Eco Expo Asia 2023 will take place from 26 – 29 October 2023 at the AsiaWorld-Expo in Hong Kong. The last day of the exhibition on 29 October 2023 will be open to the public and online Click2Match business matching services and will run until 6 November 2023.
With the governments in Hong Kong and Mainland China aiming to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and 2060 respectively, this year’s fair will explore the green innovations that will turn these ambitions into reality. In the lead-up to the show, a networking luncheon was held on 11 April 2023, which gathered more than 80 industry leaders, professionals, international businesses and government representatives.
In its efforts to reach carbon neutrality by 2060, the Chinese government has promoted innovation across a whole host of different industries to achieve this result. In terms of energy, the country reached 152 million kilowatts of newly installed power generation capacity from renewables, accounting for 76.2% of the total in 2022.
A concerted global effort is underway to drive down carbon emissions and Eco Expo Asia 2023 will support this endeavour. The theme of this year’s exhibition is “Taking the Leap towards Carbon Neutrality”, which strives to once again bring together prominent brands, experts and academics under one roof, to showcase the latest green products and technologies, discuss the latest trends and formulate lasting solutions to respond to the climate crisis. The show is expected to feature products and solutions in the fields of green buildings and energy efficiency, green transportation, green finance and ESG-related services and more.
During last year’s show one of the exhibitors, Mr Frank Chau, Business Development Manager at Nishitani (Asia) Limited, said: “Eco Expo Asia provides a perfect platform for us to introduce our eco-friendly coatings to buyers from different sectors. We have established more than 100 new contacts with buyers from property management companies, universities, building contractors, engineers, interior designers and ESG consultants. Buyers’ responses are overwhelming. They are keen to know more about our coatings.”
Eco Expo Asia networking luncheon gathered renowned experts
The networking luncheon welcomed more than 80 guests including consul generals, representatives from various chambers of commerce, industry associations, multinational companies and small and medium-sized enterprises. There, they discussed the future development of the environmental protection industry and opportunities for local and overseas green businesses in Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area and Asia. Topics included the importance of achieving carbon neutrality and the sustainable transformation of the global economy, carbon credit trading as a means to reduce emissions, and more.
The 20th edition of Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology (GEBT) closed on 12 June 2023 at the China Import and Export Fair Complex. Alongside the concurrent Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE), the fairs hosted 3,318 exhibitors from 18 countries and regions, while visitors rose by 62% to 207,681. GEBT continues to provide a comprehensive platform for all participants to explore and promote the green development of the building industry.
Ms Lucia Wong, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd said: “During the four-day fair, we saw exhibitors and visitors engaging passionately in communication regarding the development of the industry, reducing carbon emissions and more of the latest trends. Many have high hopes for the building sector’s prospects. GEBT will continue to support all industry players towards a greener future.”
Industry leaders showcase cutting-edge products
This year’s GEBT embraced green and low-carbon development, covering products, technologies and solutions from four key sectors, namely home automation, intelligent building, smart audio & visual and smart energy-saving technologies. Participants gave high praise towards the scale and organisation of the fair and expressed a keen desire to return to Guangzhou next summer.
“GEBT has always been an important platform for us to promote our company’s vision and products. This is our fourth time exhibiting, and this year has had the best visitor flow so far. Many overseas buyers returned to China, and we were able to connect with some potential clients from India, Hungary, Thailand and more. They were all very interested in our home automation solutions. I believe the entire intelligent building industry will continue to develop, and I am confident that we can promote our products to the world through GEBT,” said Robert Yang, Manager of Business Development, ZF Electronics (Zhuhai) Co Ltd.
“I’m travelling to China to see new products for the Chinese lighting and building market as well as to see how these industries have changed over the last few years. My company has attended GEBT for many years, but for me personally, it is my first time visiting and my first time attending an exhibition. I’m very impressed by the amount of participants here, and it has set a high bar for other trade events I am attending in the future,” shared Andrea Falsarella, Lighting Production Manager, Teleco Automation S.r.l. (Italy).
50 presentations to promote cross-industry cooperation
Meanwhile, GEBT in collaboration with domestic and international partner organisations, invited a number of experts and scholars to deliver around 50 speeches on trending topics. Highlights included: “Heading to 2060 Carbon Neutrality Goal, A Future Empowered by Green Building Innovation in GBA”, “China (Guangzhou) Intelligent Integrators’ Conference 2023”, “Forum of 2023 KNX Home and Building Control Technology – The Development and Future of KNX Energy Efficiency and Management”, “Matter Makes Things Shine”, “Application of Digital Intelligence in GBA Hotel Industry Seminar 2023” and “The Future of Carbon Conversion in Smart Space”.
“I shared KNX’s progress in standardising home and building automation over the past 30 years. It is amazing that the conference room was filled by attentive audiences. GEBT is an important platform for KNX to promote our standards in the Chinese market. That’s why we have been cooperating with the fair for the last ten years, and we are committed to attending in future,” said Casto Canavate, Marketing Manager, KNX Association (Belgium).
“The speakers at China (Guangzhou) Intelligent Integrators’ Conference 2023 are all industry leaders, bringing an analysis of the current state of the industry, but also introducing us to hope that future market trends will produce more detailed and interconnected products. For example, products in fields such as lighting, curtains, audio and others will interact with each other. I think this forum is worth joining, and I hope the fair will organise more training sessions on related integration technologies in the future. If I have the time next year, I will definitely return to attend the forum,” said Zhaohui Wang, Sales Manager, Vantson Productions & Solutions (Tianjin, China).
