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KLRCA Becomes First Arbitral Institution to Launch Standard Form Building Contracts

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The Standard Form of Contracts (SFC) is aimed at filling the gaps of existing standard form building contracts.

The Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration (KLRCA) launched its suite of Standard Form of Building Contracts on August 15, 2017 at the Majestic Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Its Standard Form of Contracts (SFC) is a suite of standard form contracts inspired by the prevalent issues plaguing the Malaysian construction industry. It is aimed at filling the gaps of existing standard form building contracts in governing relationships, rights and duties of parties to a building construction project.

KLRCA’s SFC is Malaysia’s first ever CIPAA-compliant suite of building contracts and contains more mechanisms for parties to resolve disputes and deadlocks including mediation, encouraging parties to continue work despite disputes, while preserving parties’ rights till completion –making continuity of works and working relationships its highest priorities. KLRCA is the first arbitral institution in the world to launch a suite of this kind – it is suitable for all building construction projects in Malaysia, which will be customisable and complimentary.

The half-day event commenced with remarks by the Director of the KLRCA, Datuk Professor Sundra Rajoo and presentations on the Introduction to the Contracts, Advantages of the Contracts and Key Features of the Contracts Website. Key industry players comprising architects, lawyers, quantity surveyors, contractors, property developers, engineers nationwide were in attendance to witness this monumental milestone.

At the launch, Datuk Professor Sundra Rajoo touched on KLRCA’s existing relationship with the construction industry. “The players of the construction industry have already benefited from the efficient dispute resolution processes and acknowledge our continuous efforts to further tailor the legal framework to their needs. There is no better illustration than our recent statistics; as of today, we have more than 1100 registered cases (as compared to 22 cases in 2010),” he said.

He acknowledged the issues surrounding the construction industry in Malaysia and added, “Although the numbers are impressive, the problem runs deeper – and rather than just hacking at the leaves it would be better to dig at the roots instead. We have come to realise that the problem goes beyond simple payment issues and stems from the contracts used by the parties.”

Honourable Azalina Othman Said backed the need for the SFC.

Offering KLRCA’s SFC as solution to these issues, he explained, “KLRCA’s SFC were engineered in a way to become a hybrid that bridges and fills the gaps of local and foreign standard form contracts with due consideration given to current laws and judicial precedents impacting the Malaysian construction industry while simultaneously maintaining a recognisable model.”

Gracing the launch was the Honourable Azalina Othman Said, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department. The Minister backed the need for KLRCA’s SFC in stating, “In the short space of just three months, led by the Government of Malaysia’s vision of improving the nation’s construction industry, Datuk Professor Sundra Rajoo and his KLRCA team together with a line-up of dedicated industry experts making up the advisory committee embarked on a tedious and arduous journey to produce a more complete, refined and easy to use suite of Standard Form of Building Contracts; the ‘KLRCA Standard Form of Contracts (SFC).”

“While several Standard Form of Building Contracts already exist in the market today, there remain noticeable gaps that require addressing and bridging. KLRCA saw the need to address this. The role of an ADR Centre has gone beyond the days of just merely resolving disputes. It now also extends to dispute avoidance,” she said.

More than 600 participants of the various disciplines involved in the construction industry and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) scene were gathered in Kuala Lumpur to attend the long-awaited launch, which introduced a solution to the myriad of challenges faced throughout the nation’s construction industry to pave the way to a truly effective and comprehensive regime.

The Malaysia-centric contracts will be tweaked in the coming months to meet and suit international standards for projects outside Malaysia. KLRCA’s SFC is the Centre’s second significant product launch for the year 2017. It was only in May, during the Kuala Lumpur International ADR Week (KLIAW) 2017 that the Centre introduced its 2017 Arbitration Rules. Included in the new rules were many new provisions to ensure expeditious and cost-effective administration of arbitration proceedings.

