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Cosentino Launches Two New Dekton®: Onirika and Kraftizen

26 September, 2022/in News/by Editor

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Cosentino Launches Two New Dekton®: Onirika and Kraftizen

Cosentino Group had just launched two collections, Dekton® Onirika and Kraftizen.

Dekton® is an unmatched category in the world of surfaces, not only is it impervious to elements such as scratches, stains, UV rays, fire and heat, it is the only surface brand that is certified carbon neutral from cradle to grave. By offsetting 100% of carbon dioxide emissions over its entire product life cycle, Dekton® is a sustainable material which reduces environmental impact.

Dekton® Onirika

Cosentino and international interior design powerhouse, Nina Magon, have come together to create a one-of-a-kind Dekton® collection that is bold and yet, elegant and timeless. Inspired by marble patterns and immersive living, the stunning series showcases eight daring colours: Awake, Lucid, Somnia, Neural, Trance, Vigil, Daze and Morpheus.

“We are not attempting to mimic any existing natural stone. With the Dekton technology, we are able to create our own colours and structures, bringing to life something that is unique, beautiful and irreplaceable. That is the purpose of Onirika – to showcase the versatility of Dekton,” shares the Houston-based designer, Nina Magon.

From Left to Right:

• Neural combines elegance and structure to bring peace and joy, calm sensations, and an overall feeling of well-being into a space. With fine, pale veins crossing the marbled pattern, the design creates a fascinating neural network, which teleports one into a white dream. It is best suited for bright, neutral spaces with soft textures, light colours, and wooden or metallic accents.

• Lucid displays many shades, reflections, and glints of colour to create an illuminative perception of colours best combined with wood, grey and gold shades, and frosted glass.

• Morpheus is the name of this same Lucid tonality but in Dekton® Velvet Texture finish.

• Awake is a re-interpretation of the precious Paonazzo stone. It features thick veins of light greys, exquisite oxide terracotta, and a hint of subtle, inky blues. This iteration pairs beautifully with white, neutral tones, lightwood, and golds of any shade.

• Trance features warm fine streaks that move between oxides and fade to reddish gold, combining perfectly with reddish oak wood and darker walnut tones. Blue furniture and warm golds in pale finishing bring sleekness to this vibrant colour.

• Somnia boasts captivating details of warm oxide browns and whites that merge under a grid of think lines that create a sober texture. Somnia is perfect with warm dark woods, frosted glass and textured metal surfaces such as copper.

• Vigil recreates a strong Calacatta structure with thick veins in gradients of light and dark greys, matched with a subtle touch of gold. This is a classic colour that is easy to combine with warm and cold hues, wood metal, and clean concrete.

• Daze is the name of this same Vigil tonality but in Dekton® Velvet texture finish.

Dekton® Kraftizen

Kraftizen boasts a series of five versatile, beautiful colours with rich, deep textures: Umber, Nacre, Argentium, Micron and Albarium. Reminiscent of Venetian stucco, these colours are rooted in minimalism and versatility, bringing serenity into any space.

The Dekton® Kraftizen collection reinterprets craftsmanship perfected over the centuries using the latest digital craft technology. Each trowel stroke from yesteryear transfers onto canvases made of millions of pixels, becoming part of an image and a reinterpretation which will stand the test of time.

From Left to Right:

• Nacre is a colour with plenty of movement to engage all senses. Trowel marks bring the colour to life, while the subtle interplay of light and shadow accompanies every inch of the design. The silky finish is pleasant to the touch. Meanwhile, the scattered gradients are highly decorative and reminiscent of sea waves.

• Micron is elegant and minimalistic. Its markings and trowelled texture give it depth. This deep, dark grey conveys a comforting sense of calm and serenity.

• Albarium is a peaceful, powdery white colour, reminiscent of marble dust. The subtle trowel achieves a rich continuity that makes it easy to apply on large surfaces. Albarium captivates with its fine, elegant texture and the refinement and light it brings to the spaces where it is used.

• Umber is a timeless colour with its own personality and a special charisma. The terracotta is warm and cosy, an earthy colour closely connected to nature.

• Argentium is a perfect matte grey that can be combined with both warm and cold tones. Its trowelled structure, typical of lime plastering, provides a bold design option to the range. In ancient times, silver was considered a gift of nature created by the influence of the moon. This legend lives on in Argentium.

Dekton® offers endless design possibilities with its multiple applications for both indoors and outdoors spaces. It has won over many architects and designers around the world who chose the high-performance surface for facades, countertops, floors, cabinetry and claddings.

The two new collections are available for viewing at Cosentino City Singapore, located at 5 Straits View, Marina One The Heart (West Tower) #01-16/17, Singapore 018935.

LG Brings Clean Air to Homes With Climate Friendly Refrigerant and Innovative Air Solution

9 September, 2022/in News/by Editor

Reading Time: 4 minutes

A guest at the lg r32 refrigerant demonstration zone

LG Electronics (LG) recently showcased its total air care solutions by unveiling the latest air conditioners and air purifiers at the LG Air Solutions event. The event highlights LG’s newly launched climate-friendly R32 refrigerant for air conditioners and the LG PuriCare™ AeroTower™ Air Purifying Fan to emphasise the importance of clean air and healthy homes. Together, the company’s latest innovations provide fresh air for homeowners looking to upgrade their appliances.

