Archive for category: News

• Big 5 Construct Saudi co-locates with four specialized events, namely, HVAC R Expo Saudi, FM Expo Saudi, Stone & Surface Saudi Arabia and Windows, Doors & Facades Event Saudi
• The event to spotlight more than 20,000 products & solutions under nine product sectors
• Egypt, Jordan, Spain and India join the lineup of 20 country pavilions for the first time

Saudi Arabia’s construction sector is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 4% between 2024 and 2027, driven by strategic initiatives focused on economic diversification in alignment with Vision 2030 (Source: JLL). Building on this momentum, the largest construction event in the Kingdom, Big 5 Construct Saudi, returns for its 12th edition to the Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Centre from 26 to 29 February in 2024, doubling in size and capacity covering an area of 70,000sqm.

As it brings together 1,300+ exhibitors, recording a strong 55% percent increase compared to last year’s edition, from 40+ countries to connect with 55,000+ construction professionals, Big 5 Construct Saudi co-locates with four specialized events: HVAC R Expo Saudi, FM Expo Saudi, Stone & Surface Saudi Arabia and Windows, Doors & Facades Event Saudi.

“Doubling in size to match the colossal developments in the Kingdom’s construction industry, Big 5 Construct Saudi enhances the diversity of offerings with the participation of local and international exhibitors bringing together groundbreaking ideas, innovative technologies and unparalleled expertise,” said Muhammed Kazi, Vice President – Construction at dmg events, the organizers of Big 5 Construct Saudi.

With a strong pipeline of projects worth $2.1 trillion for the next eight years, according to Jerry Todd, Head of the National Development Division at the Public Investment Fund (Source: Arab News), Saudi Arabia stands at the threshold of a transformative era marked by momentous growth.

“At a time when Saudi Arabia won the bid to host the Riyadh Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup 2034, our event continues to bridge international collaborations as stakeholders gear up to deliver the requirements stemming from the multi-billion-dollar ongoing and upcoming mega and giga projects in the Kingdom,” added Kazi.

Diverse product sectors and exhibitors under one roof

As it contributes to the future of the Kingdom’s construction sector, Big 5 Construct Saudi showcases more than 20,000 products & services under nine product sectors in 2024. These include building envelope & construction, building interiors & finishes, building materials & tools, building security & access control, intelligent buildings, offsite & modular construction, kitchen & bathroom, plant machinery & vehicles, and solar & MEP.

Supporting product sectorization, the four-day event also focuses on four new sectors such as Concrete, Construction Technologies and Steel and Urban Design & Landscape, which together with the existing product sectors cover the entire construction value chain.

This year the trade exhibition hosts 20 country pavilions such as Germany, China, Greece, Italy, Türkiye, the UAE, the US and Qatar, with Egypt, Jordan, Spain and India joining the lineup for the first time. “As international presence grows at Big 5 Construct Saudi bringing together prominent industry players, it provides a collaborative platform for stakeholders to build new partnerships boosting the growth of the Kingdom’s construction sector,” added Kazi.

The growth of international presence also comes on the back of strong local support for the event as the nation’s leading construction players join the exhibitor lineup. Some of these include Al Zamil Group, a diversified company; Al Bawani, a contracting giant; Samnan Holding, a water solutions provider and Construction Product Company (CPC), a renowned supplier of finished products.

Hussein and Al-Hassan G. Shaker Bros. Company, a leading HVAC company, is also exhibiting this year and supporting the event as the Diamond Sponsor. Commenting on their participation, Khaled Jiz, Marketing Manager said: “At HH-Shaker, our mission is to provide the Saudi market with high-quality air-conditioning solutions and establish as a leader among competitors in our industry. This year, we are proud to participate in the Big 5 Construct along with our trusted partner Midea A/C. We will be showcasing our latest energy efficient technologies to be introduced to the Saudi market in 2024. We are looking forward to another successful event.”

Also supporting the HVAC R Expo as the Platinum Sponsor is American multinational HVAC, refrigeration, and fire and security equipment giant Carrier. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for us at Carrier to be a part of Big 5 Construct Saudi and the co-located HVAC R Expo to showcase our cutting-edge, innovative, reliable and sustainable solutions. We look forward to engaging with industry leaders, experts and construction professionals once again at this event. We believe in the power of innovation and quality, and our presence at HVAC R Expo is a testament to our commitment to advancing the construction industry,” said Salman Zebian, General Manager, Carrier Saudi Arabia

Some of the new-to-show brands exhibiting this year are British multinational manufacturer of construction equipment JCB; UAE-based SKM Air Conditioning; US-headquartered Stanley & Black Decker, a manufacturer of industrial tools and hardware; Kingspan, a premier manufacturer of insulation solutions for building envelope; KNEST, an aluminium formwork company from India; and Sphinx Glass, a glass, ceramics and concrete manufacturing company in Egypt.

