A new study by Schneider Electric has found that more than half of companies in Singapore are contemplating investments to increase their sources of clean energy. In a January 2025 survey of more than 500 senior business leaders, 57 percent said they were planning to invest in solar power by 2030. The respondents also indicated plans to invest in hydropower (40 percent), bioenergy (29 percent), mobile nuclear[1] (26 percent) and wind energy (16 percent).[2]
This proactive stance is being driven partially out of a need to curb electricity-related emissions. Six in 10 business leaders said over half of their Scope 1 and 2 emissions come from electricity consumption. Among business leaders with plans to invest in renewable energy sources, the most cited motivation for the investment was the need to meet emissions targets.
Mechanisms for investments in solar, the most popular technology, included self-funded on-site installations (among businesses operating on owned premises), as well as the exploration of co-funding options with landlords or tenants (among businesses operating on leased premises).
Carbon concerns are also being fuelled by rising electricity use, with 82 percent of Singapore business leaders anticipating that their organisations will consume at least 10 percent more electricity this year than they did in 2020. Digital technologies, particularly AI, was the top reason for this; followed by the growing electrification of various systems and business growth leading to a larger operational footprint.
Nevertheless, business leaders said they would continue investing in digital technologies and AI. Seven in 10 said they expected these technologies would help them cut their emissions in the long run. Survey respondents came from 19 different industries; and included board members, C-suite executives, directors and senior managers from small, medium, and large local and multinational corporations. All are involved in leading the sustainability strategies for their organisations.
The results of the survey were presented at Schneider Electric’s Innovation Day 2025, a premier stakeholder event where industry leaders gather to network and share best practices. This year’s theme, “Scaling Up for a Net-Zero Singapore”, reinforces the company’s commitment to partnering with local organisations to support their transition to a low-carbon future.
Energy Management Systems Gaining Acceptance
To address rising electricity consumption and emissions levels, business leaders are showing a readiness to adopt various new technologies. Currently, half of all those surveyed said their businesses are using energy management systems. When asked which other energy management technologies they would be keen on, 52 percent of respondents said they hoped to make an investment in battery storage systems and 49 percent said they would invest in smart grids.
Challenges to Raising Renewable Energy Mix
Although 96 percent of companies have set renewable energy targets, confidence of meeting these goals was low. Only 30 percent were highly confident of achieving their 2025 targets, and 29 percent believed they would meet 2030 targets. Respondents cited the high cost of renewable energy investments (31 percent) and the need for technology upgrades (24 percent) as challenges they faced. The availability of renewable energy in Singapore is also a hurdle, they said.
Against that backdrop, Yoon Young Kim, Cluster President Singapore and Brunei, said: “Given the importance of decarbonisation to our planet, the public and private sector must deepen the conversation on what it takes to raise the portion of renewables in the energy mix for businesses in Singapore. Digital technologies can play an important role in energy management and decarbonisation. Many of these technologies are mature, proven and economically viable for businesses. This study is part of Schneider Electric’s efforts to understand our stakeholders and their concerns, so we can better cater to their needs and advance progress on sustainability.”
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/image1-1.png3381200Editorial StaffEditorial Staff2025-03-05 11:00:002025-03-04 17:07:48Companies Investing to Raise Renewables in Energy Mix as Carbon Concerns Grow
Diversified professional services and investment management firm Colliers has released a pivotal sustainability report titled “The Race to Net Zero – for Commercial Buildings in Singapore”. Key highlights include:
The Urgency of Net Zero
The report underscores the significant contribution of real estate to global energy consumption and CO2 emissions, highlighting that operations of buildings account for approximately 34 percent of global energy use.
Singapore’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 is highlighted, with various policies and regulations drawn up to reach this goal. The ongoing increase in carbon tax and mandatory climate-related reporting requirements for large companies are also discussed, emphasizing their impact on operating costs and sustainability initiatives.
Benefits of Net Zero Buildings
Enhanced resilience to energy supply disruptions.
Long-term savings through reduced energy expenses.
Improved indoor air quality and productivity, leading to higher occupancy rates and rents.
Increased property values and a healthier, more productive environment for tenants.
