Grundfos delivered healthy sales growth in 2023 while reducing its own water and energy footprint as well as supporting customers in lowering their water and energy consumption.
Building on the solid performances of recent years, Grundfos realised record sales of EUR 4.6bn. This represents a sales growth of 4.2 percent in line with strategic ambitions. EBIT before special items also grew; to a record EUR 578m against EUR 529m in 2022. The EBIT result equals a 12.5 percent profit margin.
Growing key markets
“We are satisfied with our financial results. We have worked hard to maintain our leadership position, grow sales, and deliver solid earnings. Despite a worldwide market slowdown, where we experienced lower demand in the second half of 2023, we managed to deliver full-year growth in key markets like Germany and UK as well as double-digit growth in the US. Equally important, customer satisfaction was at an all-time high and we made strong progress towards delivering on our water and climate ambitions,” said Poul Due Jensen, Group President and CEO of Grundfos.
Other significant highlights from Grundfos’ 2023 include double-digit growth within both the Commercial Building Services division and the newly acquired industrial water treatment business.
Sustainability progress
During 2023 Grundfos managed to reduce its total CO2 emissions by nine percent year-on-year, as well as reduce its own water consumption by seven percent. Finally, as 99 percent of the company’s emissions stem from installed products in use, great efforts have been made in terms of product innovation and sales initiatives to drive energy and water efficiency for Grundfos customers.
“We want to lead by example through actions, and I am exceedingly proud of the sustainability progress we have made in 2023, both when it comes to our own emissions and water reduction and how we have helped our customers to save energy and water as well as providing clean water access to millions of people in need,” said Poul Due Jensen, adding:
“All Grundfos colleagues have done a fantastic job enabling Grundfos to achieve all these hard earned results and live up to our promise to respect, protect and advance the flow of water, and we are very pleased that while doing this, we achieved the highest employee satisfaction ever.”
The Group Annual Financial Statements are reported in Danish Kroner (DKK). Euro figures are converted at a fixed DKK/EUR exchange rate of 7.45.
GuocoLand Limited has unveiled its latest residential development, Lentor Mansion, in Singapore’s Lentor Hills estate. The development features 533 residential units across three 16-storey towers and three 8-storey blocks, making it the largest site and lowest in density in the Lentor area. Lentor Mansion draws inspiration from Singapore’s iconic black-and-white bungalows and offers luxury living amidst a lush, verdant landscape.
Residents of Lentor Mansion can look forward to an idyllic lifestyle with various facilities available within the development, including an on-site childcare center. The Lentor Modern mall and Lentor MRT station are just a short 5-minute sheltered walk away, providing convenience to residents. The mall is expected to open in 2026 and will offer a range of services and unique food and beverage options. Lentor MRT station provides easy access to different parts of Singapore.
Designed to accommodate families of all sizes, including multi-generational households, Lentor Mansion offers a range of unit types starting from 2-bedroom units. Notably, it introduces the first 5-bedroom units in the Lentor Hills estate among the new developments.
Ms. Dora Chng, Residential Director at GuocoLand, highlighted their hallmark-efficient layouts and space utilization, stating, “Lentor Mansion carries GuocoLand’s hallmarks of efficient layouts and use of space that maximizes the liveability of our developments. We have incorporated flexibility into each unit’s design and layout to cater to different family needs. For example, our 4- and 5-bedroom units can have their dining spaces expanded to host larger gatherings of up to 12 persons.”
Lentor Mansion is the first private residential development launched under the new Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) guidelines, which harmonize strata and gross floor areas. Buyers will only pay for the actual liveable space, with prices at Lentor Mansion starting from S$1.149 million for a 2-bedroom unit and going up to S$3.176 million for a 5-bedroom unit. Prices per square foot start from S$2,082, as per the new URA guidelines.
The double-storey clubhouse at Lentor Mansion, named “The Mansion,” serves as a grand drop-off point and offers various amenities, including function rooms, a verandah, and a business center. The development also features a range of recreational amenities such as a Grand Lawn, tennis court, lap pool, jacuzzi, and children’s play area.
Lentor Mansion is surrounded by lush greenery and provides access to nearby nature parks such as Thomson Nature Park, Lower Peirce Reservoir Park, and Windsor Nature Park. It is also located close to renowned educational institutions like CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School and Anderson Primary School.