The next editions of the Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology and Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition will be held from 9 – 12 June 2024. Both shows are part of Messe Frankfurt’s Light + Building Technology fairs headed by the biennial Light + Building event. The next edition will be held from 3 – 8 March 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany.
The first fully electric construction machines from Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) have arrived in Singapore and were formally launched for the Southeast Asia market at a gala event on 7 June 2023 on Sentosa island. More than 100 guests gathered to celebrate the landmark moment and see the exciting new technology up close. At the launch event for the first electric construction machines in Singapore were senior leaders from the country’s most important building and construction companies, as well as Volvo CE dealers from across the Southeast Asia region, and Volvo CE leadership from Asia. Tomas Kuta, President Region Asia for Volvo CE, kicked off the launch by sharing insight on the sustainability goals of Volvo CE.
“Our company wants to reach net-zero emissions by 2040, and as part of that and our commitment to science-based targets, we want to reduce emissions from our product line by 30% by 2030, as well as reducing emissions from our own operations by 50% in the same timeframe. For the Singapore construction equipment market – change starts here. Singapore is a natural market for electric construction machines with a strong focus on sustainability, efficiency, and safety in its construction industry. We are launching our first electric machines in Southeast Asia, and we believe it will act as a launchpad for further sales, both in Singapore and the wider regional market.”
Volvo CE aims to have 35% of the machines it sells powered by electromobility by 2030. It already has the widest range of electrically powered construction machinery available today. To begin in Singapore, the company has launched three models: the ECR25 Electric compact excavator, the L25 Electric compact wheel loader, and the EC55 Electric excavator.
Jenny Egermark, Chargé d’ Affaires a.i. at The Embassy of Sweden in Singapore, was among the VIPs at the event, and she paid tribute to Volvo CE’s ongoing drive for change: “I am delighted to see Volvo’s innovative Swedish construction machines launching in Singapore. They are excellent additions to Singapore’s robust construction industry. Both Sweden and Singapore have ambitious goals toward sustainability and reducing carbon emissions, and the launch of Volvo’s first electric construction machines brings us one step closer to achieving these common goals.”
EVs head off-road
Electric construction machines have the power to change the way construction sites and material handling industries are run. They offer the same productivity benefits as diesel equivalents but with less noise, fewer vibrations, and no exhaust fumes. They can help industries meet sustainability requirements or regulations. It also allows companies to use the machines in new locations, such as indoors, or in other sensitive environments.
In Singapore, the country has set ambitious targets to enable sustainability across the building and construction value chain through its Singapore Green Building Masterplan (SGBMP). This includes introducing mandatory sustainable construction practices. Using electric machines on construction projects will go some way toward helping contractors meet their sustainability objectives.
AM Muralidharan, Head of Productivity & Retail Development Asia, said: “Using Volvo CE electric machines offers all kinds of advantages to owners. Of course, it will boost the sustainability of their own operations, but it’s also about creating a nicer environment for the operator and others on site. The lack of engine noise and fumes removes a lot of the distraction that can come from working around equipment and allows much better focus on the job at hand. It’s also kinder to the local community.”
Technical details
The ECR25 Electric compact excavator is a 2.6-2.8 t capacity machine with a 22.3 kN breakout force. It is equipped with an onboard charger for general charging, an external quick charger (optional for indoor/outdoor specifications), and a 20-kWh battery array, allowing for 3 to 4 hours of work per charge.
The machine is equipped with an excavation bucket (0.074 m 3 ) with a quick coupler, a standard arm, spare piping, and a ROPS standard canopy. There is very little noise, resulting in a very low environmental impact on the operator, surrounding workers, and neighbours. Operator comfort is further improved because there are no fumes from the electric operating system. And unlike a diesel excavator, the ECR25 Electric consumes almost no energy while idling thanks to an inbuilt stop/start system, so it only consumes energy during the minutes it works. It has a slightly higher operating weight than its diesel equivalent but also delivers more continuous motor power.
The L25 Electric compact wheel loader features a 2.1 t payload, a maximum speed of 20kph, outstanding lifting height and 100% parallel movements. The machine comes with a 40kWh battery pack and is expected to deliver 6 to 8 hours of work per charge. Again, operator comfort is enhanced by near-silent operation, and there’s an automatic park brake with hill-hold functionality and a range of customisable work modes. Like its electric sibling, the ECR25 Electric, the L25 Electric has a slightly higher operating weight than its diesel equivalent, but then has a higher static tipping load too.
The EC55 Electric excavator is a 5.5-t electric machine built at the Volvo CE facility in China, which is currently the world’s largest market for e-mobility equipment. The EC55 Electric is based on its diesel-powered counterpart, the EC55D, but delivers even better performance and controllability, as well as quiet operations and zero emissions. Power comes from two lithium battery packs of 400 V that work continuously for 4 to 6 hours per charge.
Colliers unveiled its third annual Impact Report earlier this month, highlighting the progress made globally towards a more sustainable and inclusive future. The report showcases Colliers’ commitment to creating healthy buildings, fostering a sense of community, and promoting mental and physical well-being.