Promoting thought leadership and practical learning

Big 5 Construct Saudi will be bustling with industry networking opportunities providing attendees the chance to make the most of the 60+ free-to-attend CPD (Continuous Professional Development) certified Big 5 Talks. The talks programme provides professionals with a chance to collect CPD points, an industry-wide requirement to build on practical knowledge applied to the construction profession.

From construction leaders to innovators, architects to project and facilities management practitioners as well as technologists, the talks provide insightful takeaways under 13 streams. These include concrete, sustainability, technology innovations and digital transformation in construction, contracting strategies, risk management and legal, decarbonization, HVAC R, architecture & design, facilities management, giga project updates, intelligent buildings, project management and leadership.

Meet the sponsors and partners supporting Big 5 Construct Saudi and co-located events:

Exclusive Diamond, Big 5 Construct Saudi: Hussein and Al-Hassan G. Shaker Bros. Company and Midea

Diamond Sponsor, WDF Event Saudi: Schuco

Platinum Sponsor, Big 5 Construct Saudi: Construction Products Holding Company (CPC)

Platinum Sponsor, WDF Event Saudi: Alumil Middle East DMCC

Platinum Sponsor, HVAC R Expo Saudi: Carrier

Gold Sponsors HVAC R Expo Saudi: Haier and Aljabr Saudi Electronics Company

Silver Sponsor, Big 5 Construct Saudi: Masdar

The exhibition is free to attend for industry professionals. Visitor registrations are open at www.big5constructsaudi.com.

The 29th edition of Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition (GILE) and 21st edition of Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology (GEBT) will be held concurrently from 9 – 12 June 2024 in areas A and B at the China Import and Export Fair Complex. The shows will expand to occupy over 230,000 sqm and cover 23 exhibition halls. Human-centric spatial design and city planning will become a core focus to deeply connect people with art, technology and business. Innovations in interior design and advances in LED technology will provide exciting opportunities for the industry. Under the concept of “Light – The Power of Infinity”, GILE 2024 will continue to provide participants a platform for broadening their horizons and gaining inspiration, developing new techniques, technologies and applications with the quality of light and digitalisation in mind.  

As the world moves from traditional manufacturing to a new era where advances in technology, reliance on the internet and new lifestyle trends all play a major role in the economy, the lighting industry has emerged as one of the leading adopters of innovation. In the future, the use of light will be more efficient and the full-spectrum of light will be widely applied. Meanwhile, driven by China’s dual carbon policy, product design and manufacturing are moving towards low energy consumption. Virtual reality technology will also be applied to large-scale light shows, while smart lighting and home appliances will have more applications, with luminaires becoming integrated with household furniture and decorations. Human-centric lighting will therefore become an important trend of the lighting industry’s future development.

On the industry’s development and the fair’s theme, Ms Lucia Wong, General Manager of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd said: “Stepping into the age of ‘data technology’, AIoT technology has made significant breakthroughs, becoming more streamlined, sophisticated and wide ranging in its applications. New consumption patterns are shaping lifestyle trends while personal health and environmental impacts are also affecting individual purchasing decisions and behaviour. The lighting industry is developing from standalone LED products to an interconnected system, from display stores to immersive experience stores, and from traditional sales to a unified marketing strategy integrating all sales channels. There are infinite possibilities for the lighting industry right now, so that’s why the show is building on the previous theme of ‘Light +’, with the concept of ‘Infinity’ to encourage industry players to bring about improved spatial experience, better quality of life and a zero-carbon future.”

The Power of Infinity: Evolution of Light +
In the era of “Light +”, the lighting industry will develop to encompass more and more new applications. “Infinity” therefore aptly represents the future roadmap of the industry, helping to inject cities with lighting that improves people’s living and working conditions and provides entertainment for residents and tourists alike.