Steps to Achieving Net Zero
Develop a Net Zero Strategy: Establish clear targets, milestones, and plans for upgrading assets and increasing renewable energy use.
Monitoring and Reporting: Implement comprehensive frameworks to track emissions and progress.
Optimisation: Utilise advanced technologies, such as simulation software, to optimise building design and energy usage.
Upgrading: Invest in energy-efficient systems and equipment.
Offsets: Use on-site and off-site renewable energy solutions and/or participate in climate change mitigation projects.
Finally, the report is supplemented by a case study demonstrating substantial savings through simulation-based solutions and smart scheduling of energy use, achieving significant cost and emission reductions without additional capital expenditures.
Mr Bastiaan van Beijsterveldt, Managing Director, Singapore at Colliers says, “We are at a critical juncture where the commercial real estate sector can lead the way in combating climate change. By implementing the strategies outlined in this report, building owners and occupiers in Singapore can not only contribute to global sustainability goals but also reap significant financial benefits.”
Mr Henry Hsu, Head of ESG, Singapore at Colliers adds, “Singapore is clearly moulding its regulations and policies to reach its 2050 Net Zero ambition. It would be imperative and beneficial for asset owners to be cognisant of these developments and actively align themselves with the trend. Here, technology can play a crucial role in identifying points for optimising the operations of a building or space without any additional capital expenditures.”
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image1-10.png7311200developerdeveloper2025-01-23 11:00:042025-01-27 01:04:06Colliers International Releases Comprehensive Report on Achieving Net Zero for Commercial Real Estate in Singapore
From trees that grow into homes to urban structures embedded with bacteria and fungi, the concept of living architecture is reshaping sustainable design. Mitchell Joachim, co-founder of Terreform ONE shares how the Fab Tree Hab concept is creating cities that harmonise with nature.
The traditional approach to architecture treats buildings as static entities, meant to withstand change rather than adapt to it. Yet, as cities grapple with climate change and environmental degradation, the need for buildings that are both resilient and regenerative has never been greater. Terreform ONE, a nonprofit design and research group, has pioneered the concept of “living architecture” — buildings constructed not only with sustainable materials but with living organisms that interact dynamically with their environment.
Reimagining Construction
The idea of “growing buildings” came from a desire to redefine how urban spaces interact with their natural surroundings. Traditional construction is resource-intensive, leaving a significant environmental footprint that remains static once completed. Terreform ONE’s vision, however, goes beyond sustainability to create structures that live and grow, evolving with their environments.
These living buildings embody a new symbiosis between architecture and ecology, where buildings actively contribute to their surroundings rather than detract from them. By using organic materials and even living organisms, Terreform ONE is advancing architecture that can adapt, heal, and thrive alongside nature.
Designing a Home That Grows and Breathes
Terreform ONE’s Fab Tree Hab concept represents a radical approach to biotech and computational architecture. Instead of relying on traditional building materials, Fab Tree Hab envisions homes created from living trees, sculpted over time to form the structure’s framework. This groundbreaking project integrates architecture with ecology, aiming to create dwellings that are both homes and ecosystems.
Creating a living structure from trees presented many challenges, from managing unpredictable growth patterns to ensuring the structure’s stability as it evolves over decades. Unlike traditional materials, trees grow according to natural rhythms and respond to environmental conditions, which require extensive collaboration with biologists and botanists to understand and guide this growth. By drawing on expertise across fields, Terreform ONE devised ways to manage growth patterns, maintain structural integrity, and even incorporate openings for windows and doors — all while preserving the living essence of the structure.
Challenging Perceptions of Static Design
The notion of living architecture shifts our understanding of buildings as unchanging entities. Traditional architecture has largely focused on permanence and stability, yet living buildings are designed to adapt and evolve.
By integrating organic elements into architectural frameworks, these structures respond to environmental stimuli and human interaction. Living architecture treats buildings as ecosystems, capable of contributing to their surroundings in real-time, whether by improving air quality or absorbing excess carbon dioxide.
This approach redefines what it means for a building to be sustainable, suggesting a model that is not merely neutral but actively beneficial. Living architecture invites us to consider buildings as parts of a larger, interconnected urban ecosystem — one where adaptation and regeneration are central to design.