Key 2022 performance highlights include:
Globally, Colliers achieved a noteworthy 10.1% reduction in emissions compared to the previous year.
Colliers Singapore has already reached its 2022 objective by obtaining the WELL Health-Safety rating 215 million square feet of green-certified properties under management.
285 green certifications held by Colliers professionals.
50% of Colliers’ Singapore workforce are women
Colliers’ commitment to sustainability extends beyond reducing emissions. Colliers integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations as a standard approach to support occupiers throughout the real estate lifecycle. Colliers Singapore embraces these strategies and aligns them with the local context to deliver sustainable and inclusive solutions.
“In Colliers’ third annual Impact Report, we are proud to showcase our accomplishments in Singapore, where we have implemented groundbreaking strategies that foster a beneficial influence on our esteemed clientele, our dedicated workforce, and the environment,” expressed Bastiaan van Beijsterveldt, Managing Director Colliers Singapore. “Our unwavering dedication lies in expediting triumphs for our personnel, valued clients, and local communities.”
Colliers’ 2022 Global Impact Report adheres to rigorous reporting frameworks, including the Global Reporting Initiative, Sustainability Accounting Standards Board, and Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosure. This ensures strong governance of Colliers’ ESG programmes.
“We are on track to achieve our net zero and Science-Based Targets, both for ourselves and our clients,” stated Sean Drygas, Global Lead, ESG & Impact. “In addition to our focus on climate change, we prioritise diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the promotion of health and wellbeing among our workforce and the buildings we manage.”
Asia Pacific’s central business districts (CBDs) will increasingly need to be reinvented as multi-purpose destinations that cater to shifting demands for office space, greater variables in commuting and travel patterns, and a desire for “experience-based” spaces. This is according to new research on the future of CBDs by global real estate advisor JLL.
Return to office rates are over 70% in Asia Pacific – higher than many parts of Europe and the US – with re-entry rates at pre-pandemic levels in Shanghai, Beijing and Seoul, says JLL. However, a longer-than-expected return to pre-pandemic levels of transit usage and footfall will push CBDs and support real estate and infrastructure to go beyond acting primarily as places of work.
JLL analysis points to value-creation opportunities in Asia Pacific CBDs. They hold immense capacity for change due to their infrastructure, accessibility and stock of underused real estate – all of which underscore their resilience. However, with office vacancy at 14.7% in Asia Pacific, as well as the emergence of vibrant mixed-use neighbourhoods in the region’s largest cities which are attracting a growing share of businesses, residents and investment, there is further impetus for CBDs to reinvent themselves to remain relevant.
“How people perceive and use CBDs has shifted dramatically in the past three years due to the pandemic. To be future-proof, cities in Asia Pacific will need to find ways to reimagine the traditional core area to attract visitors, businesses and investment. For the future CBD to thrive as a mixed-use destination, investors and occupiers will need data-based advice and insights to collaborate strategically and make smart decisions,” said Anthony Couse, Chief Executive Officer, JLL Asia Pacific.
To take advantage of long-term real-estate opportunities, CBDs in Asia Pacific will need a balanced mix of uses, with improved amenities and investment in sustainable design. According to JLL analysis, refurbishing existing buildings is more sustainable than developing new buildings, as renovations can come with carbon impacts of less than 500kg of CO2 per square metre – well below that of new developments, which can be up to three times greater.
According to the JLL report, reinventing CBDs requires partnerships between the private sector and governments. Investors can employ a strategic, long-term mindset toward repositioning and diversifying their portfolios to cater to shifting preferences and reduce exposure to external shocks. Developers should proactively consider locations based on the potential for future growth and proximity to demand, the quality and age of buildings, and the ability to meet regulatory requirements regarding energy efficiency and sustainability.
Finally, governments must anticipate demand changes and provide greater flexibility to developers and investors, including through expanding tax credits to offset the cost of conversion and streamlining the planning process to reduce the lead time for delivery of new products. Notable examples of the private sector and governmental partnerships helping to reinvent CBDs include Singapore’s CBD Incentive Scheme, which provides developers with 25% to 30% increases in developable areas on assets at least 20 years old when converted from office to mixed-use. Likewise, Melbourne’s West Side Place district, which includes pedestrian areas lined with retail and green spaces to break up office-dominated “superblocks” of core business districts, has been successful in attracting footfall and investment.
“Any reinvention of Asia Pacific’s CBDs requires a long-term commitment of investors and developers, plus consistent governmental support. The office will remain core, but for a CBD to genuinely thrive, greater support of leisure and green spaces is a necessity to ensure continued relevance,” said Roddy Allan, Chief Research Officer, JLL Asia Pacific.
Building Review Journal spoke with Ron Pressman, the Global CEO of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), a global organisation focused on promoting responsible land use and sustainable communities.
As the world becomes more aware of the urgent need to address climate change, many industries are taking steps to become more sustainable. Real estate, which accounts for a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions, is no exception. But what does it mean for the real estate industry to be sustainable? And how can developers, investors, and policymakers work together to pave a more sustainable way forward? In this interview, Pressman shares his insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the real estate industry, the role of technology and policy in promoting sustainability, and the importance of engaging with local communities in sustainable development.
1. What do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities for the real estate industry in terms of sustainability?