Lentor Mansion is a joint venture between GuocoLand and Hong Leong Holdings and is targeted to be completed by the end of 2027. It will be GuocoLand’s first residential development to be certified Green Mark Platinum by the Building and Construction Authority.
CBRE has been appointed by Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group as the Lead Leasing Agency to provide office leasing and marketing consulting services for the new Grade A commercial building “One Causeway Bay” at 281 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay, which is due for completion by the second quarter of 2025.
One Causeway Bay is situated in the site of the former Excelsior Hotel in Hong Kong, in the district that exemplifies youthfulness and vibrancy. The site, historically known as East Point, was acquired by James Matheson for Hong Kong’s first godowns even before the territory became a British colony in 1841, and so enjoys legendary local status as Hong Kong’s famed “Lot No.1”.
The redevelopment of One Causeway Bay is conveniently located within a two-minute walk from the Causeway Bay MTR Station and is seamlessly connected to the Greater Central area in just 8 to 10 minutes by subway. The project is also easily accessible by various means of public transportation that allows tenants and visitors to travel to different parts of Hong Kong with ease and flexibility.
When completed, One Causeway Bay will provide around 500,000 sq. ft. of office space across 24 floors and 55,000 sq. ft. of retail, entertainment, and dining space in the 4-level retail podium and the two rooftop levels. The building is designed by world renowned architects Kohn Petersen Fox and Ronald Lu & Partners. The building’s external façade will consist of tempered glass, giving it a sleek and contemporary appearance and providing a panoramic view of the breathtaking Victoria Harbour. Each office level will boast a clear ceiling height of 2.9m and a typical floor plate of approx. 20,000 sq. ft. in lettable area, enabling flexible and efficient layout designs and maximizing open views. Located next to Victoria Park and with direct access to the Harbourfront trail, future occupants of One Causeway Bay are seamlessly provided with a great work-life balance.
One Causeway Bay will integrate a variety of the state-of-the-art green and smart features that are aimed at enhancing tenant wellness, operational efficiency and minimizing environmental impact. These features include, energy saving LED lighting system in the building, and an air purification system that maintains high air quality. In addition, with the installation of photovoltaics, renewable energy will be generated, and energy consumption will be lowered to reduce carbon footprint, while rainwater will be harvested and recycled for irrigation and air conditioning use. The addition of greenery on the rooftop, terrace and balcony will create a rejuvenating space for tenants. Having achieved pre-certifications for platinum grading from BEAM Plus, LEED, and WELL also in the process of obtaining platinum grading for Smartscore and Wirescore, One Causeway Bay presents itself as an optimal choice for companies seeking real estate solutions that contribute to their ESG objectives.
Laurent Kleitman, CEO of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group said, “The transformation of One Causeway Bay into a world-class office building is one the city’s most prominent undertakings and we are pleased to be partnering with KPF, Ronald Lu & Partners, Gammon Construction and CBRE on this unique redevelopment project. The overall project is aligned with the Group’s commitment to ensuring excellence and quality in every aspect of the design and construction, with particular emphasis on best practices in sustainable building. We have also appointed Hongkong Land to provide their renowned, best-in-class asset management services. Upon completion, the complex will not only offer exceptional working spaces for tenants, but also a wide variety of international restaurants and bars to cater for tenants and visitors. The project is due to be completed by the second quarter of 2025 and is set to become a new landmark in the heart of Causeway Bay.”
Ada Fung, Executive Director, Head of Advisory & Transaction Services – Office, CBRE Hong Kong, said: “We are delighted to be appointed as the lead leasing agency for the office space of this remarkable redevelopment project. Causeway Bay is a very unique location in the heart of Hong Kong, best known for its dynamism and vibrancy, an energetic place to work, live, and play. The brand-new One Causeway Bay will stand out at this exclusive historical location, with the incomparable view of the world-acclaimed Victoria Harbour and its bustling surroundings. This new commercial building will become an icon of Causeway Bay, an ideal choice for tenants who seek a sense of excitement and inspiration in life.”
Doka, a global leader in formwork and scaffolding, now combines its strengths with Malaysian-based MFE Formwork Technology, market leader in monolithic aluminium formwork. Doka and MFE – together, they are now the major player in the Asia-Pacific region. For customers, this means innovative solutions from a single source.
With this acquisition, Doka has achieved another significant milestone in its strategic growth plan and thus strengthen its position in Southeast Asia and the Pacific region, an important growth market alongside North America.
