovery times and enhance patient well-being.

Increasing focus on DEIB globally

Globally, organisations and governments strongly emphasise Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives to cultivate inclusive environments where individuals from diverse backgrounds feel valued and empowered. Unispace collaborates with businesses worldwide, designing sustainable, adaptable, and innovative workplaces that align with current and future needs. The company adopts a holistic approach to decision-making, considering the entire life cycle of projects to minimise unintended downstream impacts and ensure alignment with sustainable design principles.

For our client Arup, a global specialist engineering firm that targeted the world’s most stringent sustainability accreditation, the Living Building Challenge, we followed sustainable and regenerative building practices to achieve their goals of creating one of the most sustainable workplaces in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Arup’s new workplace integrates net-positive sustainability and storytelling. Guided by Ngati Whatua Orakei (local iwi), the workplace is connected to the cultural, spiritual and historical context of New Zealand. Embracing Te Ao Maori, a holistic approach to Maori culture and way of thinking, Arup’s new workplace is embedded in the natural environment.

With te taiao (Natural World) and sustainability as the weave (raranga), the journey began by implementing design principles through the first stage and leading through procurement of local iwi and Maori businesses. It ended in the blessing and powhiri (welcome) for Arup whanau (extended family group) on opening day.

During the project, 90% of the materials we used were free of toxic ingredients, and 50% were sourced locally within New Zealand. We have also diverted 99% of waste from landfills. Using upcycled and salvaged materials, its kitchen bench top comprises 5,000 pieces of plastic waste.

Based on Arup’s post-occupancy survey, 100% of employees believe that the design of the office supports good employee well-being, boasting a 95% occupancy rate. It proves the success of Arup’s new workplace as a space that reduces stress, creates a sense of wellbeing, supports creativity and emotional resilience, and encourages employees back to the office.

Into the future

According to “Forefront: 2023 global life sciences benchmarking report”, which we published earlier this year, “Optimising energy and material usage” and “waste reduction/recycling” are currently the two most popular areas of sustainability investment right now and will remain the focus for the next five years.

It is vital to embody sustainability at the core of your business. One way we manage our carbon footprint is to ensure all vendors we work with hold sustainability certifications and are willing to collaborate to reduce embodied carbon on projects. 94% of our recent projects’ construction waste has been recycled and/or diverted from landfills. Over 30 completed projects have achieved sustainability certifications.

At its heart, sustainability entails creating a mobile, community-focused work environment that operates efficiently, reduces waste, ensures employee health and safety, and conserves energy.

Acousticork by Amorim Underscreeds Have a Negative Carbon Balance

29 November, 2023/in News, Product/by Editor

Reading Time: 2 minutes

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study conducted by Itecons confirms that Acousticork by Amorim U36 and U38 floor mats have a negative carbon balance. These innovative solutions, produced by Amorim Cork Composites, contribute to the performance of the flooring solutions where they are applied, in terms of acoustic insulation and thermal comfort, while at the same time improving air quality.

According to the study conducted by Itecons, Acousticork U36 and U38 underscreeds have a negative carbon balance of -13.6 kg CO₂ eq/ m2 and -24.5 kg CO₂ eq/ m2, respectively. This means that the carbon sequestered by the cork oak forest, associated with the cork used in these products, is greater than the CO₂ emissions resulting from their production.

The Life Cycle Assessment study of the Acousticork U36 and U38 floor mats was conducted by Itecons, in order to determine the environmental impact of the U36 [6/3], U36 [8/4], U38 [12/6] and U38 [17/8] floor mats produced by Amorim Cork Composites. Two Environmental Product Declarations were thereby obtained, which are available in the EPD system.

This study considered the following life cycle modules: Extraction and processing of raw materials (A1), Transport to the factory (A2), Production (A3) and End of life (C1-C4). The LCA study was conducted in accordance with international standards EN ISO 14040, EN ISO 14044 and EN 15804, as well as the requirements specified in the RCP (Rules for Product Categorisation) documents.

The study also calculated the carbon balance of these products, using a methodology supplied by Amorim Cork Composites, which takes into account both the carbon sequestered by the cork oak forest and the GHG emissions from the production stage, calculated using the methodology of the EN 15804 standard.

Acousticork U36 and U38 underscreeds are made from circular economy materials and cork – a 100% natural, reusable and recyclable raw material. They offer high performance and impact resistance, enabling greater durability over time. They are therefore quality options for customers seeking to achieve a balance between performance and environmental sustainability.