Real estate represents around 40 percent of the annual carbon emissions. While very fragmented across trillions of square feet of global real estate, it represents the largest segment of addressable carbon emission reduction opportunities. So, it is important to galvanise focus on this. Two big reduction opportunities are running buildings more efficiently and building new projects more sustainably. Roughly two-thirds of the annual global emission footprint arise from operating existing buildings. There are many ways to reduce this via updated heating, cooling, and building management technology. New build embodied carbon from construction, materials, and transportation represents the other “third”. There are many new options to build to a more efficient standard embracing sustainable construction and materials leadership practices.
One of the biggest sustainability challenges for the real estate industry is navigating the regulatory and reporting environment, and then ensuring that the organisational metrics will result in accurate measurement against these regulations and standards. Transparency on sustainability is no longer optional – stakeholders across the industry expect the real estate sector to clearly report on their sustainability performance and progress against goals. The industry is dealing with an alphabet soup of climate regulations and policies that overlap, compete and differ by country and region. There is a lack of consistency globally, and waiting for one is not an option. Therefore, the sector must work together to successfully navigate the road ahead. Collaboration and a balance between ‘quality’ and ‘quantity’ should be the focus.
On the other hand, as the industry pivots to mitigating climate change risks, there are opportunities to bring competitive, cutting-edge buildings to the market. New projects now have ESG regulations and standards embedded by default, and legacy buildings are also being retrofitted to be up to date with the same standards amid the global push for greener buildings. Real estate owners and developers who are proactively incorporating sustainability opportunities into their assets are benefitting from the competitive advantage of green premiums like high-performance buildings, higher quality tenants, lower tenant turnover, and increased asset value.
2. How can real estate developers and investors incorporate sustainability into their decision-making processes?
Conducting a sustainability assessment is one of the ways sustainability can be incorporated in decision-making processes. This includes incorporating sustainability considerations into decisions regarding due diligence, property condition assessments, financing, building operations, and disposition.
Before investing in a property or beginning a development project, it’s essential to conduct a sustainability assessment. This involves evaluating the environmental impact (and associated investment needs) of the project, including factors such as energy consumption, water usage, waste generation, and carbon emissions.
Specifically, the investors should actively understand climate change adaptation needs for key markets. This requires investors to shift from an asset-centric view to a market-level appraisal of risk and resilience drivers. They should consider ways to leverage technical expertise to build the capacity of communities to absorb climate shocks and stressors. Building resilience against the impacts of climate change will require a cooperative ecosystem made up of public, private, non-profit, and academic institutions. To these ends, investors can support the creation of robust community resilience and recovery plans and should direct their investment to infrastructure and real estate asset classes that are climate responsive, adaptable to changing environmental conditions, and enhance the overall social and ecological resilience of communities.
A fundamental problem recognised in Europe is the failure of valuation processes to take account of climate transition risks. High values in an area of high demand can mask the potential for environmental underperformance to lead to an asset stranding while low values in secondary areas undermine the business case for retrofit. Values that reflected transition risk would help to embed sustainability in decision-making.
3. What role can technology play in creating more sustainable buildings and communities?
Aligning sustainability with innovation strategies is one of the key priorities for real estate companies in Asia Pacific, with ESG considered a significant factor in the decision-making for new technologies. PropTech solutions, and more recently ClimateTech solutions, offer tremendous opportunities to advance building decarbonisation and resilience.
By incorporating technology into their operations, building owners and developers can optimise energy usage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve occupant health, bolster resilience against physical climate hazards, and improve the overall sustainability of their buildings and communities.
For example, building automation systems (BAS) can optimise the use of energy and the emission of carbon by automating various functions, including heating, cooling, and lighting, turning them on only when someone is in the room, or shifting some of the building’s energy load to times when the utility grid is cleaner.
4. How can urban planning and policy support more sustainable real estate development?
Urban planning and policy can play a critical role in supporting more sustainable real estate development:
Zoning regulations can enforce more sustainable development patterns, such as mixed-use development, transit-oriented development, and walkable neighbourhoods. Zoning regulations can also require the inclusion of green space, sustainable building materials, and energy-efficient features in new development projects.
Transportation planning can promote sustainable options such as public transit, bike lanes, and pedestrian-friendly streets. This can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality by going car-lite or even car-free.
Community engagement is also a crucial element of sustainable urban planning and policy. Engaging with the public in the development process can ensure that the project meets the needs of the local community, respects their values and culture, and helps to create more liveable and sustainable neighbourhoods. It can also help to build support for sustainable development projects, which is essential for their success.
5. What are some examples of innovative and sustainable real estate projects that you have seen around the world?
One of the winners of the 2022 ULI Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence – Wesley Place (pictured above) – is a commercial office project on a 1.1-hectare site near Melbourne city centre, featuring a high degree of sustainability technology, including a thermally efficient façade, smart metering, rooftop solar, waste monitoring and recycling.
However, the project was designed with the S (social) in ESG in mind as well. The office building is complemented by a 5,000-square-metre, nicely scaled, landscaped plaza on the ground floor. The plaza retains 150-year-old trees and has 24-hour public access connecting to a variety of other buildings and amenities.