Robert Hauser, CEO Doka GmbH, says: “I am very pleased to finally announce that MFE is now part of Doka and thus part of the global Umdasch Group. We have been in a sales partnership for many years, which we are now taking to the next level. MFE is an experienced company with great expert know-how and state-of-the-art production facilities. Its innovative and high-quality products are highly appreciated by
its customers.”
Perfect completion in product portfolio as well as global reach
Founded in 1991, MFE has become a world leader in monolithic aluminium formwork solutions. Using monolithic formwork allows elements such as slabs and walls to be formed in a single pour, resulting in a seamless, jointless structure. This technique is particularly suited to projects with less complex and repetitive geometric requirements. With its headquarters in Malaysia and more than 2,200 employees, the company has established itself as a reliable partner for efficient construction projects and sets standards in the construction industry. Doka, on the other hand, is the specialist for steel formwork in combination with timber and is characterized by solutions in the large-scale sector, for example in high-rise, infrastructure or power plant construction.
“By joining our forces we create a unique one-stop-shop formwork portfolio for our customers. With the right formwork solution for every project and size at hand, we can now respond to our customers’ needs even better. Additionally, we offer scaffolding solutions from a single source, making us unbeatable”, states Robert Hauser.
MFE, on the other hand, gains a robust owner as Doka has an extensive global sales network and is active in over 60 countries with more than 170 locations. “Today marks an important landmark in our 35- year history. We are excited about joining the Doka-family, which opens up new horizons for collaboration and enhances our ability to reach a wider audience globally. Together, we look forward to leveraging our combined strengths and expertise to drive innovation and provide unparalleled solutions to our customers around the world”, says Jim Robinson, Group Chairman, MFE Group of Companies
Big 5 Construct Saudi features 1,300+ local and international exhibitors from 47 countries showcasing 20,000+ products, 13 country pavilions and attracts 55,000+ visitors
Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA) to host International Contracting Conference (ICC) at Big 5 Construct Saudi featuring dialogues around urban construction, smart cities, sustainability and advanced building techniques
For the first time, Big 5 Construct Saudi has garnered the patronage of the Ministry of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing, highlighting the event’s significant role in promoting construction sector growth
Held under the patronage of His Excellency Mr. Majid Abdullah Al-Hogail, the Minister of Municipal, Rural Affairs and Housing in Saudi Arabia, the 12th edition of Big 5 Construct Saudi, the largest construction event to be ever held in the Kingdom, organized by dmg events, is gearing up to welcome visitors from 26 to 29 February 2024 at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center.
Aligned with the goals of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has successfully launched nearly $1.25 trillion worth of real estate and infrastructure projects since 2016 (Source: Knight Frank). Big 5 Construct Saudi, which brings together companies from around the world to support the country’s ambitious transformation, is strongly positioned to further bolster the construction industry’s robust growth outlook.
This year, Big 5 Construct Saudi features the International Contracting Conference (ICC) organized by Saudi Contractors Authority (SCA) and dmg events, the leading international events organizer in the Kingdom.
Commenting on the partnership, Abdulmajid AlRashoudi, Governor of SCA, says: “Hosting the International Contracting Conference at Big 5 Construct Saudi symbolizes our dedication to highlighting the opportunities, discussing the challenges and facilitating dialogues to further boost the contracting sector in the Kingdom. By bringing together leading local and international contracting minds at the two-day conference, we are not only shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s construction landscape but also strengthening our position as an enabler of advancements in the contracting sector.”
Muhammed Kazi, Vice President – Construction at dmg events, says: “Once again, we embark on a remarkable partnership with the SCA, this time to host the International Contracting Conference at Big 5 Construct Saudi, which brings together the entire construction value chain. Serving as a catalyst for the sector’s future advancement, ICC will showcase global contracting experts aiming to propel the industry forward at Big 5 Construct Saudi, where groundbreaking ideas, innovative technologies and unparalleled expertise converge.”
Strategic discussions to take the spotlight at ICC
In its 4th edition, the International Contracting Conference (ICC) gathers the top contractors and international contracting experts in the Kingdom for two days of insightful dialogues and discussions focusing on topics such as urban construction, smart cities, sustainability and advanced building techniques. The conference features over 25 speakers in 12 insightful sessions.
Across two days of high-level discussions, the conference welcomes a panel of speakers, including Guilherme Jacobucci, Executive Director, WSP, to share a detailed analysis and understanding of the current state of the construction industry and provide valuable insights into the challenges, opportunities and key factors shaping the contracting landscape in the Kingdom.