Mr Gerald Chun, Managing Director, LG Electronics Singapore, said, “As one of the global leaders in air solutions, LG has been diversifying efforts to introduce forward looking products that deliver clean air to users at their comfort and convenience. Striving to make life better for all, we are focusing on developing sustainable innovations that protect the earth and cater to the evolving consumers’ needs for a healthier and better life at home.”

The R32: Environmentally Friendly Refrigerant

Taking ecological responsibility to the next level, LG has adopted the industry’s next generation R32 refrigerant for its single and multi-split air conditioners in commercial and residential settings. The energy-efficient R32 refrigerant is combined with LG air conditioners’ intelligent features and innovative product design to deliver cool air in a greener way.

With zero ozone depletion potential and significantly lower global warming potential (GWP) compared to the mainstream R410A refrigerant1, the R32 refrigerant is widely known to be more environmentally friendly for Mother Nature. The R32 conveys heat efficiently and offers a higher cooling capacity, so less energy is required to cool indoor spaces – this highlights the industry’s gold standard in heat transfer. Users can then reduce their carbon footprint and enjoy more significant savings on electricity costs. The R32, a single-component refrigerant, can also be easily recycled or reused, minimising the environmental impact of HVAC equipment, making it the refrigerant of choice for many businesses like LG today.

Unique to its multi-split residential air conditioners line-up, LG also developed the peak current control technology to manage energy consumption efficiently. Users can set a maximum consumption level to limit the total power used. An internal test result shows that usage patterns at 1.9kW and 1.7kW compared to the maximum power consumption of 2.5kW will help to save 24 per cent and 32 per cent energy, respectively2.

With an excellent 5-tick rating on Singapore’s Energy Guide3, LG’s Multi-Split Smart Inverter Air-Conditioner has a coefficient of performance (COP) that surpasses regulatory expectations 4. The Dual Inverter Compressor is also structured to operate with low vibration and less noise, resulting in optimised airflow that cools the room quickly and ensures greater energy efficiency.

The compact size of the outdoor unit makes it easy to install, perfect for those with HDBs looking to upgrade their air-cooling systems. To help users make an informed decision when choosing new air conditioners, LG’s air conditioners that use the R32 refrigerant will be identified with a Climate-Friendly label.

Enjoy Clean, Cool Air with LG PuriCare™ AeroTower™

The LG PuriCare™ AeroTower™ Air Purifying Fan features the perfect combination of an air purifier and a fan, with adjustable, three-way airflow modes that deliver fresh and clean air to every corner of the house.

The LG AeroTower™ graces any home with its sleek design that blends seamlessly into the interior. Employing a 3-step filtration system – comprising the Pre-Filter, 360-degree HEPA filter and Deodorisation Filter, the LG AeroTower™ effectively removes allergens, fine dust5, odours and harmful gases6in the air, improving indoor air quality significantly. In addition, the air purifying fan is equipped with LG UVnano™ technology to remove up to 99.9 percent of bacteria7on the fan blades, ensuring that clean air is delivered to every corner of the house.

Control Usage Remotely with the LG ThinQ™ App

The LG ThinQ™ app provides next-level convenience for users to remotely control and manage their LG products. The LG ThinQ™ app allows users to switch on/off the device and adjust temperature settings to avoid energy wastage. It also provides updates on indoor air quality and notifications to replace air purifier’s filters.

LG air conditioners with R32 refrigerants and AeroTower™ Air Purifying Fan are available at LG official brand stores – KrisShop, Lazada and Shopee, and authorised retailers.

For more information, visit https://www.lg.com/sg/air-solutions.

1 R410A: Ozone Depletion Potential of 0, Global Warming Potential of 2,088.

R32: Ozone Depletion Potential of 0, Global Warming Potential of 675.

2 LG internal test results on 7kW model. Cooling: Indoor Ambient Temp. 27°CDB / 19°CWB, Outdoor Ambient Temp. 35°CDB / 24°CWB

3 Model Z3UQ18GFA0 – Energy Rating: 5 ticks, Annual Energy Consumption: 1956kWh, Annual Energy Cost: S$528, Cooling Capacity: 5.21kW

Model Z3UQ26GFA0 – Energy Rating: 5 ticks, Annual Energy Consumption: 2389Wh, Annual Energy Cost: S$645, Cooling Capacity: 6.46kW

Model Z4UQ28GFA0– Energy Rating: 5 ticks, Annual Energy Consumption: 2786Wh, Annual Energy Cost: S$752, Cooling Capacity: 7.51kW

4 For more information, please refer to https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/climate-change-energy efficiency/energy-efficiency/household-sector/tick-rating

5 Tested by SGS IBR Laboratories in November, 2021 with DOE radial-pleat filter element using test method in compliance with IEST RP CC001.6 (2016) HEPA and ULPA Filters. Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment.

6 Tested by Korea Air Cleaning Association in April, 2021 using test model FS061PWHA, test method in compliance with SPS-KACA 002-0132 indoor air purifier. Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment. 7 Tested by TÜV Rheinland using test model FS061PWHA measuring a bacteria solution (Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae) on the blower fan blade at speed Level 1 for an hour exposed to LG UVnano UV-C LED test method in compliance with ISO22196:2011. Results may vary depending on the actual usage environment.