The infinite applications of light include AIoT, optical communication, big data, healthcare, cosmetics, lifestyle, low carbon and new energy solutions, aquaculture, new media arts, extended reality and much more. To better represent the wide range of new applications for lighting, the show will present eight concepts, each corresponding to a letter in the word “Infinity”:

I: Intelligent solutions for new challenges
The lighting industry has long been at the forefront of the research and design of smart technology, especially in AIoT. Looking forward, smart lighting is poised to evolve further through making use of self-learning algorithms based on individual user habits. These advances in technology add additional value to products, turning them from simple light fixtures into smart products that manage and regulate our environments.

N: Net-zero future
In response to the “dual carbon” goals of carbon peak and carbon neutrality by 2030 and 2060 respectively outlined by the Chinese government, sustainable lighting presents more value to the industry. In recent years, alongside the rapid development of LED technology, minimising energy consumption and emissions has become one of the key objectives of the industry. LEDs, smart technology and new energy have together contributed to achieving these goals across a variety of fields.

Highly efficient lighting products that make use of both green and smart technology are set to become predominant. These can then be applied towards many applications including the arts, tourism, cities, buildings, roads, car parks and other areas. The combination of advanced energy storage solutions with net-zero carbon smart lighting systems will increase the adoption of renewable energy in cities. Building streetlamps that also function as EV charging piles to cater for roadside charging has potential to further this trend.

Smart lighting technology also has a role in agriculture and horticulture, helping to improve crop quality and yields, and the efficient use of resources such as water can reduce energy consumption. This leads to lower emissions and water consumption.

F: Five senses experience
By integrating sound, light, shadow, AI, VR, new visual media and haptic technology with the tourism industry, immersive experiences for tourists can be created using all of the five senses. This represents a significant upgrade to lighting technology serving the tourism industry.

I: Individualism and customisation
As personalisation continues to permeate all aspects of daily life, people’s physical and emotional needs will become the main focus of indoor lighting. At present, mainless lighting and smart home lighting can adapt to individualised needs and apply to different lighting scenarios.

N: New business models
The “Light +” era has also given rise to new business models, transitioning from the sale of standalone lighting products to delivering a comprehensive lighting service. The twin pillars of this model are design and after-sales service. With a clear service target, the industry needs to design lighting applications using smart and human-centric technology to gain increased customer recognition and demand, and replace existing services in the market.

I: Industry 4.0 leads the intelligent manufacturing future
Industry 4.0 combines the development of automation and informatisation, utilising advanced technologies such as cloud factories, AI, IoT and big data to improve production efficiency. Industrial lighting is evolving to support these integrated systems, incorporating smart and energy saving lighting technologies to ensure safe and healthy working environments in factory settings.

T: Technological innovation
Over the last century, the lighting industry has developed rapidly, evolving from the simplicity of artificial light to the use of advanced technologies including IoT, optical communication and big data analysis and from incandescent bulbs to LEDs and interconnected lighting systems. Throughout this process, industry players have continuously improved the quality of light, aligning their technologies with the needs of the time. Stepping into the era of “Light +”, the role of LEDs has transitioned from a replacement for traditional light sources to an integral role in human-centric lighting, which takes into account people’s physiological and psychological needs. Combining smart technologies with lighting can also improve the interaction between light, spaces, and people, offering increased adaptability to the needs and preferences of individuals.

Y: Yielding infinite possibilities
The future is full of uncertainties, with infinite possibilities and room for imagination. As an industry that is continually on the rise, lighting continues to inspire industry players to strive for innovation despite the ever-changing circumstances.

Ms Lucia Wong continued: “Every industry player strives to improve people’s quality of life. In the ‘Light +’ era, the integration of lighting with other technologies will provide users with more comprehensive targeted services. GILE, together with the industry players, will continue to move towards the infinite possibilities of light.”

The next editions of Guangzhou International Lighting Exhibition and Guangzhou Electrical Building Technology will be held from 9 – 12 June 2024. Both shows are part of Messe Frankfurt’s Light + Building Technology fairs headed by the biennial Light + Building event. The next edition will be held from 3 – 8 March 2024 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Messe Frankfurt organises several trade fairs for the light and building technology sectors in Asia, including Shanghai Intelligent Building Technology, Shanghai Smart Home Technology and Parking China. The company’s lighting and building technology trade fairs also cover the markets in Argentina, India, Thailand and the UAE.

For more information on Light + Building shows worldwide, please visit http://www.brand.light-building.com. For more information regarding the lighting shows in China, please visit http://www.light.messefrankfurt.com.cn or email light@china.messefrankfurt.com.