Living Organisms in Functional Urban Spaces
Integrating living organisms into urban structures transforms them from isolated entities into functional parts of a building’s ecosystem. Plants, fungi, and microbial systems play key roles in regulating indoor air quality, insulating buildings, and even managing waste. By incorporating these organisms, buildings can become self-regulating and self-sustaining, reducing energy demands and creating healthier indoor environments.
For example, green walls and rooftop ecosystems serve as natural insulators, enhancing temperature regulation and reducing energy consumption. Fungi and microbial systems help decompose waste and filter water, fostering closed-loop systems within the building. The result is a building that not only provides shelter but also supports biodiversity, absorbs pollutants and interacts harmoniously with its environment.
Breakthroughs in Biodesign
The field of biodesign has seen significant advancements that make projects like the Fab Tree Hab feasible. Innovations in plant grafting techniques, synthetic biology, and biomaterials have been instrumental in designing structures that incorporate living organisms. Enhanced grafting methods allow architects to sculpt trees and plants into specific shapes, forming functional and aesthetically pleasing living frameworks.
Synthetic biology also plays a crucial role by enabling the development of plants with enhanced resilience and adaptability to urban conditions. Moreover, biomaterials like mycelium-based composites and bacterial cellulose offer sustainable, self-repairing alternatives to conventional materials. Each of these breakthroughs brings us closer to a future where living architecture can become a practical and scalable approach to urban design.
Biodesign and Climate Resilience
As cities face mounting pressures from climate change, biodesign offers a promising avenue for resilience. By embedding living organisms into urban infrastructure, buildings can actively respond to environmental changes. Green walls and rooftop ecosystems, for instance, can mitigate urban heat, reduce stormwater runoff, and improve air quality, addressing some of the most urgent challenges posed by climate change.
Biodesigned structures contribute to carbon sequestration and promote biodiversity, creating urban environments that are better prepared for climate extremes. By making buildings that are adaptive and regenerative, biodesign enables cities to become more resilient to environmental stressors, transforming urban infrastructure into active participants in climate adaptation.
From Carbon Emitters to Carbon Sinks
Cities are traditionally viewed as major carbon emitters, yet ecological urbanism offers a way to transform urban areas into carbon sinks. By integrating green infrastructure like urban forests and bioengineered materials, ecological urbanism encourages cities to become centers of carbon capture. Biomaterials such as mycelium and algae not only sequester carbon during production but continue to absorb carbon dioxide over their lifespan, creating a sustainable alternative to conventional materials.
Additionally, enhancing green spaces and integrating urban forests provide natural carbon-capturing systems. Ecological urbanism also emphasises waste recycling, turning organic waste into compost that supports plant growth and soil health. By adopting regenerative design principles, cities can become allies in combating climate change, shifting from carbon emitters to contributors of ecological resilience.
Benefits and Challenges of Living Materials
Living materials, such as mycelium and algae-based composites, offer unique advantages for sustainable architecture. These materials are biodegradable, reducing waste, and are capable of sequestering carbon, helping to minimise the carbon footprint of buildings. Living materials can also adapt to environmental conditions, providing self-healing properties that extend a structure’s lifespan.
However, incorporating living materials comes with challenges. Regular maintenance is often required to keep these organisms healthy, from watering and pruning plants to replacing decayed organic components. This need for ongoing care adds complexity to building management and may increase operational costs. Despite these challenges, the potential of living materials to create more sustainable, adaptive urban spaces makes them a valuable component of future architecture.
Living Buildings vs. Green Buildings: A Regenerative Model
While green buildings prioritise energy efficiency and reduced resource consumption, living buildings represent a more ambitious approach. By incorporating living systems that sequester carbon, support biodiversity, and regenerate ecosystems, living buildings create a net-positive environmental impact. Rather than simply minimising harm, they actively contribute to ecosystem health, making them a compelling model for the future of sustainable design.
Living buildings are not only sustainable but regenerative, transforming architecture into a force for ecological restoration. They challenge the status quo, pushing beyond green building standards to create structures that are environmentally restorative and integrated with natural systems.