Goodman Tsuen Wan West precinct: One of Hong Kong’s Largest Data Centre and Technology Hubs

8 September, 2022/in Architecture/by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Goodman has opened its Goodman Tsuen Wan West precinct. This revitalisation project has transformed an old textile factory site into one of Hong Kong’s largest data centre and technology hubs, providing the infrastructure to power Hong Kong ahead in the digital economy.

Having acquired the disused Central Textiles factory site in 2014, Goodman worked closely with the Hong Kong authorities, electricity provider CLP Power and its global customers for years, to realise the vision of the Goodman Tsuen Wan West development. The revitalised development comprises four buildings totalling 1.6 million sq ft of space, with critical digital infrastructure that enables the continued growth of Hong Kong’s data centre, technology and telecommunication industries.

In line with Hong Kong’s strategy to be a prime location for technology and data centres within the Asia Pacific region, Goodman has delivered these new facilities to its customers who will benefit from cutting edge design. Each building has its own independent high-voltage power supply with high levels of resiliency to accommodate a range of high-tier data centre, IT, telecommunications and industrial uses.

The first two buildings are now completed and fully leased by two of Goodman’s major global customers. The remaining two buildings are currently under construction and will complete in 2024. Overall, the precinct is 87% committed to major global data centre and technology customers.

Goodman continues its focus on being a leader in sustainability. In 2021, Goodman achieved its goal of carbon neutrality across its global operations, four years ahead of its 2025 target. The Goodman Tsuen Wan West precinct further builds on these achievements, marking Hong Kong’s first development to have offset the embodied emissions from its construction. The buildings are LEED Gold pre-certified and incorporate an extensive range of sustainability initiatives including rooftop solar as well as recycling of demolition materials.

Kristoffer Harvey, CEO Greater China, Goodman Group said, “Goodman Tsuen Wan West is the latest showcase of our commitment to urban regeneration, while meeting the surging demand both locally and regionally for high-tier data centres, technology infrastructure and emissions reduction objectives. This development combines our focus on optimising our properties for people and technology, helping deliver the infrastructure shaping the development of the digital economy in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area.”

Goodman acquired the disused central textiles factory site in 2014

Industrial Safety: Preventing Slips and Falls Virtually Everywhere

7 September, 2022/in Product/by Editor

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Form-a-tread applied aggregate in industrial setting

Industrial manufacturing, warehouse, and distribution centers can have hundreds of thousands of square feet of production and storage space that is prone to dangerous slips, trips, and falls. The risk is heightened when surfaces are wet from cleaning, spills are present, and personnel are busy with work tasks. Cold storage can be slippery due to condensation or ice melt. Other areas can be also susceptible to slip and fall risk when subject to wet weather outdoors.

According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)’s Traumatic Occupational Injuries Fast Facts webpage, the “most recent traumatic injury data show [that] 27% of the 888,220 nonfatal work injuries resulting in days away from work in 2019 were related to slips, trips, and falls.”

Slips result from a loss of balance caused by too little friction between people’s feet and the surface they walk or work on. Loss of traction is the leading cause of workplace slips. Although conventional non-slip coatings have been used to improve traction, these tend to wear quickly and need to be reapplied often at considerable expense.

Fortunately, a new category of durable, high-tech, all epoxy coating is dramatically increasing traction and improving safety in a wide range of slip and fall prone areas such as production floors, warehouse space, loading docks, platforms, ramps, walkways, emergency staircases, stair landings, and ladders. Beyond this, due to the extra traction the non-slip coating provides, it is not only being used to improve personnel footing on truck trailers but also to stabilize the heavy trailer loads.

This new type of coating is designed to last years even in areas heavily travelled on foot, which reduces the need for maintenance and replacement. The coating type can be quickly and easily applied by facility personnel, minimizing cost and facility disruption.

Problematic Short-Term, Non-Skid Coatings

Improving the traction of workplace walking surfaces to increase safety is not a new concept. However, traditional options quickly become compromised in industrial settings.

When companies apply conventional non-skid coatings to these surfaces, aggregate is usually mixed in or sprinkled on top in an attempt to embed it in the coating to enhance traction. The challenge is that the aggregate quickly pulls loose from most coatings, impairing traction, for a couple of reasons.

When aggregate is mixed into the coating, a problem emerges with low viscosity, non-skid products.

“The coating thickness has to be substantial enough to hold the aggregate, the non-slip material, in suspension. However, most conventional coatings cannot keep the aggregate in suspension. With low-viscosity coatings containing a low percentage of epoxy, the aggregate falls to the bottom of the bucket during mixing, so you are essentially forced to apply it on top,” says Bob Finkenaur, owner of a Veteran Owned Small Business, who has years of experience providing high-value formulated products and solutions to a wide variety of professional and consumer markets.

“Most conventional non-skid coatings also shrink considerably after application due to water or solvent evaporation. Often, when the coating dries or cures, its thickness is only about half [the thickness] of when it was wet. The relative thinness of the coating is another reason that any embedded aggregate is prone to fall out, reducing traction,” he adds.

Consequently, a new coating with additional aggregate must be reapplied frequently, and internal safety standards may only be met only a fraction of the desired time.