Jad Ibrahim, Vice President of Support Services, Shade Corporation, highlights the evolving landscape of workforce management in the contracting sector. At a time when Saudi Arabia continues to exhibit the strongest Construction Activity Index both regionally and globally, according to the Global Construction Monitor report by RICS, the need to drive recruitment, training and retention of the skilled workforce is crucial to the operational success of the mega and giga construction projects pipeline.
Also joining the lineup of speakers is Alfonso Senatore, Senior Vice President and Head of Sustainability, Sports Boulevard Foundation, who will shed some light on contractors’ Role in achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for sustainability.
Big 5 Construct Saudi represents full construction value chain
Taking place from 26-29 February 2024, at the Riyadh Front Exhibition & Convention Centre, Big 5 Construct Saudi attracts 55,000+ attendees and 1,300+ local and international exhibitors from 47 countries showcasing 20,000+ products.
Co-located with four specialized events HVAC R Expo Saudi, FM Expo Saudi, Stone & Surface Saudi Arabia and Windows, Doors & Facades Event Saudi, the exhibition covers 14 product sectors. 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, in addition to the new sectors launched this year, such as concrete, construction technologies, paints, steel and urban design & landscape.
Big 5 Construct Saudi is free to attend for industry professionals. Visitor registrations are open at www.big5constructsaudi.com.
• Broadens ABB’s Electrification Service portfolio with industrial asset management and advisory services in the US, adding 3,000 additional customer sites
• Enables ABB to meet the increasing demand to modernize and optimize assets for safer, smarter and more sustainable operations
ABB announced today that it has entered into an agreement to acquire SEAM Group, a major provider of energized asset management and advisory services to clients across industrial and commercial building markets.
The acquisition will complement ABB’s Electrification Service offering, bringing significant additional expertise to customers in the areas of predictive, preventive and corrective maintenance, electrical safety, renewables and asset management advisory services. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and expected to close in Q3 2024. Financial terms were not disclosed.
SEAM Group offers a suite of services including strategic advisory, custom training, advanced technology and data management solutions to help clients improve their safety and operational performance by securing asset uptime and improving productivity.
The Company has nearly 250 employees and supports more than 1 million energized assets for over 800 active clients operating across 50 US states, as well as in the Americas, EMEA and Asia. With its presence at around 3,000 customer sites and a strong foothold in fast-growing segments such as commercial buildings, data centers, healthcare, manufacturing and renewables including EV charging infrastructure, SEAM Group will extend ABB’s low- and medium-voltage services where reliable and available power is critical.
“For many industries, every minute of production time counts. Proactive asset management is now a priority for industrial companies to guarantee peak performance of electrical systems and overall operational efficiency, safety and sustainability,” said Stuart Thompson, Division President, ABB Electrification Service.
“This acquisition is part of our ongoing strategy to create a new force in electrification service, broadening our offering and footprint in the US. By sharpening our approach in one of our key markets, we will be able to offer customers complete asset lifecycle management services, while expanding our field service coverage across North America.”
Colin Duncan, Chief Executive Officer for SEAM Group said: “The synergies between SEAM Group and ABB are clear. From our shared values of customer focus, collaboration and enabling a more sustainable future, to our complementary portfolios, together we will deliver new levels of operational performance while supporting companies in their energy transition. We look forward to becoming part of ABB and the opportunity to bring the best of SEAM Group and ABB to our customers.”
Danish multinational engineering group, Danfoss, has unveiled Asia Pacific’s first Sustainability Technology Center (STC) in Singapore today at the Nordic European Center, International Business Park, Singapore.
Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board, the STC is set to become a prime gateway for introducing global decarbonization solutions to bolster the region’s sustainability efforts through technological development and strategic partnerships.
As a hub for competence development, the Center will also help to localize tried and tested solutions Danfoss has to offer to the Asia Pacific region, empowering local partners with the knowledge and skills for effective implementation of sustainable technologies.
The launch event was graced by Her Excellency, Ms. Tan Poh Hong, Singapore Ambassador to Denmark; Ms. Birgit Dohmann Chang, Deputy Head of Mission at Danish Embassy; Mr. Soh Wai Wah, Principal and CEO of Singapore Polytechnic; Mr. Kim Fausing, President and CEO of Danfoss; together with Mr. Jan Schoemaker, Regional President of Danfoss Asia Pacific Region; and Astrid Mozes, President Regions of Danfoss, commemorating Danfoss’ work and commitment to the green initiatives globally. Over 80 esteemed partners including business leaders, government embassies, agencies and institutions of higher learning were also in attendance.