Biodesign and the Future of Sustainable Architecture
As the green building market continues to grow, biodesign stands to reshape sustainable architecture. Biodesigned structures foster closed-loop systems, recycling water and waste within the building itself and reducing reliance on external resources. This regenerative approach allows for buildings that not only adapt to environmental changes but also support urban biodiversity and enhance resilience to climate fluctuations.
By moving beyond a “do less harm” philosophy, biodesign advances a vision of buildings that actively contribute to their surroundings. This shift represents a fundamental transformation in architecture, positioning buildings as active participants in ecological health rather than passive, resource-consuming entities.
Supporting Urban Biodiversity Through Ecological Urbanism
Ecological urbanism enhances urban biodiversity by incorporating natural habitats and green corridors into cityscapes. These features create ecosystems within urban areas that support diverse wildlife, from pollinators to birds, contributing to a balanced and resilient environment. Biodiversity is crucial for future cities, improving ecosystem stability, air quality, and residents’ well-being.
By fostering diverse species within cities, ecological urbanism not only enhances urban resilience to climate change but also promotes healthier, more sustainable urban living. It supports local food systems, strengthens green spaces, and ensures that cities remain vibrant, interconnected ecosystems.
The Role of Science and Technology in Advancing Living Architecture
Making living architecture a widespread reality will require continued innovation in bioengineering, synthetic biology, and bioprinting. Advances in synthetic biology could enable the creation of plants and organisms designed specifically for structural roles, such as carbon sequestration or self-repair. Additionally, genetic “building codes” embedded in these organisms could ensure they grow into desired shapes and structural patterns, adapting to environmental changes independently.
Innovations in 3D bioprinting also hold promise for creating precise, scalable living structures. With these technologies, architects could design and “print” buildings that are self-sustaining and adapted to urban conditions, bringing us closer to a future where living architecture is not just a concept but a common practice.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration for Living Architecture
Projects like Fab Tree Hab underscore the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Architects provide the structural vision, while biologists and ecologists select and shape plant species for optimal growth and resilience. Environmental engineers ensure that these organic systems integrate with urban infrastructure, while geneticists work on enhancing plant growth patterns and resilience.
This blend of expertise highlights the collaborative nature of living architecture, with each discipline contributing to a holistic, viable vision of regenerative design. By bridging fields from architecture to genetic science, living architecture opens the door to a future where buildings are as dynamic and adaptive as the ecosystems they inhabit.
Living architecture is transforming how we think about cities and sustainability. By incorporating living organisms and designing buildings that grow, adapt, and regenerate, Terreform ONE and similar pioneers are charting a new course for urban resilience. As we face the dual challenges of urbanisation and climate change, the potential of living architecture to create cities that work in harmony with nature offers a hopeful and innovative path forward.
Mitchell Joachim is the co-founder of Terreform ONE and Professor of Practice at New York University. Formerly, he was an architect at the offices of Frank Gehry and I.M. Pei. He has been awarded a Fulbright Scholarship and fellowships with TED, Moshe Safdie, and Martin Society for Sustainability, MIT.
He was chosen by Wired magazine for “The Smart List” and selected by Rolling Stone for “The 100 People Who Are Changing America”. Mitchell co-authored four books: Design with Life: Biotech Architecture and Resilient Cities, XXL-XS: New Directions in Ecological Design, Super Cells: Building with Biology and Global Design: Elsewhere Envisioned. His design work has been exhibited at MoMA and the Venice Biennale, and Mitchell was also a speaker at the Design Futures Forum 2024 in Singapore.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/image6.png9601200developerdeveloper2025-01-16 11:00:152025-01-26 23:21:12Architects of Life: How Terreform ONE’s Living Buildings Are Shaping Sustainable Cities
Schneider Electric has released two reports from its Sustainability Research Institute (SRI). These reports fill key knowledge gaps regarding AI’s impact on sustainability, particularly in energy use.
The first research, Artificial Intelligence and Electricity: A System Dynamics Approach, examines four possible scenarios for AI’s electricity consumption over the next decade. Considering the growing concern around AI’s energy consumption, Rémi Paccou, Director of Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Research Institute, and Prof. Fons Wijnhoven, Associate Professor at the University of Twente (Netherlands), have built a system dynamics model that forecasts diverse scenarios for AI electricity demand, highlighting the path forward for sustainable AI development strategies and policies to mitigate environmental impacts.