Long-Term Prevention of Industrial Slips and Falls

As a solution, to improve traction and prevent slips and falls for the long-term in various industrial settings, innovators have developed a new category of extremely durable, all epoxy coatings designed to embed aggregate in the coating for years. The approach facilitates meeting internal safety standards and virtually eliminates the need for non-skid coating reapplication, reducing maintenance cost.

For example, the non-skid coating Form-A-Tread® SL (Self Leveling) by Form-A-Tread Company is a combination of a low-to-medium viscosity epoxy binder consisting of 100% solids and a specialized aggregate broadcast on top. The coating can be used in a variety of manufacturing or storage environments on concrete, asphalt, metal diamond plate, wood, and other porous and non-porous substrates. The formulation along with its topically applied aggregate is designed for indoor and outdoor use and can last for years even when exposed to sunlight, chemicals, weather, and temperature extremes.

The patented coating provides a very durable, slip-resistant surface on industrial flooring, walkways, ramps, and other large areas with high pedestrian or vehicle traffic. The coating is easy to mix and apply by hand. Installation is fast and the surface is typically ready for use within hours. The coating has already been utilized by some giants of industry.

In the case of Consolidated Edison, Inc., one of the nation’s largest investor-owned energy-delivery companies, the company’s EH&S team proactively sought to reduce the risk of slip and fall incidents across multiple locations, as well as address an issue with shifting cargo loads while transporting equipment and supplies.

According to Richard Stewart, a Con Edison EH&S manager supporting Shared Services organizations, Con Edison has used the Form-A-Tread SL coating on a wide variety of surfaces and applications. This has included many high traffic areas such as a receiving warehouse in Astoria; stairways in the Bronx; walkway ramps and dock loading ramps in Staten Island; and even plastic bumpers on utility vans that can become quite slick when wet.

The innovative use to secure tractor-trailer loads would also win the team that worked on this initiative a Con Edison 2021 Con Edison EH&S Team Award. This recognized the team’s extraordinary contribution to ensuring a safe workplace, achieving operational excellence, and improving how tractor-trailer loads are secured.

“When we got feedback from all the groups involved, they were impressed how the coating solved two issues at once,” says Stewart. “The drivers loved it because even on rainy, windy days the coating improved safety by providing sufficient traction and footing [on the aluminum trailer beds]. The improved traction also helped ensure large cargo would not shift on the trailer during transport.”

For his involvement with the project, Stewart was part of the team recognized in a Con Edison news article, and the project won Con Edison’s EH&S Sustainability Award.

He notes that as an EH&S Manager he often responds to issues with a solution or recommendation to help eliminate similar hazards across multiple locations.

“Working with a durable non-slip coating that can be applied to a variety of materials such as metal, concrete, asphalt, and wood, allows us to use the same solution to resolve many different issues,” concludes Stewart. “It is a very customizable product so wherever there is a need, we can use it. It gives us a lot of options.”

As industrial facilities seek to prevent slip and fall hazards across a greater range of workplace walking surfaces, implementing durable, non-skid, all epoxy coatings will effectively enhance safety for the long-term. Since the option is designed to withstand high foot traffic in many settings, it will also significantly reduce maintenance and replacement costs.

For more information: call 610-994-2138; email info@rgfmaterials.com; visit https://form-a-tread.com.

HIMA and NUS Signs a MoU To Nurture Engineering Talents in Functional Safety and Security

6 September, 2022/in News/by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

HIMA, the leading provider of safety-related automation solutions, has officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering (ChBE) under the National University of Singapore’s College of Design and Engineering (NUS CDE). The partnership will contribute towards nurturing competent engineers in the field of functional safety and security. The MoU signing ceremony took place at HIMA Customer Solutions Center on 24 August 2022 in Singapore. The MoU has been signed by Friedhelm Best, Vice-President Asia Pacific, HIMA and Associate Professor Chai Kah Hin, Vice Dean of Masters’ Programmes and Lifelong Learning at NUS CDE.

For centuries, functional safety has been practised as a field of safety management in critical infrastructure, oil and gas, chemical and rail industries. While safety standards have improved, the advent of Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) in the chemical industry is accompanied by safety risks and cybersecurity threats. Tragic incidents in chemical plants that posed detrimental impacts to facilities and the environment have been reported over the years. As Singapore continues to push towards advanced manufacturing, HIMA and NUS CDE recognise the need for future engineers to be equipped with adequate skills and a strong foundation in functional safety and security.

“The Asia Pacific region has always been an important core market for us. For more than 30 years, we have been expanding in Asia. Our recently launched Customer Solutions Center in Singapore is a testimony to our continued commitment to this region, to support regional societal initiatives, and to nurture industries with safety and security competencies. We are proud to call Singapore home and we are committed to continue serving Singapore and the Asia Pacific moving forward,” said Mr Jörg de la Motte, CEO, HIMA.

Establishing a partnership between HIMA and NUS ChBE

As Singapore has solidified its reputation as a regional education hub, HIMA is steadfastly committed to helping to shape and nurture young engineering talents in the Asia Pacific region. Under the new partnership, HIMA and NUS ChBE will proactively organise activities to promote educational excellence in functional safety.