The study’s results reinforce Corticeira Amorim’s position in terms of developing a business activity that promotes the conservation of ecosystems and climate regulation since it offers customers products with CO2 sequestration levels that are higher than the emissions associated with their production, as well as offering an alternative to synthetic-based solutions, thereby minimising dependence on the use of fossil fuels. These results also reinforce the company’s commitment to sustainable innovation and the constant search for solutions that benefit both the environment and customers.

Heatherwick Studio Designs its First District in Japan

28 November, 2023/in Architecture, Design, News/by Editor

Reading Time: 2 minutes

A new district in the heart of Tokyo designed by Heatherwick Studio has been opened by the Prime Minister of Japan. The project, known as Azabudai Hills, is the culmination of a thirty-year regeneration process steered by Mori Building Co. Ltd., one of Japan’s leading urban landscape developers.

The new neighbourhood is made up of residential buildings, retail spaces, a school, two temples, art galleries, offices and restaurants, all set within 2.4km2 of green, publicly accessible landscape. Heatherwick Studio is the lead architect of the public realm and podium-level architecture. The design encourages purposeful connections between commuters, residents and the public, and the 8.1-hectare district is filled with trees, flowers and water features. Meandering routes and walkable rooftop slopes invite exploration and informal gatherings.

Thomas Heatherwick, Founder of Heatherwick Studio, said, “We were inspired to create a district that connects with people’s emotions in a different way. By combining cultural and social facilities with an extraordinary three-dimensional, explorable, landscape, it’s been possible to offer visitors and the local community somewhere to connect with each other and enjoy open green public spaces. This is a joyful and unique public place for Tokyo, designed to be cherished for many years.”

Tokyo is a juxtaposition of old and new architecture, with large and small buildings pressed up against each other. The design celebrates this rich mixture of layers and all the variety and intensity of the city. Residents and visitors can come together and be inspired by a new landscape that includes extensive public gardens, a central square and The Cloud event space. It is now one of Tokyo’s greenest urban areas and continues Mori Building Company’s commitment to creating garden cities where the landscape simultaneously supports nature and people.

Throughout the 30-year regeneration of this site, Mori Building Co. collaborated with over 300 residents and businesses to bring the district to life. Over 90% of the original tenants and businesses have now chosen to return to the new district. Azabudai Hills is also on track to become one of the world’s largest sites to receive the preliminary WELL certification, the highest-level LEED Neighbourhood Development certification for mixed-use developments, and LEED’s BD+C (Building Design/Core and Shell Development) certification.

As part of the development, Heatherwick Studio has designed its first school, The British School of Tokyo. At 15,000 sqm, this is the largest international school in the heart of the city. The design takes full advantage of the local climate with a seamless flow of outdoor learning and recreational spaces spread across eight levels, where students and teachers can enjoy working.

Neil Hubbard, partner and Group Leader at Heatherwick Studio said, “Over the last 10 years, we have tried to get under the skin of what makes something distinctively Tokyo, whilst at the same time adding something new that’s fresh and soft to its modern built environment. We wanted to create vistas full of variety and intrigue and spaces to explore. It’s a confluence of different families of design all brought together in one place. I can’t wait to watch people explore it.”

An estimated 25 to 30 million people will visit this new public district every year.

Getting the Most Out of Dual SACI and Concrete Sealer Systems

27 November, 2023/in Construction/by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

When performing a concrete repair or routine sealer application, is there any benefit to adding a surface-applied corrosion inhibitor (SACI) underneath? Will the combination enhance protection or undermine the whole system? Cortec ® looks at these issues and suggests how contractors can get the most out of their dual SACI waterproofing system.

Why use concrete waterproofing?

Sealers, waterproofing membranes, and other moisture barrier coatings are a common part of concrete maintenance and repair. Their chief purpose is to block or seal the surface so that moisture, chlorides, and carbonation cannot seep into concrete pores. This slows down the deterioration process and helps the concrete last longer. Common places to find epoxy or urethane coatings, methyl methacrylate sealers, or other waterproofing membranes on concrete are parking ramps and industrial buildings—especially those in the chemical processing industry.

What are the benefits of SACIs?

Treating concrete with SACIs before applying a coating, sealer, or traffic membrane adds an additional level of corrosion protection. MCI ® -2020 contains the highest corrosion inhibitor concentration among SACIs on the market and is therefore the most efficient choice for this application.