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport proudly announces the successful  completion of its S$22 million asset enhancement, breathing new life into the iconic hotel and  reaffirming its status as the World’s Best Airport Hotel for the eighth consecutive year.

Completed in January 2024, the asset enhancement initiative (AEI) includes the addition of 12  new guest rooms, comprising 10 Premier Rooms and two Suites, designed for families and  long-stay guests. Strategically located on the same level as the hotel’s tropical resort outdoor  pool which offers a stunning view of the iconic Changi Airport control tower, three of the new  rooms will have direct pool access which is highly sought-after. The hotel’s refreshed design  enhances the appeal for both business and leisure travellers, unveiling new and noteworthy  features such as Allora, an all-day dining destination delivering an authentic Italian culinary  experience, an additional function room with state-of-the-art meeting facilities, a chic Club  Lounge and a revitalised Fitness Centre.

Inspired by the serene charm of Changi Beach, the design concept for the AEI by Park +  Associates is meticulously crafted to bring a tranquil oceanic atmosphere to the space. Drawing  inspiration from the rhythmic patterns of the waves, the newly refurbished rooms and meeting  spaces feature carefully chosen design elements. The furniture, crafted from a mix of natural wood finishes, brings a sense of warmth and cosiness to the room, complemented by a carefully  curated colour palette that blends beachy tones with ocean shades. The addition of curves to  the walls mirrors the natural flow of the waves, contributing to the overall aesthetic appeal. Light  grey sofas and vibrant navy blue and yellow accents create a contemporary and inviting  atmosphere, while the sky-blue headboard serves as a statement piece, aligning with the  modern and refreshing theme. This thoughtful design not only enhances the visual appeal of the  hotel but also fosters a meaningful connection between hotel guests and the calming elements  of nature.

“We embrace the evolving trend of blended travel. In anticipation of a notable increase in  corporate and leisure travellers in 2024 and beyond, the AEI aims to cater to the needs of the  modern business traveller, whose concept of business travel extends beyond work to  encompass a blend of work and life. As the world’s leading airport hotel, it’s vital that we  continue to adapt and elevate the guest experience. We look forward to maintaining our best-in class position and welcoming guests from around the world,” said Bruno Cristol, General  Manager of Crowne Plaza Changi Airport and Area General Manager, IHG Hotels & Resorts in  Singapore.

Key Features of the Transformation: Additional Premier Rooms and Suites: The 12 new  guest rooms, elevating the room inventory to 575, introduce a distinctive touch to the  accommodation options. Among these, three rooms, featuring highly sought-after direct pool  access, provide a delightful stay experience for both families and long-stay guests. The suites are outfitted with carefully chosen amenities, featuring a walk-in wardrobe, spacious living and  dining areas, a convenient kitchenette with an induction stove and a stylish bathroom. The  bathroom is generously sized, complete with a bathtub, a separate standing shower, and a  vanity area, ensuring a luxurious and comfortable experience for guests.

Revamped All-Day Dining Restaurant – Allora: Now conveniently relocated to Level 1 for  enhanced accessibility, the new Italian restaurant – Allora, helmed by the talented Executive  Chef Stefano Sanna, seamlessly combines the urban energy of Milan with the coastal charm of  Southern Italy. Bringing the sophistication of northern Italian cities and the refreshing ambience  of the southern Italian coastline to Singapore, the restaurant seamlessly combines both sides of  Italy to bring a new and enhanced experience for locals and travellers alike. Allora’s interior  effortlessly marries Milan’s industrial urban vibes with the breezy coastal charm of Southern  Italy. The Northern section draws inspiration from Tuscany’s enchanting hills and ancient  medieval cities, featuring a central metallic mosaic pizza oven and industrial Milanese elements  that together create a dynamic and captivating atmosphere. Outdoor spaces, adorned with  striped parasols, transform into a Southern Italian seaside promenade, offering a relaxed  escape. Allora features a chic dining room, a vibrant lobby lounge and bar, and a charming  alfresco terrace, drawing inspiration from the distinctive characteristics of both Northern and  Southern Italy.