Jointly, HIMA and NUS ChBE will collaborate in the following areas:

Organise training and seminars to enhance education in functional safety and security
HIMA Customer Solutions Center will be available for NUS ChBE students to observe the actual operations within critical infrastructures
Jointly develop use cases to demonstrate how functional safety will assist Singapore’s transition toward advanced manufacturing
HIMA will offer internship opportunities for NUS ChBE students to gain practical industry experience
Jointly research on the potential of safe low-carbon hydrogen technology pathways

Announcing this partnership opportunity, Friedhelm Best, Vice-President Asia Pacific, HIMA, said “We are delighted to announce our collaboration with NUS Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. Together, we hope to improve functional safety and security knowledge to enhance engineering education. We foresee performing a pivotal role in energising young engineers for future STEM career opportunities and further supporting the nation’s growth in advanced manufacturing.”

“We are honoured to partner HIMA, a world-leading specialist in safety-related automation, to develop field-worthy solutions and upskill the next generation of engineers. Our collaboration with HIMA will create meaningful opportunities for our students. Together with HIMA, we look forward to building a stronger pipeline of engineering talents,” said Associate Professor Chai Kah Hin, Vice Dean (Masters’ Programmes and Lifelong Learning), NUS CDE.

“The knowledge and skills that our students gain in the classroom, along with the hands-on opportunities offered by HIMA, will empower students with the confidence and competencies to solve complex real-world problems. This exciting collaboration with HIMA will better prepare our students for their engineering careers,” said Associate Professor Ivan Sin, Programme Chair for Masters of Science in Safety, Health & Environmental Technology at NUS CDE.

Only 1 in 2 Singaporeans confident organisations will meet climate goals

5 September, 2022/in Sustainability/by Editor

Reading Time: 4 minutes

A new survey by Schneider Electric, the global leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has revealed that only half (52%) of Singaporeans are confident that organisations in Singapore will achieve their publicly disclosed emissions targets in the coming decades. Less than two-thirds (63%) of Singaporeans are also confident Singapore can achieve its net zero ambitions by mid-century.

[embargoed till 11am, 30 aug] infographic - findings of schneider electric's singapore green pulse survey aug 2022 page-0001

This comes as 69% of Singaporeans rank climate change and reducing greenhouse emissions among their top three most concerning environmental sustainability issues – followed by air quality and pollution at 58%.

The findings are part of Schneider Electric’s “Singapore Green Pulse” survey, which tracks sentiments, attitudes, and perceptions around sustainability issues in Singapore that are part of the Singapore Green Plan 2030. Over 500 Singaporeans took part in this latest edition of the study conducted in June 2022, which focuses on sustainable living1.

Younger generations are more optimistic and most Singaporeans see a need for more investments in new technologies

The survey finds that the younger citizens are generally more optimistic than older generations that organisations can achieve their climate goals, with 58% of Gen Zers saying that they are confident, compared to 46% of Baby Boomers2.

Singaporeans also see the need for more technological investments to drive greater progress in achieving sustainability goals. Less than half (49%) think there is sufficient investment in new technologies in the public and private sectors to improve energy efficiency and management.

A rising number of Singaporeans prefer to live and work in green buildings and now prefer to live in green buildings. This is a substantial increase from 2021, where only 47% of Singaporeans preferred to do so3. However, only 46% of Singaporeans are prepared to pay more to live in a green building.

At work, 81% prefer to work in a green building.

When looking at their employer’s overall sustainability, nearly two thirds (63%) of Singaporeans believe the sustainability performance of the organisation they work for is average at best.

Singaporeans are increasingly environmentally conscious and are shifting their behaviours

[embargoed till 11am, 30 aug] infographic - findings of schneider electric's singapore green pulse survey aug 2022 page-0002

An overwhelming 90% of Singaporeans now consider themselves to be environmentally conscious. However, significant differences also exist between age groups with 45% of Gen Zers saying they are extremely conscious, compared to just 18% of Baby Boomers.

With growing environmental consciousness, most Singaporeans are making conscious efforts to reduce their household electricity use (89%). This includes reducing the use of air conditioning and fans when not needed (81%); and choosing more energy efficient home appliances (52%).

While only 42% of Singaporeans can currently monitor their household’s energy consumption on a daily basis, 93% would be keen to install a simple and affordable solution to monitor their household’s energy consumption daily if it was available.

Over three quarters (78%) are also supportive of increasing renewable energy sources in Singapore’s energy mix, even if it means higher electricity bills, and for 80% of Singaporeans, the use of renewable energy sources is now a consideration in how they choose their electricity provider and plan.

Outside of home, most Singaporeans have also increased their use of public transport for sustainability reasons (85%), with 72% using public transport at least three times per week.

Cost is a barrier to living more sustainably

The survey indicates that despite the growing consciousness, cost is still a key consideration in driving Singaporeans to change their actions as consumers. Less than a third (30%) of Singaporeans are willing to pay more for products and services that are environmentally sustainable. While over half (59%) of consumers want to be customers of environmentally responsible organisations, only a third (35%) would currently stop being customers of a company should it be found harming the environment.

Cost is also one of the main barriers among those who do not plan to own an electric vehicle (EV). However, the survey showed a positive shift in attitude towards EVs, with 51% expressing the desire to own one in the future – up from 45% last year 4. Other barriers to owning an EVs are concerns over charging infrastructure and locations, and a lack of familiarity with EVs.