In addition, the project site incorporates a collection of five significant heritage buildings dating to 1837, including Wesley Church together with its associated Manse. Following long negotiations with Church authorities, the buildings and surrounding spaces have been extensively refurbished, with close attention to details such as restoring stained glass windows and sourcing appropriate masonry from as far away as Europe. The church has remained a place of worship, while the other buildings have been adapted to various commercial purposes, including a café/restaurant in the Manse building that has been integrated into the office-building lobby, creating a unique experience for occupants.
The exercise was successful not only as an example of urban heritage preservation carried out in a way that retains the density required by the CBD location but also as a template for leveraging the commercial value of the office buildings to carry out refurbishment in a situation where financing would probably not otherwise have been available. The theme of adaptive reuse is further strengthened – currently, a separate, rather anachronistic 70s-era building located nearby is also now undergoing refurbishment as opposed to demolition.
6. How can the real estate industry balance the demand for affordable housing with the need for sustainability?
It’s a common misconception that a building can’t be both affordable and sustainable. Affordable housing runs on thin margins, so meeting sustainability goals can require getting creative with funding, financing, and strategy. Depending on the regulatory environment of the locale – the availability of grants, incentives, technology, etc. – the level of difficulty would vary. Often, affordable housing runs on a master utility meter – so when the building reduces energy costs, it’s the owner who benefits from the savings. Residents benefit from higher performance and healthier living spaces, while owners benefit from lower operating expenses. District heat networks can bring similar benefits.
Another approach could be to view housing as part of a larger set of systems of mobility, access to jobs and services, and urban infrastructure. Energy, water, and food systems need to be considered as enablers for affordability, and in a context that enables liveability and equity for everyone who connects with it. All industry players should consider how affordable housing can be more than an independent goal – and explore how it can also contribute to a greener community in the long run.
7. How can the industry engage with and address the concerns of local communities when it comes to sustainable real estate development?
One of the pillars of sustainability is social – i.e., the well-being of the communities in which an organisation operates, or in this case, where the real estate project is being set up. Collaboration across the real estate value chain is proving essential to achieving global sustainability goals. This collaboration includes real estate working alongside governments, community members, tenants, and supply chains. It is an indication that the social element of ESG is genuinely being addressed. This engagement also ensures that new development’s amenities serve the needs of the local community – sometimes developers’ assumptions do not match actual desires.
One emerging topic is to view building utilisation as a solution to sustainability in the built environment. For instance, developers can explore how the surrounding community can use spaces to avoid duplication of amenities that already exist in an area, thereby optimising resources to create more diversified facilities and adaptable spaces. It goes without saying that directly engaging local communities to exchange feedback and address their concerns, such as through dialogue or briefing sessions, should also be of importance. This could mean, for example, carving out space on site for an open park, providing a community food garden (agrihoods), or adding additional EV charging parking spots.
8. What role do you see public-private partnerships playing in advancing sustainability in the real estate sector?
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can play a significant role in advancing sustainability in the real estate sector by combining the strengths and resources of both the public and private sectors. Private sector expertise and capital can be leveraged to address sustainability challenges that may be too complex or costly for the public sector to tackle alone. On the other hand, governments can help mitigate risks for developers; this, in turn, raises their willingness to invest in sustainable development. This way, the sharing of risks between both parties can produce win-win outcomes in PPP projects.
One such example in Singapore is Eco@Punggol (pictured above), Singapore’s first eco-town. The award-winning project was initiated by the Housing Development Board (HDB), Singapore’s public housing authority, in partnership with various private sector companies. The eco-town features a range of sustainable living initiatives and amenities that enable eco-friendly high-rise living, such as effective energy, water, and waste management. The development also includes a comprehensive network of pedestrian and cycling paths, as well as an extensive public transportation system to encourage the use of sustainable transportation options.
9. How can the industry measure and report on its progress towards sustainability goals?
Over the last 10 years, the avalanche of new ESG reporting requirements applicable to real estate has presented a significant challenge. Keeping up has not been easy, even for the most ambitious organisations with the greatest resources to allocate to the area. In addition, there are different views on what must be prioritised, disclosed, against which criteria, for what purpose and whether commitments will stand up to scrutiny.
It is important to understand the purpose of the different ESG frameworks and standards and the intended user of the information – there is no one-size-fits-all standard. Accordingly, an organisation will need to choose the right standards and metrics that appropriately reflect the requirements of their ESG strategy and their overall environmental impact and comply with minimum social standards throughout the entire real estate lifecycle in value and supply chains.
To help industry players navigate the vast selection of different regulations and standards, ULI has created self-assessing questions that organisations can use to map the core issues and foci of their ESG strategy to the required and appropriate standards and regulations. One of the greatest advantages of streamlining measurement and reporting is that it frees up time for action that we know is needed.
Wesley Place image courtesy of Cox Architecture Eco@Punggol image courtesy of HDB
SALTO Systems, a provider of electronic smart control solutions, unveiled its new Southeast Asia regional headquarters, and XSperience centre in Singapore earlier in June 2023. Since 2001, SALTO has been synonymous with innovative solutions, including stand-alone, cloud-based, and mobile applications. SALTO electronic locking products have helped partners across the Asia Pacific region from Singapore to Australia, China, Korea, Hong Kong and Taiwan to Spain, Germany and the USA to create keyless smart building projects that set new standards in security, manageability, flexibility and design that bring real-world benefits to virtually any type of door.