Allora currently serves refreshing contemporary Italian cuisine and is slated to become the only  Italian restaurant offering weekend brunch buffets in the Changi Airport area from the second  quarter of 2024. The lavish buffet will feature handcrafted pizzas, artisanal pastas, a diverse  array of antipasti, as well as a thoughtfully curated collection of fine wines, spirits and unique  cocktails. From an inviting dining room to a stylish lobby lounge and bar and a relaxing alfresco  terrace, Allora accommodates varied preferences, fostering a communal atmosphere. With a  seating capacity of 264, it is poised to be the go-to destination in the East, promising an  authentic and delightful Italian dining experience.

New and Versatile Meeting Spaces: The former all-day dining space has transformed into a  352-square metre multi-function room named ‘Camellia’ inspired by the elegant flower. This  versatile venue, equipped with state-of-the-art audio-visual technology, is ideal for a range of  events including corporate meetings, social gatherings and intimate weddings. This addition  complements the hotel’s current ballroom and meeting rooms, expanding its capacity for hosting  various meetings and events.

Inspired by the rainforest and named after local trees such as Chengal, Alstonia, Garcinia,  Hopea, Kempas, and Meranti, the present ballroom and meeting rooms exude a natural charm. These meeting spaces, featuring ceilings reminiscent of a lush tree canopy, provide a tranquil  atmosphere. The nature-inspired design not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the spaces but also infuses them with a refreshing and inspiring ambiance – perfect for both meetings and  social events.

Club Lounge and Fitness Centre Transformation: The former bar space has been  transformed into a cosy and contemporary Club Lounge. Modernised meeting spaces within are  adorned with an array of art pieces and tasteful decorations, creating an inviting and  sophisticated ambiance.

Simultaneously, the fitness centre has undergone a revamp, now equipped with the latest  equipment to meet the wellness needs of both business and leisure travellers.

This AEI significantly elevates the guest experience at Crowne Plaza Changi Airport, reinforcing  its position as the World’s Best Airport Hotel and ensuring a rejuvenating and dynamic stay for  all valued guests.

For more information and reservation details, visit crowneplaza.com/changiairport.

PlanRadar’s latest report reveals findings: PlanRadar, a leading construction management software company, has released its latest industry report, titled ‘Quantifying success: Digitization and software in construction’. The study sheds light on the transformative role of technology in the construction landscape, with a specific focus on quantity surveyors, site teams, and project management professionals in Singapore and the ASEAN region.

The survey compiled insights from over 300 industry respondents across ANZ, ASEAN, Middle East and United States and was conducted in December 2023. 43% of the respondents surveyed were from the ASEAN region, with approximately 64% of ASEAN respondents from Singapore.

Key findings and insights from the report:

• Strategic software investments: The report reveals a significant commitment to digital transformation, with an overwhelming 83% of survey respondents in ASEAN, including Singapore, making substantial investments in project management software over the past three years. Notably, Artificial Intelligence emerged as the second most significant category for these investments, indicating a growing interest in AI-powered solutions to streamline quantity surveying processes.
• Time and cost savings: Digital adoption is not merely a trend but a practical solution, as indicated by 56% of respondents recognising that investing in new software leads to valuable time savings. Additionally, 54% believe it results in cost savings, emphasising the efficiency gains and cost management capabilities offered by digital tools.
• Challenges in implementation: While the benefits of software adoption are clear, the report acknowledges challenges, with 60% of survey respondents citing the potential cost of implementing new software as the most significant barrier. This underscores the need for cost-effective solutions and comprehensive training and support during the transition to digital systems.
• Future software investments: Looking ahead, 59% of Singaporean survey respondents plan to allocate more investments towards quantity surveying software in the next three years, indicating a continued commitment to digital transformation. Project management software and software for field data collection also garnered significant interest.
• Strategic investment intensity: Among those planning to invest more in software, 39% intend to increase their software investments by 11% to 30%, while 28% aim for an even more significant investment increase, exceeding 30%.

Empowering the construction industry through innovation

Vitaly Berezka, Head of Sales, Central Asia, MENA and APAC, PlanRadar, commented, “Singapore and ASEAN’s construction narrative is rewriting itself through the lens of digital innovation. Construction stakeholders, project managers and site teams are not just facing or adapting to pressure – they’re leveraging technology as a powerful ally, a catalyst for increased productivity, reduced errors, and the timely, on-budget delivery of projects in an industry where every advantage counts.”

Berezka added, “As Singapore and ASEAN’s construction industry embraces digitalization, the shift from pen and paper to technology-driven solutions is a strategic imperative. This report underscores how innovation isn’t just a choice; it’s a necessity for construction professionals aiming not just to keep up but to lead in 2024.”