Yoon Young KIM, Cluster President, Schneider Electric Singapore, Malaysia, Brunei, said “The findings show sustainability is high on the agenda for Singaporeans, with many making the effort to reduce their carbon footprint, and more preferring to live or work in green buildings. These are positive developments that we hope will also motivate organisations to reduce emissions more aggressively, through greater adoption of innovative technologies for sustainability and efficiency. Schneider Electric is committed to forging strong partnerships with organisations across the public and private sectors, as we work together to build a greener Singapore.”

1 The first Singapore Green Pulse Survey involving business leaders with sustainability responsibilities was conducted in March 2022. 2For the purposes of this survey, we have adopted the definitions set by Pew Research Centre: Gen Zers are individuals born between the years of 1997 and 2012; Baby Boomers are individuals born between the years of 1946 and 1964.3Schneider Electric, “Building a Greener Singapore”, 2021.

4Ibid.

Lentor Modern To Transform Lentor Neighbourhood As the First and Only Integrated Mixed-Use Development

2 September, 2022/in News/by Editor

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Lentor Modern (Artist Impression)

GuocoLand Limited (“GuocoLand” and together with its subsidiaries “the Group”) today announced the development concept of Lentor Modern (“曲水伦庭”). Located among the tranquil landed estates and nature area, Lentor Modern will be the first and only integrated mixed-use development to be built in the area.

Lentor Modern is situated on a 1.7-hectare site surrounded by various parks and reservoirs in the vicinity. It comprises three 25-storey residential towers above a mall with more than 96,000 square feet (“sq ft”) of F&B and retail shops, a supermarket and a childcare centre. The development is directly integrated with Lentor MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line (“TEL”).

Lentor Modern’s 605 residences offer layouts of 1- to 4-bedroom units. The 2- to 4-bedroom units all come with an additional Flex Room. Residents can enjoy the verdant greenery within and around the integrated development, as well as unblocked views of the nature parks or low-rise landed homes in the area.

Units at Lentor Modern are attractively priced, starting from S$1,880 price per square foot (“psf”).

“One Lift Ride Lifestyle” – Direct connection to MRT, F&B, retail, supermarket and childcare

Lentor Modern offers homeowners a “One Lift Ride Lifestyle”. Being part of a transit-oriented mixed-use development, homeowners of Lentor Modern can just take the lift from their condominium straight down to the integrated mall which will have a wide range of retail and F&B options, as well as a 12,000 sq ft supermarket. Families with young children will also enjoy the convenience and safety of having a 10,000 sq ft childcare facility within the same development.

The Lentor MRT station entrance building is seamlessly integrated with the Lentor Modern mall. From Lentor MRT station, with just one train ride, homeowners can reach Orchard Road, Singapore Botanic Gardens, the Central Business District (“CBD”), Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay and the East Coast. Other job centres, such as the Woodlands Regional Centre, can also be reached by MRT along the TEL.

In addition, with several interchange stations on the TEL at present and in the future, residents of Lentor Modern can transfer to all other MRT lines and travel to almost every part of the island.

Lentor Modern’s mall includes a Public Plaza flanked by F&B units. The plaza is conceived to be the social heart of the neighbourhood, providing a space for the local community to unwind and connect with family and friends. It can also be a place to hold activities such as street markets, group exercises or performances.

Living in a stream-inspired green sanctuary

On the site of Lentor Modern there used to exist a freshwater stream. The architectural and landscape design pays homage to the stream by drawing inspiration from an old Chinese cultural activity known as 曲水流觞 (roughly translated as “winding stream party”), where participants compose poems by a winding stream. Level 4 of Lentor Modern features a series of inter-connected waterbodies totalling more than 200-metres in length. Lining this stream inspired waterbody are various gardens, pavilions and amenities dedicated to wellness and social interaction. Residents can recharge and relax while taking in picturesque views of the landed estates and nature areas.

The extensive facilities and amenities on Level 4 include a 50-metre and a 25-metre Lap Pool; a Leisure Pool, Spa Pool and Jacuzzi Alcove; two signature lawns; a tennis court; a Grand Clubhouse (with two function rooms, Business Lounge, Games Room and Dance Studio); indoor and outdoor gyms; as well as multiple dining and entertainment spaces and pavilions. Residents can also enjoy sleeping under the stars in the specially designed glamping tents, while an Allotment Garden with community planters provides farming enthusiasts with a farm to-table experience.

At Level 14 of each of the three residential towers is a Sky Club that offers a verdant environment with open areas for exercise, relaxation and meditation; two dining rooms for entertaining; as well as naturally ventilated work corners and an air-conditioned Club Lounge.

Special effort is made to support residents’ new hybrid work lifestyle. In addition to the work corners and Club Lounge on Level 14, the multiple pavilions on Level 4 offer residents plenty of alternative work and study spaces where they can hold private calls, meetings, private tuition classes or study groups, while the Business Lounge in the Grand Clubhouse comes with private booths for hot-desking, setting for informal meetings and a meeting room for six people.

Efficient and Flexible Living Spaces

People’s lifestyle needs have evolved, and having an additional flexible space that can serve a variety of functions is very useful. Thus, in addition to the typical bedrooms, a versatile Flex Room has been incorporated in all 2- to 4-bedroom units. The dimensions of the Flex Room are carefully designed so that it can be used in a variety of ways to suit different needs. For example, the Flex Room can be used as nursery or playroom, a study room, a walk-in wardrobe, a small guest bedroom, or workshop for home-based entrepreneurs.