In Singapore alone, SALTO has helped serve over 500 prominent clients across the hospitality, working spaces, education facilities and commercial industries. The 800 sq ft XSperience centre, as part of the larger 3,000 sq ft headquarters premise, will serve as an interactive focus point for business partners and end-users to experience SALTO Systems’ next-generation intelligent building management and electronic-locking technology first-hand.
“The XSperience Centre is a testament to our recognition of the importance of the Southeast Asian region. We believe that product experience is key to navigating Southeast Asia’s rich cultural diversity. What matters most is creating a positive experience for our end-users – one that transcends language and culture. This is one of the key reasons for the development of our XSperience centre,” said Mr Adrian Tan, Business Unit Lead, Singapore, SALTO Systems.
SALTO Systems recognises Singapore as an excellent launchpad for the Southeast Asian region, attributed to its conducive business environment, excellent infrastructure, human resources, and strategic interconnectivity between the various SEA economies. With regional partners within this new XSperience centre, customers can learn more about access control technology and smart building management solutions from industry experts.
Visitors will also be able to experience the wide range of ground-breaking access control solutions built by SALTO Systems and its group of security technology companies, which are shaping the next generation of intelligent buildings and electronic-locking technology.
SALTO Systems aims to lead the replacement of mechanical keys with electronic ones globally, with offices in over 40 countries, more than seven million access points and 40 million daily users worldwide. SALTO Systems’ new headquarters can be found at Level 12, Bugis Junction Tower, Singapore.
Grundfos, a global leader in advanced pump solutions and water technology, has been appointed by Singapore Polytechnic (SP) to be its industry partner to co-drive and support its decarbonisation journey through greater water and energy efficiency on campus. In alignment with the Singapore Green Plan 2030, SP has set out a robust decarbonisation journey of greening its campus, reducing its environmental impact, and nurturing stewards of sustainability, with ongoing efforts towards certifying all 22 buildings in SP Green Mark Platinum by 2025.
The appointment is an expansion of an existing partnership with Grundfos signed back in 2021, under which the two parties look to co-develop energy and water-efficient smart solutions that support industries in Singapore in their efforts to be sustainable, through collaboration, talent development, and sustainability education.
Under this newly expanded remit, Grundfos will be providing SP with industry expertise and counsel on how the polytechnic can achieve greater water efficiency on campus, by evaluating how smart water solutions can help reduce its water and carbon footprint. Grundfos will also be providing valuable proof of concepts in the form of regular knowledge sharing on pilot projects.
To mark this occasion, an SP delegation led by Principal and CEO, Mr Soh Wai Wah, visited Grundfos’ global headquarters in Bjerringbro, Denmark for the partnership agreement signing ceremony. The delegate also toured the Grundfos wastewater treatment plant, the CR factory and the world’s leading dairy producer Arla’s Aarhus facility to experience smart water solutions in action. Both teams also had in-depth discussions on sustainability and education, areas of collaboration, and plans.
Commenting on this new milestone, Eric Lai, Grundfos’ Regional Managing Director, Industry – APAC & Country Director for Singapore, said that for Grundfos to support SP’s decarbonisation journey was a natural next step in their long-standing partnership. “With the first iteration of our partnership, we had set out to support Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises in harnessing energy and water-efficient smart solutions. Today, we are heartened to see SP demonstrating its commitment to ‘walk the talk’, by working with us to achieve a water and energy-efficient green campus using intelligent technology. We look forward to taking our work with SP to the next level through the expansion of this partnership and further supporting Singapore’s broader sustainability ambitions.”
Principal and CEO of Singapore Polytechnic, Soh Wai Wah, said, “SP believes in building a sustainable future for everyone, and has been working relentlessly to achieve this goal in our green journey. In our ongoing partnership with Grundfos, we have witnessed the real-life, tangible impact that smart sustainability solutions can make a difference in one’s carbon footprint. We are excited to work with Grundfos to showcase the green innovations and technologies to the region, and also amplify our sustainability efforts, and build a green campus that our staff and students can enjoy for generations to come.”
The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) marked a major construction milestone for its new Punggol Campus today at a topping-out ceremony, graced by Guest of Honour Mr Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Education. Strategic partnerships with global technology companies Oracle and Salesforce were recently inked to enhance the University’s applied learning and research offerings.
Students and staff who are currently based at the six campuses in Dover Drive and the polytechnics will move to the Punggol Campus in phases, with classes commencing in September 2024 for the new academic year. Comprising two plots – known as ‘SIT Campus Heart’ and ‘SIT Campus Court’ – within JTC’s Punggol Digital District (PDD), the Campus is approximately two-thirds completed to date and is expected to be operational by the second half of 2024.
A Transformative Education and Innovation Hub through Strategic Initiatives
Ahead of the campus opening, the University has driven collaborations under its Living Labs Initiative to bolster applied learning and applied research. Envisioned to support Singapore as a hub for innovation and talent development, the Living Labs Initiative is aligned with the University’s strategic translational research foci and is aimed at opening doors for SIT students and researchers to tackle real-life projects both in and beyond the campus.
SIT has also introduced the Social Innovation Project (SIP) module for students of all degree programmes from the Academic Year 2022 onwards. The module offers students opportunities to identify and address contemporary issues and challenges involving social, environmental and sustainability factors. This enhances students’ learning and develops them into effective, inclusive and socially attuned individuals.