The authors construct four scenarios of AI development and their associated impacts on electricity consumption. These scenarios, which are not predictions but rather tools to understand the complex factors shaping our future, span a range of possibilities: from sustainable AI development to limits to growth,including more radical scenarios such as abundance without boundaries and even the possibility of energy crises caused by AI.
Alongside these forecasts and analysis, the report also contains recommendations for policymakers and decision-makers, contributing to a thoughtful and responsible approach to development, aiming for a path that balances progress with sustainability.
The second report, AI-Powered HVAC in Educational Buildings: A Net Digital Impact Use Case, also by Rémi Paccou and Gauthier Roussilhe, Research Fellow and Doctoral Student at RMIT, demonstrates how AI-powered heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems can enhance energy efficiency and environmental conservation in buildings. HVAC systems account for 35 to 65 percent of total building energy consumption.
The study examined over 87 educational properties in Stockholm, Sweden, over an extended period under real-world conditions. Between 2019 and 2023, the study observed a total carbon emission reduction of 65tCO2e/y, roughly 60 times the actual embodied carbon footprint of the AI system deployed.
The research reveals opportunities for even greater carbon reductions in environments with more demanding heating, cooling, or air conditioning requirements. A comparative analysis between Stockholm and Boston showed that implementing the same solution in Boston could yield carbon emission savings seven times higher than in Stockholm.
The publishing of these reports coincides with the IEA’s Global Conference on Energy & AI, where Schneider Electric is in attendance. This conference gathers experts from the energy and tech sectors, government, civil society, and academia to discuss the potential impacts of AI on global energy systems and the opportunities for leveraging AI for energy and climate goals.
“The release of our reports comes at a crucial time, as the IEA conference highlights the transformative power of AI in the energy sector. As a company and as researchers, we are committed to keep shaping the future of energy and climate solutions”, stated Vincent Petit, Climate and Energy Transition Research SVP at Schneider Electric.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image1-5.png7981200developerdeveloper2024-12-20 11:00:572024-12-20 10:36:20Schneider Electric Forecasts AI’s Impact on Energy Consumption
The eBook showcases over 40 iconic engineering projects, corresponding to 17 UNSDGs, in both the public and private sectors in Hong Kong over the years and provides insights into their distinctive features and advanced technologies from engineers’ perspectives. Through this informative publication, the HKIE hopes to deepen understanding of UNSDGs in the industry and wider society and inspire collaborative efforts and active participation from all stakeholders to support sustainable development.
HKIE President Ir Eric MA said, “The UNSDGs aim to promote prosperity while protecting the planet. Engineering plays a major role in achieving many of the UNSDGs. Through the launch of Engineered for Sustainability: Hong Kong’s Contribution to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we hope to strengthen understanding among members of the public as well as within the engineering sector of how various engineering disciplines can integrate environmental, social and economic considerations into their practices. The engineering industry is in a unique position to lead sustainable development through actively collaborating across the aspects of engineering design, construction, renovation, operation and reuse, using electronic control systems, IoT, promoting new industrialisation, autonomous vehicle technology, sustainable energy systems, etc.”
“Last week, Vice President Ir Prof Frank CHAN led a delegation to the UN Climate Change Conference – COP29, where he shared the efforts taken by Hong Kong’s engineering industry to address the challenges of climate change, including strengthening the resilience and sustainability of urban infrastructure. The HKIE will continue to champion sustainable development, including continued updates of the eBook and encouraging industry sharing of sustainable projects, empowering engineers to put UNSDGs into practice as part of our commitment to building a better and more sustainable future for the planet,” President MA added.
The International Engineering Alliance (IEA) resolved the proposed changes of IEA Graduate Attributes and Professional Competencies (GAPCs) to align with the UNSDGs in 2021. As a Member of IEA, the HKIE will review its Graduate Attributes for accrediting engineering programmes and its Competence Standards for admitting members to factor in the UNSDGs. The reviews are in the pipeline and the new HKIE Graduate Attributes and Competence Standards are planned for implementation in 2026/27.