Lentor Modern’s Flex Room offers a host of possibilities in usage (Artist Impressions)

Connected to Nature Parks and Education Institutions

Families and nature enthusiasts can enjoy greenery at the nearby Hillock and Linear Parks in the future. They can also exercise and unwind at the many other parks in the area, such as Lower Peirce Reservoir Park, Upper Peirce Reservoir Park, Thomson Nature Park, Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park, Lower Seletar Reservoir Park and Upper Seletar Reservoir Park.

Lentor Modern is in close proximity to several well-regarded institutions, including Anderson Primary School, Ang Mo Kio Primary School, CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School (Primary and

Secondary), Mayflower Primary School, Anderson Secondary School, Presbyterian High School, Anderson Serangoon Junior College and Nanyang Polytechnic.

GuocoLand’s signature “Modern” series arrives at Lentor

Lentor Modern takes inspiration from two earlier luxury developments in GuocoLand’s “Modern” series – Martin Modern which debuted in 2017, and Midtown Modern which was launched in 2021. With its “Modern” series of residences, GuocoLand has defined a modern luxury lifestyle through the use of architecture that is timeless and classic, efficient and adaptable layouts that supports living, working and entertaining at home, a strong focus on wellness through accessibility to nature, and shared amenities to promote social activities. Similar to Midtown Modern, Lentor Modern provides an elevated level of convenience and connectivity by being directly linked to an integrated mall and MRT station.

Lentor Modern’s project and landscape architects are ADDP Architects and Ortus Design, respectively. Each well-appointed unit comes with high-quality appliances from Smeg and luxurious sanitary wares from Hansgrohe and Roca.

Expected to be completed in 2026, Lentor Modern will be the first private condominium launch in the Lentor neighbourhood in more than two decades. Lentor Modern’s show gallery will be opened for preview from 2 September 2022.

DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION

Total Units	605 residential units
Land Size	17,279.9 sq m / Approx 186,000 sq ft
Commercial Component	Over 96,000 sq ft of Commercial Spaces, including 12,000 sq ft Supermarket and 10,000 sq ft Childcare Centre
Tenure	99 years from 26 October 2021
Construction Method	PPVC
Estimated TOP	Estimated 2026
No of Units Per Floor	Tower 3 – 10 units per floor Tower 5 – 9 units per floor Tower 7 – 10 units per floor
No of Residential Carpark lots	547 carpark lots consisting of 542 carpark lots and 5 accessible carpark lots located at 2nd and 3rd storey of the podium 8 motorcycle lots for residential at 2nd storey
No of Commercial Carpark lots	103 carpark lots consisting of 100 carpark lots and 3 accessible carpark lots located at the basement storey 1 motorcycle lot at the basement storey
No of Bicycle Lots	50 bicycle parking lots for commercial and 152 bicycle parking for residential. Both are located in the basement storey
Consultants	Architect Landscape Architect MEP Consultant C&S Consultant Project ID Greenmark Consultant	ADDP Architects LLP Ortus Design Pte Ltd Belmacs Pte Ltd KCL Consultants Pte Ltd ADDP Architects LLP DP Sustainable Design Pte Ltd

Grundfos Announces Strong Half-Year Result Despite Challenging Circumstances

1 September, 2022/in News/by Editor

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Grundfos reports a strong order intake growth of +15%, and sales growth of 11.2% for the first half of 2022, adjusted for lost sales in Russia and Belarus. Adjusting for a one-off cost of DKK 851m related to closing business in Russia and Belarus, the water solutions company reports earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of DKK 1,689m, negatively impacted by continued supply chain and materials shortage challenges.

“I am very proud to present such strong results for our first half of 2022. It has been our number one priority to be able to continue to serve our customers and we have managed to do so whilst navigating extraordinarily difficult circumstances,” says CEO Poul Due Jensen.

He continues, “These results are proof of the agility, dedication and hard work shown by our colleagues all over the world and I cannot thank them all enough for their resilience and devotion in these continuously challenging conditions.”

The growing raw material prices, higher logistics costs, and significant material shortages are expected to continue, making the outlook for the remainder of the year uncertain.

“Grundfos will continue to provide solutions to the climate and water challenges the world faces. We want to play an active role in relieving the energy crisis in Europe and the rest of the world by delivering energy efficient solutions that reduce the use of electricity for heating, cooling and water management,” ends Poul Due Jensen.

Design of Restaurant Sparkle

30 August, 2022/in Architecture/by developer

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Restaurant Sparkle on Leningradsky Avenue is a new space for connoisseurs of quality wine. According to the idea of the owners, the interior, just like the name of the establishment, should rhyme with the rich wine list and promise a pleasant evening with a good sparkling wine. The architects of the Archpoint bureau realized the idea remembering their experience of exquisite tastings in wine cellars — that is why in the restaurant a feeling emerges that you’ve come to the right place.

The general color scheme of the restaurant is realized in terracotta and orange with refreshing splashes of white and beige. The decoration works to create the atmosphere of a wine cellar: the walls are lined with uneven terracotta clay tiles, in the corner of the hall there are wine racks made of oak, filled from floor to ceiling with bottles with multi-colored labels, and glass shelves with crystal glasses built into one of the windows.