“The interest in AI is reflective of Singapore always being at the forefront of technology, signifying the potential for the advancement of digitalisation in construction to take on the next level. We are looking forward to discovering how AI will transform the industry, bringing about benefits like improved decision-making, reducing timelines and enhanced collaboration. This transformation has ripple effects throughout the entire construction sector, leading to smarter, more sustainable projects,” added Vitaly.

The full report can be downloaded here.

The cost to fit-out workplaces in Asia Pacific continues to rise,  mirroring ongoing inflationary pressures, higher commodity prices and increased construction costs.  According to global real estate consultant JLL’s (NYSE:JLL) Asia Pacific Fit-Out Cost Guide  2023/2024, the average cost to fit-out workplaces across the Asia Pacific region increased 0.5% year

on-year with the average fit-out cost per sqm rising to US$1,161, up from US$1,159 last year.

After losing its spot to Sydney in last year’s guide, Tokyo has regained its place as the most expensive  city in Asia Pacific for office fit-outs at US$2,071 per sqm. Inflationary pressure is having an impact  on project pipelines, but despite a 20% rise in construction prices at a local currency level, confidence remains in the market as the flight to quality in workplaces remains a theme in Tokyo.

Australian markets follow Tokyo as the next most expensive including Sydney (US$1,929), Canberra  (US$1,926), Adelaide (US$1,897) and Melbourne (US$1,868). These markets continued to show  increases in construction prices, but previous high levels of inflation have tailed off in line with  projections.

Whilst overall construction prices at a regional level have shifted by 0.5% year-on-year in US dollar terms, at a local currency level, most markets have reported increases. The exceptions are markets  in China and Vietnam, which saw largely static construction prices in response to weakened client  confidence driving increased competition for work in these locations. Since abandoning the “zero  Covid” strategy, China has not experienced the sharp growth in pent up demand that was prevalent  in other markets post pandemic.

Martin Hinge, Executive Managing Director, Project Development Services, JLL Asia Pacific,  says, “Inflation in Asia Pacific markets is returning to normal levels as widely projected, but certain  supply chain challenges remain for mechanical, engineering and plumbing, information technology  and audio-visual items. Going forward, we foresee factors like commodity process, energy costs, and

wage increases will continue to impact pricing and lead to delays for some fit-outs and unpredictability  of select items into Asia Pacific. We have also seen significant exchange rate volatility over the last  12 months, in some cases eroding tender price increases in local currencies.”

On the supply chain front, two-thirds of JLL’s Asia Pacific market leaders are citing constraints in  mechanical and electrical (M&E), IT, audio visual (AV) and security trades. This is expected to  continue improving over the coming 12 months as supply chains continue to adapt and, in some  markets, demand softens.

Hinge adds, “Nonetheless, our clients continue to remain bullish. In most markets, sentiment remains  strong and despite the continuing impact of price inflation, our teams report robust pipelines due to a renewed focus by clients to attract staff back to the office, improve productivity and well-being, and  meet net zero carbon (NZC) commitments.”

As the flight to quality trend continues there is a need to balance return to office mandates with the  need to design and maintain hybrid, human-centric workspaces. Considerations include spaces that  attract and retain talent, meet ESG aspirations, and provide environments that meet employees  demands and the variety of work activities undertaken throughout the working day.

Sustainability remains front of mind  

Leasing office space in sustainable buildings is becoming non-negotiable for occupiers committed to  ESG. Among other factors, sustainable fit-outs are gaining prominence as an initiative to decarbonise  workplaces. In a survey of 240 commercial real estate leaders across Asia Pacific, one-in-two cite  sustainable fit-outs as a priority to be actioned within the next three years. This confirms that  sustainability is now a key driver in the way occupiers acquire, fit-out, and manage their assets.

While ESG commitments are a key driver of sustainable fit-outs, cost savings over the long term can  offset upfront capital expenditure (CAPEX) costs. Sustainable materials or pieces of equipment may  be more expensive upfront but those with better energy ratings or longer lifespans will save  businesses money in the long run.

Responding to inflationary pressures that projects are facing, one-third of JLL market leaders in  Asia Pacific report that pursuing a sustainable design is dependent on the overall project cost and  56% confirmed that reduced CAPEX on initiatives was being considered as a means to work within budgets, the bulk of which was in Australia and Southeast Asian markets.

Content page extract from the Asia Pacific Fit-Out Cost Guide  2023/2024.