EDGE Green Building Certification System to Offer Certification for Existing Buildings and Retrofits

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EDGE has been expanded to include the full stage of a building’s life cycle. Now it’s possible to certify existing buildings and major renovations in addition to new construction.

The assessment of existing buildings and major renovations within the EDGE App attests to the building’s features, not its performance. In this way, EDGE serves as an asset rating instrument that defines whether a building has met the minimum standard of 20 percent less energy, 20 percent less water and 20 percent less embodied energy in materials compared to a base case building.

Broadening the scope of EDGE to include buildings of all vintages is beneficial to many different market players, including managers, banks and buyers:

  • Portfolio owners and real estate investment management companies can certify their stock to prove the resource efficiency of their assets.
  • Banks offering mortgages and financing energy retrofit projects can take a measurable approach to reducing the risk associated with property investments.
  • Homebuyers purchasing a pre-existing home are assured of the quality of their investment and know that they are doing the right thing for the environment.

For those who are interested in certifying an existing building, the first step is to create your project within the EDGE app. For pricing and to request a quote, choose your country in the Certify section.

EDGE experts can provide technical assistance to clients in the certification of existing buildings. While this is not required, project owners may be interested in choosing one of the EDGE experts around the world to help expedite a project. For additional inquiries, email edge@ifc.org.

BEX Ramps Up 10th Anniversary Edition With Sustainability Focus

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BEX Asia is set to welcome international visitors this September. Image courtesy of www.facebook.com/BEXAsia

Build Eco Xpo (BEX) Asia, Southeast Asia’s leading trade exhibition for the green building market, is set to welcome international visitors this September. Paving the future for a greener, sustainable living, the event will be held in conjunction with Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE) Asia, a regional HVAC-R, water and energy exhibition, and the International Green Building Conference (IGBC), at Marina Bay Sands from 12 to 14 September 2017.

According to the UN, half of Southeast Asia’s population will be urban residents by 2018. Cities account for 60 to 80 percent of energy consumption and generate more than 70 per cent of the human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. Shining the light on the latest solutions for building developers and managers, BEX Asia 2017 and its co-located event, MCE Asia, are expected to play host to over 450 exhibiting companies internationally and attract over 12,000 visitors across the region.

Promising an all-rounded experience for participants, BEX and MCE Asia will feature complementary seminars that will offer a mix of perspectives to support knowledge building and exchange and inspire innovation in the industry.

“Increasing awareness of the repercussions of climate change and translating this to action is key in the fight against climate change. For 10 years, our goal has been to inspire the industry to innovate and increase adoption of sustainable practices and technology in their projects. The 10th anniversary edition of BEX Asia brings all industry stakeholders together for a meaningful conversation on driving the region’s sustainability agenda in the next ten years,” commented Ms. Louise Chua, Project Director of BEX Asia at Reed Exhibitions.

New features continue to be added as BEX Asia evolves to keep pace with the industry. The 2017 edition will feature BEX-MCE Green Trails, a specially curated site tour designed to provide a deeper experiential understanding of green building practices and infrastructure in Singapore. The tour will take visitors to outstanding Green Mark Platinum buildings in Singapore, including BCA Skylab, CapitaGreen, Mapletree Business City and United World College Southeast Asia.

Endorsing Change for a Sustainable Future
This year, BEX Asia looks ahead to push forth a change in mindset to accelerate Southeast Asia’s green building developments. For the first time, the use of cutting-edge technology such as virtual reality (VR) in building design and construction will be featured to encourage designers, developers and contractors to incorporate these tools in their future projects. With demos and VR games from AAF International Asia- Pacific, Resource Data Management Asia and Nanyang Polytechnic, visitors will be able to experience building functions in a fun and engaging way.

Topics such as sustainability in interior design, intelligent green buildings, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) for intuitive and smart buildings will also be key discussion areas at the event. Visitors can look forward to the Smart Web feature area that will showcase the latest technologies from Azbil Singapore, Creston and Synergix, designed to accelerate automation amidst technological advancements such as the Internet of Things. The area will feature intelligent solutions such as building and lighting controls, HVAC optimization, access & security controls and electrical network controls that provide actionable insights to help drive better building efficiency.