Students work in interdisciplinary teams to develop social innovations or solutions that address a variety of challenges, such as those related to sustainability and management of the effects of disruptions on seniors or older persons. They can also use new technologies to propose improvements in social services for vulnerable groups, among other potential areas of focus.
To support efforts in the University’s Living Labs and SIP, SIT recently forged strategic industry partnerships to co-develop technological capabilities and opportunities aimed at training the next generation of digital talents.
SIT and Oracle Collaboration
A Living Lab will be jointly established by SIT and Oracle, one of the leading global hyperscalers in the technology sector. The SIT-Oracle Living Lab will feature a dynamic digital ‘sandbox’ platform that enables SIT students, researchers and industry partners to collaborate on business solutions and innovation. SIT will leverage Oracle’s expertise and technologies such as database management and cloud computing. Internet-of-things (IoT) and other unstructured data can be collected, analysed and used to address key business sustainability issues and create innovative technological applications to increase business productivity.
The collaboration also provides opportunities for the co-development of Pre-Employment Training (PET) and Continuing Education and Training (CET) curriculum content through the integration of Oracle Academy’s offerings. SIT will utilise Oracle Academy’s learning resources in artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics to support faculty and students in applied learning and research, including students’ SIP activities. Suitable professionals will also be able to participate in SIT’s Industrial Masters and Industrial Doctorate programmes and work on Oracle projects.
SIT and Salesforce Partnership
Salesforce, the global leader in Customer Relationship Management (CRM), and SIT will establish the SIT-Salesforce Learning Lab to train up to 50 SIT students per academic year to develop applications and prototypes that will benefit social service agencies. Specialists from Salesforce will serve as facilitators and mentors to students in their Social Innovation Projects via online or in-person engagements. This collaboration is the first learning lab for Salesforce in Asia Pacific. Students will learn industry best practices and apply their knowledge to CRM projects for actual customers.
The partnership will also extend to SIT’s CET offerings under the University’s Competency-based Stackable Micro-credentials (CSM) pathway. In-employment learners can pursue upskilling opportunities to build CRM competencies and enhance their expertise. Those in the programme will also have access to the Salesforce ecosystem of partner and customer organisations for work attachment opportunities. This will augment their real-world learning experiences and bridge the gap between academia and industry. The collaboration is enabled by Salesforce Trailhead Academy, which empowers individuals and businesses to build and validate in-demand digital skills through expert-led learning programmes, role-based credentials and workforce development strategies.
SIT President Professor Chua Kee Chaing said, “The move to Punggol presents many opportunities for SIT to differentiate and strengthen our education offerings. Our Living Labs represent our commitment to transform learning by amplifying the capabilities of our students, faculty and researchers. Our partnerships with industry leaders like Oracle and Salesforce further enhance authentic and active applied learning opportunities for our students. In more ways than one, SIT is well-positioned to be Singapore’s premier university of applied learning.”
“Oracle has been operating in Singapore for over 30 years and we are constantly looking at new ways to enhance our local innovation ecosystem and nurture a pool of talent that are experts in new technologies,” said Ms Chua Horng Shya, Managing Director, Oracle Singapore. “We’re excited to collaborate with SIT to leverage Oracle Cloud Infrastructure for the first of such digital sandboxes, as well as Oracle Academy training offerings. We look forward to enabling innovations that are to come.”
Mr Sujith Abraham, Senior Vice President and General Manager, ASEAN, Salesforce, said, “Democratising access to digital skills education is a core tenet for Salesforce, and this partnership with SIT further advances our commitment to creating pathways for the future generation of our workforce into tech roles. By developing solutions for real-world problems social service agencies are facing, this partnership goes a long way in helping non-profits transform digitally and deliver greater impact to their beneficiaries.”
Innovative Spaces for Industry-Driven Learning
The Punggol Campus is designed to augment teaching and learning with spaces that allow stronger industry collaborations, featuring facilities for exchanges of ideas and hands-on experiential learning. SIT Campus Heart occupies 49,000 sqm and has 4 buildings, while SIT Campus Court occupies 42,000 sqm and has 6 buildings. Some of the key features within the two plots include:
Lectorials’ within the Academic Blocks, which are smaller-scale modular study halls that are specially designed to support blended learning and encourage discussions and collaborations.
The Hatchery, which is a 10-storey building that is purpose-built to facilitate cross-fertilisation and incubation of ideas between academia and industry.
The Link Bridge, which is a naturally ventilated bridge connecting two academic blocks in SIT Campus Heart, is lined with study benches for students to engage in self-study or group discussions.
Open-plan seating for academic and corporate staff to encourage greater exchange of ideas, improve communication and strengthen collaboration.
On Sustainability and Green Open Social Spaces
The sustainable design features of the SIT Punggol Campus aim to reduce the environmental impact of the campus and promote a greener future. SIT was lauded for its green design features with the ‘ABC Waters Certified (Gold) Award’ at the Active Beautiful Clean (ABC) Waters Seminar 2022, particularly for its detention eco-ponds, rain gardens and cleansing biotopes, parts of a design for its rain harvesting and sustainable stormwater management efforts.SIT was also awarded the BCA Universal Design (UD) Mark GoldPLUS (Design) Award for its adoption of a user-centric philosophy in its design, operations and maintenance.