Interchanging Ideas and Innovation
The STC will showcase live demonstrations of Danfoss’ global decarbonization solutions, where visitors get to witness groundbreaking technologies that underpin some of Singapore’s key sustainability projects. This includes the Electric Dream Ferry and Keppel Bay Tower, Singapore’s first BCA Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy commercial building. Apart from showcasing Danfoss’ novel marine electrification solutions, the STC will double up as a training, pre-testing and commissioning ground for future adopters.
Kim Fausing, President and CEO, Danfoss commented on the opening of the STC:
“Today marks another significant milestone for Danfoss. The Sustainability Technology Center will be a gateway for collaboration, partnerships, innovation, development, and elevating skills in sustainability solutions through training and application development. Seeing is believing, and this Center will serve as a platform for showcasing live decarbonization solutions to our customers and partners. Singapore’s sustainability initiatives and infrastructure make it a prime location to drive decarbonization efforts across the region and beyond. Personally, I am thrilled to witness the Sustainability Technology Center taking off successfully and accelerating the implementation of sustainability initiatives in Singapore and the wider Asia Pacific region. Being part of the solution to build a better future is what our purpose in Danfoss is all about.”
Situated at the central location of Asia Pacific, Singapore is easily accessible for various customers in the region, making this STC geographically strategic to support the different sustainability goals across the Asia Pacific countries. In addition, this STC is an expansion from the previous Green Building Training Center, that was launched in 2020, and the Marine Electrification Application Development Center (ADC) which was previously housed in the Danfoss Singapore Office. With a bigger space, we are now capable of showcasing more energy-efficient innovations for various megatrends.
Technologies That Drive A Sustainable Change Across Industries
With a specialization in Buildings, Food & Beverage, Land & Marine Electrification, and Industrial green technologies, the STC will showcase technologies to decarbonize cities and improve energy efficiency across various sectors. These solutions aim to play a pivotal role in Singapore’s roadmap to reach its sustainability commitments made at COP28, as well as its Green Plan 2030 goals. Its proprietary district cooling method alone saves up to 50 per cent of energy compared to conventional cooling systems.
Danfoss’ past projects in Singapore, such as the retrofitted Keppel Bay Tower that validates over 45 per cent energy savings, and its first plug-in parallel hybrid-electric fast launch vessel powered by Danfoss Editron – which saves between 10 to 20 per cent in emissions compared to traditional vessels, will also be spotlighted at the STC. Danfoss’ advanced heat exchangers, sensors, direct current (DC) charging panel technologies that serve as the foundation of Shell’s electric dream ferry design, Singapore’s first fully electric ferry service, will also be displayed live.
In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Singapore’s 30-by-30 goals, Danfoss looks to safeguard food security and lower energy consumption across Food and Beverage partners across the region with the introduction of its vertical farming and CO2 cold room technologies. Leveraging thermo-physical properties of CO2 and expansion energy ejectors, these technologies help refrigerants scale at greater temperatures, while increasing overall system efficiency.
Forging Partnerships With Eyes Towards The Future
The STC will also foster the collaborative development of innovative sustainable solutions for traditional industries such as mining, palm oil, and construction. Specialized training to harness application of technologies will form the bedrock of the STC, as it works together with local partners and industries that are moving towards an environmentally conscious future.
Danfoss is also taking active steps to support Singapore Polytechnic (SP) in its efforts to make the entire educational campus CO2 neutral by 2030, as Singapore gears towards having at least one in five educational institutions reach carbon neutrality by 2030. The blueprint for SP comes from the ProjectZero model based on the town of Sønderborg, Denmark which is on track to be CO2 neutral in its energy system by 2029.
Danfoss is joining ProjectZero in assisting the polytechnic with knowledge, concepts, implementation models, and cost-effective solutions for decarbonizing the campus. Being Singapore’s first and oldest polytechnic in 2023 to achieve carbon neutrality campus wide, more than 12,800 SP students have set out to contribute to the goal. Housed in the STC, the ProjectZero model was also recognised by the World Economic Forum and UN Habitat as a “replicable, adaptable and scalable” decarbonization model for cities worldwide, effectively reducing the costs of the green transition by up to 50 per cent.