In addition, the HKIE is currently holding a cover design competition for the publication, Engineered for Sustainability: Hong Kong’s Contribution to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The competition aims to encourage members and the public to actively engage with the UNSDGs by participating in the creation of the eBook. The winning entry may become the cover of the future edition of this publication.
The deadline for submission is 5pm on 31 December 2024.
Click here for more information on the submission or click here to download the eBook.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image1-12.png8001200developerdeveloper2024-11-28 16:07:592024-11-28 16:07:59HKIE Launches its First-ever UNSDGs eBook
SIBUR, Russia’s largest producer of polymers and rubber, has agreed to purchase additional electricity from renewable sources to reduce the carbon footprint of its production sites, in line with its ESG strategy.
The company plans to purchase 62,000 MWh of electricity generated at TGC-1 hydroelectric power plants to meet the energy needs of two of its production facilities: SIBUR-PETF and POLIEF, both of which manufacture polyethylene terephthalate.The agreement will enable SIBUR to operate one of the sites, SIBUR-PETF, entirely on renewable energy, thus achieving one of the most ambitious goals outlined in its sustainability strategy.
In addition, the deal will increase the use of green energy at POLIEF, which already operates a solar power plant that provides approximately 25 percent of the electricity used for the production of Vivilen granules, which are made with recycled plastic (rPET).
According to its sustainability strategy, SIBUR aims to increase the share of renewable energy in its energy mix fivefold by 2025 compared with 2020 levels. The company is already operating two solar power plants. In addition to utilising green energy, SIBUR is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from production through the adoption of low-carbon technologies.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image1-4.png8011200developerdeveloper2024-11-25 11:00:362024-11-14 10:42:59SIBUR to Use Green Energy to Reduce Production Carbon Footprint
JLL has announced that it has joined the World Green Building Council’s (WorldGBC) Asia Pacific Regional Network (APN). The APN Is led by 17 Green Building Councils (GBCs) and three regional partners, representing a region home to over 60% of the world’s population and expected to contribute to over 50 percent of global GDP growth in the coming decades.
The announcement is reinforced by the region’s position at the forefront of adopting green building practices, with several countries implementing stringent green building codes and standards. However, the region is also vulnerable to the impacts of climate change; rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss are amongst the many challenges faced.
The dual drivers of high adoption of green building practices and the impact of climate change will likely ensure that the region is a critical focus for climate resilience initiatives. For JLL, the APN brings opportunities to address the climate crisis at both a local and global scale and from an economic perspective, supporting the region’s ambitions as a key hub in global manufacturing and supply chains,
“There is no bigger conversation within the built environment than sustainability actions, initiatives and strategies. Our clients are proactively working towards net zero carbon targets and demanding more from us as advisors. This platform will be boosted hugely with our closer linkage with the World GBC,” said Lili Tao, Managing Director, South East Asia, Project and Development Services (PDS), JLL (pictured above).
“We are thrilled to welcome JLL as a Regional Partner. Their collaboration further strengthens our commitment to advancing sustainable built environments across the network and beyond. The Asia Pacific region is pivotal in shaping the future of global sustainability. With JLL’s expertise and leadership in real estate, we are confident that by working together, we can drive meaningful change to ensure that our built environments support, and actively contribute to, a sustainable future, for our region and the world,” said Joy Gai, Strategic Partnership Lead and Asia Head, WorldGBC.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/image1-1.png773773developerdeveloper2024-11-12 11:30:182024-11-12 11:30:18JLL Joins World Green Building Council’s Expanding APAC Network
Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. (HDEC) has entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Surbana Jurong Group (SJ). This strategic partnership leverages the respective strengths and expertise of HDEC and SJ to advance sustainable practices within the built environment industry while addressing global energy challenges. HDEC is renowned for its extensive track record in construction, while SJ has extensive experience in multidisciplinary consultancy services across the built environment and energy sector, including clean fuels, new energies, energy transition, engineering and project management.
Key objectives of the MOU include:
Exploration of collaborative projects: HDEC and SJ will jointly identify potential projects within the realms of renewable energy and infrastructure.
Research and Development: HDEC and SJ will jointly undertake R&D initiatives focusing on low-carbon business practices and innovative construction technologies such as Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and prefabricated prefinished volumetric construction (PPVC).