The dedication to light and bubbly sparkling wine is in the details — at the entrance guests are greeted by a large table or a bath made of melted glass with frozen bubbles inside. Inside the bath the bottles of sparkling wine are chilled on an ice cube cushion. Elegant Patagonia quartzite at the base of the table is also used on the facade of the open kitchen and with its sparkling contrasting textures sets off the dull shade of the tiles on the walls.

The effect of champagne foam is created by white details: columns painted with white paint, white lamps on long rods pointed upwards, as if they are flying up, and white hanging lamps with lampshades looking like they are made of clay. The composition is completed by a handmade designer art object on the wall in the form of a large inverted bottle made of white “petals” of ceramics. At the bottom from the neck of the bottle light is spreading from the built-in lamp.

Rather small area of the restaurant allowed the architects to apply a creative approach to the zoning. It was decided to raise the level of the floor along the windows — the architects separated the resulting area with a well-thought-out fencing. The fencing is made of ceramic blocks with holes for bottles — an imitation of the way wine is stored in cellars.

Almost all the furniture in Sparkle is made to order according to the sketches of the bureau: beige, black and terracotta comfortable chairs, a long sofa with terracotta pillows. Chairs from the Spanish brand Blasko & Vila harmoniously fit into the overall concept. One of the focal points is a large community table for tastings or noisy gatherings with wide racks instead of legs. It is covered with microcement and painted in a light terracotta color.

Restaurant Sparkle offers experienced connoisseurs to evaluate its interior and range of drinks and snacks. But one should go there not only for a glass of fizzy drink, but also for lightness, airiness and high spirits, which will definitely happen to everyone here.

Sparkle

Location: Moscow, Russia

Area: 204 m2

Completion: 2022

Authors: Bureau ARCHPOINT — Valery Lizunov, Ekaterina Ageeva, Elizaveta Trushina

Photo Credits: Olga Melekestseva

Green Buildings, Green Leases and Retrofitting Will Form the Anchor of Future Sustainable Workplaces

29 August, 2022/in News/by developer

Reading Time: 3 minutes

New research from JLL Asia Pacific emphasises ESG credentials and quality spaces when designing future-fit offices

Corporate real estate (CRE) leaders looking to achieve sustainable property portfolios must turn to green certified buildings, green leases and retrofitting as part of their business futureproofing strategy. This is as environmental and social goals are now mainstream, with 83% of organisations in Asia Pacific recognising that sustainability is now a board-level agenda and eight in 10 companies saying their employees expect their workplaces to have a positive impact on the environment, according to JLL.

With buildings accounting for 60% of carbon emissions in cities, organisations are facing increasing pressure to deliver clear outcomes in the race to net zero and create social value through real estate. Findings from JLL’s Future of Work survey suggest that as businesses plot their future path and rethink the purpose of their real estate portfolio, they will need to re-think their office spaces, invest in new technology and prioritise sustainability in line with employee needs.

“The next three years will prove to be an inflection point for real estate, as the changes accelerated by the pandemic represent an opportunity to pause, think about long-term real estate strategy and how it aligns with future business priorities,” said Anthony Couse, Chief Executive Officer, Asia Pacific, JLL. “With 77% of CRE professionals agreeing that the office will remain central to their organisation’s long-term work ecosystem, businesses will be challenged to redesign and develop office spaces to be fit for sustainability and the future workforce.”

According to JLL’s research, the shift to hybrid work has become a marker of change in the workplace, placing greater emphasis on how companies can support employee mental well-being and maintain productivity. Additionally, the findings showed that 80% of organisations in Asia Pacific agree that quality space is a top priority as high quality space is best suited to facilitate the kind of workplaces, health and wellbeing amenities and ESG credentials that employees and corporates increasingly need.

The good news is that with green strategies having a direct impact on real estate decisions, 88% of CRE leaders expect to maintain or accelerate investment into embedding zero carbon criteria into new location requirements. Research from JLL also revealed that seven in 10 companies are willing to pay a rental premium in the future to occupy space in green-certified buildings – signalling a shift towards sustainable workplaces across the region. Over 80% of CRE professionals also agree that green leases are a game changer in making real estate future proof, and 30% have already signed a new green lease.

The greenest building, however, is the one that already exists – hence retrofitting existing buildings for sustainability can be an excellent opportunity to plug the supply gap for net zero carbon buildings. Approximately 80% of the building stock that will be standing in 2050 has already been built. That means knocking down an old building to build a new and greener building will be more environmentally detrimental than retrofitting an existing one.

Now, the challenge is to accelerate the current pace of retrofitting to exceed 3% per year in order to meet 2050 targets. JLL’s Future of Work survey revealed that 33% of organisations in Asia Pacific already plan to refit or redesign their office space in next 12 months – presenting an opportunity for CRE leaders to incorporate sustainability features, such as energy-efficient facilities and circular design principles, into their future-fit, sustainable office.

Kamya Miglani, Head of ESG Research, Asia Pacific, JLL, said, “By occupying green-certified buildings, opting for green leases, and retrofitting existing buildings and offices with sustainability features, CRE leaders can accelerate towards their net-zero carbon goals through real estate. A sustainable office will not only contribute to these targets, but also meet employee needs in a dynamic, hybrid environment.”