Noting the significance of this project, Soh Wai Wah, Principal and CEO of Singapore Polytechnic shares:
“Singapore is the nerve center of the region’s sustainable technology development, and the sentiments resonate with students as well. Danfoss’ pioneering technologies are inspiring the next generation of changemakers to a suite of world-class sustainability technologies, and it has become a stimulus to embrace the challenges that can be seen as a roadblock to meeting the 2030 goals. We are excited about our plans of incorporating Danfoss’ STC into Singapore Polytechnic’s Sustainability Learning Journey, offering SMEs the opportunity to explore a range of decarbonisation solutions for their environments.”
The partnership between the institution and Danfoss marks the beginning of a long-term commitment towards developing state-of-the-art technologies that will accelerate Singapore’s efforts for energy efficiency and carbon neutrality.
Dino Tan, Head of Region (Designate), International Operations, Europe, Singapore Economic Development Board also shared his sentiments and support:
“We are excited by Danfoss’ decision to establish its Sustainability Technology Centre in Singapore. The facility is a valuable addition to our ecosystem and reinforces our strength as a location for innovation and partnerships. We look forward to seeing the company develop new sustainability solutions with its local and regional partners and contribute to our sustainability goals.”
Working towards its mission “To help the world build a better future”, the STC aims to bring greater value and transformation to partners across the Asia-Pacific region through the most relevant technological application portfolios. By empowering changemakers with the knowledge and capabilities necessary for navigating and implementing sustainable practices effectively, Danfoss looks to enable a greener tomorrow for all.
In a significant stride towards global sustainability, the Green Economy Partnership (GEP) headquarters will be domiciled in in Doha, Qatar, furthering its commitment to fostering international collaborations under the Country’s far reaching sustainability vision.
Under the leadership of HE Sheikh Mansoor Jabor Al Thani, GEP aims to amplify its impact on global climate initiatives, emphasizing collaboration with governments and the implementation of CO2 removal projects that fall under article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
“The Green Economy Partnership was established to create global collaborations that exceed the nominal value of the transactions. We actively work with governments, advising and driving the development of ARR projects that reduce NetZero global climate impact. Our mission also focuses on bolstering social and economic well-beingThe alignment with Qatar is meant to create the blueprints for the implementation of a robust framework for the hard to abate sector in utilizing Internationally Transferable Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) in alignment with countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs),” said HE Sheikh Mansoor Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of GEP.
The establishment of GEP’s new headquarters in Doha signals a commitment towards operationalizing Net Zero strategies in the private sector on an economically viable way. GEP’s global stature as a pioneering organization in establishing a carbon elimination standard for carbon removals aligns with the framework under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
With the planet’s future at stake, GEP calls on global corporations and government departments to join in taking decisive action to reverse climate change by reducing carbon levels worldwide.
“Qatar’s rapid strides in sustainability are commendable, and GEP’s presence in Doha is a testament to the country’s dedication to achieving its sustainability plans. The international office in Qatar will serve as a hub for collaborative efforts, bringing together diverse stakeholders to address the pressing challenges of our time,” said Arthur Chirkinien, CEO of Green Economy Partnership.
GEP supports and aligns with the Paris Agreement, advocating for comprehensive strategies beyond offsets alone. In line with the Oxford Principles for Net Zero Aligned Carbon Offsetting and other international initiatives, GEP actively advises companies to include Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) in their net-zero strategies.
“We identify carbon removal suppliers from various methodologies and provide them with certification, assuring buyers that they meet our rigorous standards,” said Chirkinien. “Our innovative approach empowers businesses, including hard-to-abate industries, and individuals to take meaningful, measurable action against climate change. Together, we can create a sustainable, resilient future for generations to come.”
Caption: Representatives from Cleantech Solar, Pan-United and Shell Singapore at the signing ceremony on 2 February 2024. (L-R: Pan-United’s Chief Executive Officer May Ng, Shell’s Senior Vice President for Distribution Operations & Midstream Trading and Supply Richard Jory, Pan-United’s Chief Operating Officer Ken Loh, Cleantech Solar’s Chief Financial Officer Brian Tan, Cleantech Solar’s Corporate Financing & Treasury Director Clara Lim, and Chairman of Shell Companies in Singapore Aw Kah Peng)
Singapore-listed concrete innovation leader Pan-United Corporation Ltd (“Pan-United”) is partnering with Cleantech Solar, a Singapore-headquartered renewable energy development company, to provide turnkey solar solutions. The project will consist of about 900 solar panels on the rooftops of its operational headquarters in Kaki Bukit, Singapore, and its slag grinding plant in Johor, Malaysia. Cleantech Solar is backed by Keppel Ltd., Keppel Asia Infrastructure Fund and Shell Singapore Pte. Ltd. (formerly known as Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd).