Cooperation on infrastructure technology: The MOU outlines plans for general cooperation in infrastructure technology, including construction automation or robotics, collaborative workshops, training programs, and technical support.
SMR: HDEC and SJ will also collaborate on opportunities related to SMR technologies, an area critical for Singapore’s future energy needs.
SJ’s Group Chief Executive Officer Sean Chiao said, “The transition to net zero is underway, but it’s not happening fast enough, and the demand for resilient infrastructure has never been greater. By joining forces, HDEC and SJ aim to push the boundaries of sustainable practices in the built environment and address global energy challenges head-on. SJ’s multidisciplinary consultancy, deeply rooted in sustainability, combined with HDEC’s world-class engineering and construction expertise, will drive innovation in clean energy solutions and advanced construction technologies, paving the way for a greener, more resilient future.”
A representative from HDEC stated, “Since entering the Singapore construction market in 1981, HDEC has actively contributed to the country’s economic development through major infrastructure projects, including the construction of Changi International Airport, Marina One, South Beach, and Southeast Asia’s largest underground substation. With this business partnership with SJ, a leading built environment consultancy with a long track record of successful project delivery, we will make every effort to accelerate Singapore’s energy transition based on the strengthened collaboration network at both the government and group levels and the trust we have built with the Singapore government and clients.”
The MOU ceremony between HDEC and SJ was part of the Singapore-Korea Business Forum which took place on 8 October 2024. Present at the MOU ceremony were (from left to right) Young-joon Yoon, President and CEO of Hyundai E&C; Ahn Duk-geun, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy of the Government of South Korea; Tan See Leng, Minister of Manpower and Second Minister for Trade and Industry; Sean Chiao, Group CEO, SJ.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image1-5.png230488developerdeveloper2024-10-21 11:00:042024-10-14 16:30:23Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co. and SJ sign MOU to Collaborate
A new report released by Climate Group and Ramboll at Climate Week NYC reveals close to 50 percent of global businesses that were surveyed for the research are prepared to pay a premium for lower-emission steel and concrete, signalling a powerful and growing demand for more sustainable materials. With steel and concrete emissions responsible for 15 percent of global emissions, their urgent decarbonisation is critical to meeting the goals outlined in the Paris Agreement.
The Steel and Concrete Transformation: 2024 market outlook on lower emission steel and concrete report, comes after over 250 companies globally from 42 countries and 21 industries were surveyed on their current readiness to use and willingness to pay for lower emission steel and concrete. It aims to evaluate business readiness to incorporate lower-emission steel and concrete in their operations, their willingness to pay a premium for these materials, and the existing key barriers preventing wider adoption.
Positive Market Outlook but Barriers Remain
The research indicates growing momentum, with 45 percent of respondents saying they would be willing to pay a premium for emissions reductions of 25 percent or higher for steel, while 57 percent would be willing to do so for reductions exceeding 50 percent. For concrete, these numbers were 40 percent and 49 percent respectively. While the ability to pay varies across sectors and geographies, 52 percent of respondents had a higher willingness to do so when compared to their stance one year ago, while 34 percent reported no change in opinion.
The report highlights that businesses expect the transition towards lower-emission materials to be inevitable. Driven by both regulatory pressures and market demand, 78 percent of respondents answered they expect lower-emission steel and concrete will be standard materials for new products or projects within the next decade.
While the outlook is broadly positive, the report also focused on the barriers and solutions to this widescale adoption and transition. Businesses said while progress is accelerating, the greatest barriers to adoption remain cost (84 percent), industry conservatism (37 percent), and lack of knowledge (33 percent).
In terms of solutions, businesses were clear that governments have a significant role to play in supporting them. Financial levers such as tax incentives, credits, and subsidies (69 percent), carbon pricing (50 percent) as well as minimum product standards or embodied carbon limits (43 percent) were identified as crucial policies for governments to prioritise. Without them, the world is unlikely to see the rapid scaling of lower-emission steel and concrete in time. Clear and robust policies must be implemented at all levels of government, now.
Jen Carson, Head of Industry at Climate Group, said, “Business leaders are not only calling for change – they’re enacting it. This report is a real temperature check of the market. It’s hugely encouraging to see the appetite is here, now, for organisations to pay a premium for lower-emission steel and concrete. Actors across the value chain – suppliers, governments, and investors – should take note.