Visitors at BEX Asia 2017 should also look out for an installation by G3 that leads the trend in smart buildings. Set within the exhibition floor will be the ‘FINCH’, a smart living space that is modular, relocatable and sustainable. Fabricated using cross-laminated timber (CLT), FINCH is adaptable and future-proof. It can be interconnected and stacked, creating limitless options for living and working spaces in any environment.

Cementing BEX Asia’s position as a leading industry platform for innovations solutions, more than 193 exhibitors have already agreed to participate at BEX Asia 2017, including top names such as AAF, AGC, Ariston, Azbil, Big Ass Fans, Belimo, Camfil, Crestron, ebm-papst, Kansai, Nippon, Parex, Reflex Winkelmann GmbH, ST Electronics, SMARDT, and Waldmann.

Driving Towards Net Zero Energy Building (NZEB)
MCE Asia, the Asian edition of Mostra Convegno Expocomfort (MCE), Europe’s longest running trade exhibition for environmentally friendly comfort technology, is set to open its doors for the third year running.

BEX and MCE Asia will feature complementary seminars. Image courtesy of www.facebook.com/BEXAsia

Contributing to the region’s green building agenda, MCE Asia will see top names such as ebm-papst Southeast Asia, AGC Asia and Reflex Winkelmann GmbH returning to showcase their latest innovations focusing on energy, efficiency for heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and ventilation. These household names will be joined by first time exhibitors such as AAF Singapore, Kyung Dong Industrial and Yanmar Asia, with an array of solutions that represent next-generation fittings, fixtures and controls for sustainable buildings of the future.

Specially for HVAC-R and plumbing contractors, engineers, consultants, facilities managers and owners, MCE Asia will deep dive into topics such as air and water sustainability in healthcare and ways to design and manage energy-efficient buildings. The event also incorporates pavilions representing Canada, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Netherlands among others, bringing delegates closer to the opportunities and innovations in these markets.

AECOM and Asia Society Announce Imagine 2060

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The Manila launch will be followed by waterfront-focused events in Sydney , Los Angeles , and New York

The Manila launch will be followed by waterfront-focused events in Sydney , Los Angeles , and New York

AECOM, a fully integrated infrastructure firm, and Asia Society, a global non-profit institution, today announced a three-year partnership in the form of Imagine 2060: Delivering Tomorrow’s Cities Together.

Each forum is an opportunity for leaders in urban design, infrastructure and public policy to connect with a common goal – imagining a long-term vision for each city supported by innovative ways to achieve it. The first year of the partnership launched on 30 March, 2017 in Manila before moving to Sydney, Los Angeles, New York and culminating in Hong Kong.

“These are some of the most exciting and vibrant cities on our planet but they share common stresses caused by growth, urbanisation and densification which are only going to intensify with the predicted level of population growth,” says AECOM Asia Pacific President, Sean Chiao. “If we want future generations to flourish in these cities, it is up to those in positions of influence today to lead the way and create a legacy they can be proud of.”

The initiative will cultivate a connected global community of “city shapers” who are committed to sharing their experience and best practices, all aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Manila, Sydney, Los Angeles, New York and Hong Kong.

“This is the start of a new conversation between the brightest minds in urban design, business, economics, infrastructure design and public policy,” continued Sean Chiao. “The series will explore cities through five key lenses of wellbeing, economic development, culture, mobility and innovation in project delivery. It is our belief that the right balance of these elements leads to the best outcomes for cities and their citisens.”

Asia Society’s Executive Vice President, Tom Nagorski says, “What we are asking, essentially, is ‘Where do the great cities of our world need to be, a half century from now?’ And then ‘What must we do now to be sure that those dreams are realised?’ There are few more pressing questions for the planet’s future. Ultimately Imagine 2060 will be a guide not only for the five cities involved, but for any major metropolis interested in creating a roadmap for the future.”