When installation by Cleantech Solar is completed in 1Q 2024, Pan-United will be a frontrunner in Singapore’s concrete industry to reduce carbon emissions through the adoption of solar energy. This project is part of an ongoing three-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in 2022 with Shell Singapore Pte. Ltd. to explore decarbonisation solutions in the construction and urban solutions industries. Embracing solar solutions marks a major step for Pan-United in integrating renewable energy into its operations.
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Cleantech Solar has been leading the way in providing clean, sustainable and economically efficient renewable energy to some of the world’s top corporations, and is committed towards aiding and accelerating the energy transition. The company has a portfolio of 1.2 gigawatt-peak (GWp) across seven countries and is scaling up deployment of renewable energy projects at a significant pace, solidifying its position as a key provider of green power in the distributed energy segment in the region.
Ms May Ng, Chief Executive Officer of Pan-United, commented: “We are delighted that our partnership with Shell has advanced our efforts to adopt renewable energy solutions, which are crucial in reducing our operational carbon emissions. Industry partnerships to leverage collective strengths is a sure way to decarbonisation.
“Solar deployment in collaboration with Cleantech Solar supports our efforts in contributing to the sustainability goals under the ‘Energy Reset’ pillar of the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and brings us closer to our sustainability target of becoming a carbon-neutral ready-mix concrete company by 2050.”
Mr Sachin Jain, Chief Executive Officer at Cleantech Solar, said: “It is heartening to see industry leaders like Pan-United taking the lead in embracing cost-effective clean energy to power their operations and contribute to both their own and the nation’s sustainability efforts. We are excited to work with Pan United to advance their decarbonisation journey, and we look forward to the successful delivery of this green partnership.”
As part of the MOU signed in 2022, Pan-United and Shell will continue to identify opportunities in areas such as electric mobility solutions, circular use of materials, and other fleet management digitalisation enabled solutions.
Mr Tan Yew Chong, General Manager, Commercial Fuels East at Shell, said: “This collaboration is a significant step forward in our shared commitment to explore decarbonisation solutions in the construction industry with the objective to build an environmentally sustainable solution for urban cities. We are also exploring solutions with Pan-United to electrify its trucking fleet and are studying the potential of repurposing used industrial materials from Shell’s local facilities as alternative raw materials in the production of low-carbon concrete at Pan-United’s facilities.”
Hillhaven and Lumina Grand, the first major new condominium and executive condominium (EC) launches in 2024, are set to be fitted with approximately 3,500 smart home and kitchen solutions by City Energy.
Located at Hillview Rise, the 341-unit Hillhaven condominium by Far East Organization will feature a range of appliances from City Energy’s brand, Küche, including smart gas hobs, smart hoods, smart ovens and smart gas water heaters which emit less carbon compared to electric storage water heaters.
All 512 units at Lumina Grand will be equipped with Küche’s smart gas hobs, smart hoods and smart ovens. The development will also be fitted with Macro smart gas water heaters. Located in the heart of the tranquil Bukit Batok West neighbourhood, the luxury EC is being developed by City Developments Limited (CDL) and is within proximity to the upcoming Tengah Town, Singapore’s first smart and sustainable precinct.
Perry Ong, CEO of City Energy, said, “Our partnership with Far East Organization and CDL marks a significant milestone in our mission to provide smarter home and kitchen solutions that enhance the overall quality of life for homeowners.
“We look forward to working with more homeowners and property developers in Singapore to deliver cutting-edge solutions that elevate the standard of living in condominium developments.”
All the appliances will be fully interoperable and can be controlled remotely through a mobile application, providing homeowners with complete control wherever they are. Besides monitoring their gas consumption, users will be able to pre-set the temperature of their water heater or pre-heat their oven for greater convenience. Homeowners with elderly family members will also benefit from safety features such as the built-in timer and alert notification functions to warn of unattended cooking.
Sales bookings for Hillhaven and Lumina Grand commenced on 21 January and 27 January, respectively. Prospective buyers can visit the showrooms to find out more about the home and kitchen solutions by City Energy.