But there’s deep work to be done to speed up progress. It’s critical that businesses can make the right choices for their operations, and the planet, and switch to lower-emission steel and concrete. Governments must listen to their concerns, support their ambition, and act quickly to remove barriers. This way, we can unlock corporate demand to drive real sector transformation.”
Michael Simmelsgaard, Chief Operating Officer at Ramboll, said, “The fact that more companies are now willing to pay a premium for lower emission steel and concrete sends a strong signal to the market. To accelerate progress, all actors now need to come together – from policymakers and investors to off-takers of steel and concrete, as well as end users who will need to accept a price premium until the market matures. Let’s build on the momentum we have to drive a rapid and lasting decarbonisation of heavy industries on the path to global net zero.”
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/image1-1.png9001200developerdeveloper2024-10-17 11:00:102024-10-14 16:17:37Nearly Half of Global Companies are Ready to Pay a Premium for Lower Emission Steel and Concrete
KONE has become not only the first and only vertical transportation service provider, but also the first Finnish company to have its products certified by the Green Product Council Indonesia (GPCI). As a nod to its long-term commitment towards the green transformation of Indonesia’s built environment and beyond, the GPCI awarded the highest Gold rating in KONE’s recent Green Label Indonesia certification for six elevator and one escalator products.
The certified KONE products are KONE Minispace™, KONE E Minispace™, KONE N Minispace™, KONE E Monospace®, KONE N Monospace® and KONE S Monospace® elevators, as well as KONE TravelMaster™ 110 escalator.
The independent Green Label Indonesia certification scheme, introduced in 2015, promotes and facilitates the use of eco-friendly products and sustainable practices in the country’s construction industry. Through this eco-label certification, KONE’s elevators and escalators are on track to be recommended for the Green Building Council Indonesia’s Greenship and even the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings. Today, these certified elevator and escalator products are already implemented in many iconic buildings across Jakarta’s financial centre and Surabaya, bringing about smooth and efficient people flow.
“At KONE, we are committed to supporting our customers in achieving their building sustainability goals. To bring more transparency of our manufacturing and solution integrity to the market, we chose to complete the Green Label Indonesia certification process with seven of our best-selling elevator and escalator products. Achieving such a third-party accreditation helps us demonstrate the environmental stewardship of our manufacturing process, that we have proper controls in place to minimise the use of resources and reduce waste while upholding high standards of product safety and quality,” says Budi Silaban, KONE’s managing director for Indonesia.
“This recognition is also a great testament to KONE’s contributions in paving the way for Indonesia’s sustainability journey. We have been actively present in Indonesia for 30 years and hopefully more, to help customers effectively reach their sustainability targets, with green building solutions, best-in-class energy efficiency and solutions that extend the equipment lifetime.”
Yudiono, GPCI chairman, who graced the Green Label Indonesia certificate award ceremony last month at KONE’s head office in Jakarta, comments, “The Green Product Council Indonesia warmly congratulates KONE on being the country’s first elevator and escalator company to earn the Green Label Indonesia certification and impressively with the top Gold rating. For our construction industry, this marks a step change in pushing the boundaries of sustainable business practices and enables the market to make more informed decisions about elevator and escalator products. We look forward to partnering with KONE, with its advancements in sustainability and environmental achievements, to continue driving impact and promoting environmentally friendly programs widely including to suppliers.”
Beyond its Green Label Indonesia certification, KONE has also made significant strides in greening its local operations and elevating the industry. Last year, the company successfully replaced the entire petrol-based motorcycle fleet in Indonesia with electric vehicles for its field team of maintenance supervisors. With sustainability as an integral part of the business, KONE is also furthering regenerative drive technology to support customers in cutting electricity usage. Today, some 43 percent of KONE’s elevator car interiors are manufactured locally, earning it the Tingkat Komponen Dalam Negeri (TKDN) certification recognition in 2023.
https://brj.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/image1-13.png7981200developerdeveloper2024-08-29 11:00:132024-08-29 03:52:44KONE Awarded Industry-first Green Label Indonesia Certification