Key features of the green campus include:
Southeast Asia’s first Multi-Energy Microgrid (MEMG), co-developed by SIT and SP Group. With approximately 10,000 square metres of photovoltaic solar panels installed on the buildings’ roofs, the MEMG will generate renewable energy to power the campus, thereby reducing reliance on the main utility grid and lowering
the campus’ carbon footprint. The MEMG will also serve as a Living Lab to support the research, development and test-bedding of distributed energy systems and cyber-physical system security solutions.
A District Cooling System that provides the campus’ cooling needs throughout its core facilities including classrooms, laboratories, makerspaces, library, multipurpose hall, administration offices, auditorium and food court. SIT is collaborating with ENGIE to catalyse innovation in cooling solutions across the Asia Pacific. The partnership aims to cultivate an ecosystem in Singapore and the broader region that will leverage ENGIE’s local and global expertise in cooling, extensive experience in decarbonisation, energy and climate change projects and SIT’s applied learning and research.
Smart and efficient lighting and air-conditioning systems that reduce energy consumption and cost.
Sustainable materials are also used in the SIT Punggol Campus’ construction, such as recycled materials and locally sourced timber, which reduce the carbon footprint of the campus.
All images courtesy of the Singapore Institute of Technology
1-Group, Singapore’s leading purveyor of lifestyle-hospitality concepts, recently inked the deal for a new partnership with Hatten, one of Malaysia’s top property developers specialising in integrated commercial, residential and hospitality projects. In a ceremony graced by the Chief Minister of Melaka, Yang Amat Berhormat Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh, the pair entered a joint venture to bring 1-Altitude Melaka – a fully integrated lifestyle destination that is set to launch in stages throughout Q3 and Q4 of 2023.
Comprising seven world-class restaurant, bar, café and club concepts, a viewing gallery; and a co-working space, 1-Altitude Melaka sits atop the highest point in Melaka (Hatten City), boasting unmatched views of the UNESCO-listed Jonker Heritage district, the Portuguese village and the Melaka Straits. The project marks 1-Group’s first foray overseas; as hospitality trailblazers with a track record of conceptualising progressive, iconic venues across Singapore, 1-Group will export a collection of their homegrown Singaporean concepts to one of the most iconic locations in Asia.
Their signature flair will combine with specially curated touches, developed together with local artisans and craftsmen, to create the leading integrated lifestyle destination in Melaka. Hatten, 1-Group’s partner for 1-Altitude Melaka, is an award-winning real estate conglomerate comprising an ecosystem of hotels, malls and residences. Much like 1-Group, Hatten is committed to creating trend-setting, high-quality concepts that ultimately enrich lives and communities.
Mr Joseph Ong, Managing Director of 1-Group, said: “1-Group’s ethos is centred on creating unforgettable hospitality experiences in iconic destinations. Melaka feels like a natural destination for our first project outside of Singapore; attracting swathes of domestic and international tourists each year and boasting an incredible food scene, the city is primed to welcome a one-stop hospitality and entertainment destination.”
“By combining the expertise and strengths of both Hatten and 1-Group, we aim to elevate luxury dining with unparalleled, immersive customer experiences that captivate senses at 1-Altitude Melaka,” stated Dato’ Colin Tan, Executive Chairman and Managing Director of Hatten.
Spanning 5 stories across 100,000 square feet, 1-Altitude Melaka’s slew of concepts will open in phases between July and December 2023. Wildseed Café and Bistro, which spans two levels from level 43 to the rooftop courtyard, brims with floral touches and will present IG-worthy F&B offerings that appeal to café hoppers, will be the first venue to open its doors in July 2023. Warm and welcoming, the concept offers a hearty all-day selection of brunch items – think freshly baked cakes and luscious pastries, signature pasta and pizzas to hearty grills in the evening. Regular collaborations with local artists and florists will contribute to a creative and inclusive atmosphere.
Wildseed Café will be followed by two award-winning dining concepts. Contemporary Italian fine diner MONTI will offer detailed-oriented, authentic Italian fare, created by a team of culinary maestros, and industry-forward cocktails; while FLNT, a sky-high social spot will deliver an authentic fusion of Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. Here, a plethora of sharing plates is prepared with immaculate precision over a Binchotan-fueled Sumiyaki grill.
Night owls will revel at the 1-Altitude Apex Bar, set to become Malaysia’s most iconic rooftop bar. With dynamic weekly programming, craft cocktails on tap, and incredible sunset views across the Melaka Straits, the vibe of the bar will iterate throughout the evening, the tempo turning up as the sun goes down. Leading the progression of Southeast Asian Beach club culture, 1-Altitude Coast is a duo-concept destination comprising 1-Altitude Coast Day Club and Nightclub. With themed club nights offering a stellar lineup of music and entertainment, the adults-exclusive beach club will boast the highest rooftop pool in Melaka, sitting 195m above sea level. An as-yet-unnamed contemporary Chinese restaurant and speakeasy bar will complete the lineup of 1- Altitude Melaka.
A statement destination for weddings, events and celebrations, 1-Host brings over a decade of “hosting great memories” to 1-Altitude Melaka. Renowned for its signature events and venues, the HOST team of experienced event planners has successfully organised more than 2000 weddings, private parties and corporate events that leave lasting impressions.