Migrating corrosion inhibitors in MCI ® -2020 penetrate concrete pores and are attracted to metal surfaces to form a molecular layer that actively inhibits the corrosion reaction. This second line of defence is especially important if the physical barrier or coating fails, allowing water and corrosives to seep in and be trapped on the concrete surface. The presence of SACIs in the concrete can help mitigate the corrosion reaction.

How to ensure proper adhesion

While both sealers and SACIs can play a role in concrete protection, there is sometimes a concern for adhesion between layers when applying multiple products to a concrete substrate. If adhesion fails, the effectiveness of the applied system is jeopardized, leaving concrete exposed to water and other contaminants.

Fortunately, the solution is as simple as proper application. Waiting 24 hours after applying MCI® -2020 gives more time for the corrosion inhibitors to work their way into the concrete pores, away from the surface. Subsequent rinsing with water removes any residual and leaves behind a clean surface for coating or waterproofing application.

Testing according to ASTM D7234 has confirmed the compatibility of several traffic coatings and membranes with MCI ® -2020, and in some cases, a water rinse was not needed to maintain adhesion.

Get the most out of your surface-applied system

The application of water repellents, coatings, and waterproofing membranes will remain a common practice as long as parking garages and other concrete structures remain vulnerable to corrosion. Using MCI ® SACIs is a great way to enhance routine maintenance or repairs by fortifying the concrete with Migrating Corrosion Inhibitors. Simple steps such as rinsing the surface prior to waterproofing application help contractors and building owners get the most out of their dual water-repelling, corrosion-inhibiting system to extend concrete service life.

Asia Pacific Investment Volumes Fell 22 Percent in 2023 Third Quarter

24 November, 2023/in News/by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Commercial real estate investment activity in Asia Pacific moderated 22 percent year-on-year (YoY) in the third quarter of 2023, recording the lowest quarterly figure since Q2 2010. According to data and analysis by global real estate consulting firm JLL, investment activity in Asia Pacific fell to US$21.3 billion as investments in office and retail continued to experience sharp contractions, while industrial & logistics and living & multifamily sectors remained resilient.

“Despite a strengthening return to office narrative and low vacancy rates in many markets, investors remain generally more cautious on the office sector. The high cost of debt has also exerted repricing pressures and most markets remain in price discovery mode as investors adjust their targeted returns for acquisitions. We maintain our confidence in the longer-term attractiveness and resilience of Asia Pacific’s commercial real estate but remain realistic that investors are seeking more clarity on pricing and the macroeconomy,” said Stuart Crow, CEO, Asia Pacific Capital Markets, JLL (pictured above).

Across the third quarter, China emerged as the most active market in Asia Pacific. Investment volumes bucked the downward trend and totalled US$4.7 billion, up 43% YoY from a low base, despite limited participation from overseas investors. For domestic investors and corporate occupiers, industrial & logistics and assets equipped for R&D were the primary recipients of capital. In Hong Kong, investment activity reached US$0.8 billion, up 15% YoY with most transactions consisting of small lump sum deployments involving strata-title assets for owner occupation.

Japan recorded investment volumes of US$4.1 billion, a 3% YoY growth. Industrial & logistics remained an active sector within the market, with two notable portfolio acquisitions made by domestic investors, and listed J-REITs acquired hotel portfolios amid a rapid tourism recovery and rising hotel room prices.

South Korea garnered US$4.2 billion worth of transactions, falling 35% YoY as domestic investors exhausted a large portion of their blind funds, along with shrinking office volumes caused by subdued sentiment amongst global core investors. Meanwhile, investment volumes in Australia plunged 47% YoY to US$3.8 billion. The investment market remained slow as price discovery continued amid rapid funding cost changes. Re-allocation into industrial & logistics and student housing assets took place with conviction growing in these sectors. Singapore investment volumes declined 11% to US$2 billion, with notable acquisitions in the hotels & hospitality and retail sectors.

“In the region, interest rate hike cycles are nearing their end – the Reserve Bank of New Zealand and Bank of Korea are likely to conclude their monetary tightening whilst the Reserve Bank of Australia may have more work to do. Thus, regional fixed rates are now closely resembling floating rates, apart from Japan as it plans to move towards policy normalisation,” said Pamela Ambler, Head of Investor Intelligence, Asia Pacific, JLL (pictured above).

“As we approach the end of 2023, investors will weigh the elevated cost of capital against an uncertain macroeconomic environment. With the Fed’s upcoming decision on adjusting interest rates, we can also expect investment activity to pick up as the cost of debt eases.”