2017: At The Water’s Edge
In its inaugural year, Imagine 2060 will examine issues involving the urban waterfront under the heading “2017: At The Water’s Edge” is a wide-ranging examination of how the diverse approaches to their proximity to water have shaped the quality of life for citizens of these five cities in radically different ways.

The world premiere of the five-city series took place on Thursday, 30 March, 2017 at The Manila House in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Manila. It explored how citizens of the Philippines’ capital city can reimagine the original ideas of a “City Beautiful”, created by renowned urban planner Daniel Burnham back in 1905.

Throughout the Imagine 2060 series AECOM and Asia Society will compile the main findings from each city, build upon the discussions and publish the key insights on their website so they are available for further input and development.

The Manila launch will be followed by waterfront-focused events in Sydney, Los Angeles , and New York before the first year of the program is brought to a conclusion in Hong Kong.

Next year, AECOM and Asia Society will explore creative and resourceful strategies for land use by cities. The third and final year of Imagine 2060 will look at the futuristic-sounding, but all too real, prospects or use of aerial space and air quality.

Schneider Electric Launches Next Generation of EcoStruxure

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Schneider Electric empowers customers and partners to augment operations to reach new levels of operational efficiency, sustainability, asset performance and people productivity.

Schneider Electric empowers customers and partners to augment operations to reach new levels of operational efficiency, sustainability, asset performance and people productivity.

Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation, today announced the launch of its next generation EcoStruxure™ architecture and platform to deliver IoT-enabled solutions at scale for building, grid, industry and data centre customers. The enhanced architecture and platform is open, scalable and interoperable, connecting the three core layers of Schneider Electric’s technology stack, from connected products, to edge control, to applications, analytics and services. This next generation EcoStruxure delivers enhanced value around safety, reliability, efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity of IoT-enabled operations.

Next Generation EcoStruxure Delivers Advanced Value
EcoStruxure enables Schneider Electric, its partners and end-user customers to develop scalable and converged IT/OT solutions that deliver innovation at every level to an organisation or enterprise. Leveraging connectivity and data to create controls and actionable business insights, with the combined power of analytics and closed-loop applications, Schneider Electric empowers customers and partners to augment operations to reach new levels of operational efficiency, sustainability, asset performance and people productivity. EcoStruxure fosters open innovation and interoperability and is developed in partnership with leading standards organisations and best-in-class technology leaders.

“EcoStruxure combines our history in pioneering in automation, energy management and deep domain expertise with data-driven metrics and analytics to help us maximise the value of the Internet of Things for our customers,” said Damien Dhellemmes, Country President, Singapore, Schneider Electric. “EcoStruxure gives our customers the platform, architecture and roadmap to quickly and easily implement IoT in an enterprise, extending the benefits of IoT beyond the device layer to create a more intelligent, efficient and secure operation.”

Delivering Innovation at Every Level of the Technology Stack
EcoStruxure builds on Schneider Electric’s long-standing product and system leadership to provide the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of interoperable and cloud-connected and/or on-premise technologies organised around its three layers of technology innovation:

  • The first layer builds on Schneider Electric’s core competency in developing connected products with embedded intelligence, such as sensors, medium and low voltage breakers, drives and actuators.
  • The Edge Control layer gives organisations the critical capability to manage their operations on-premise as well as from the cloud depending on their needs. This includes connected control platforms with remote access, advanced automation and operator override capabilities. Local control and firewall protection is included to maximise the benefits especially for mission-critical applications.
  • Schneider Electric’s focused investment in R&D and product development in the critical areas of software, analytics and services, coupled with the integration of recent acquisitions such as Invensys, Telvent and Summit Energy forms the third layer of the stack – a portfolio of apps, analytics and services. EcoStruxure enables the most extensive breadth of vendor-agnostic apps, analytics and services on open IP protocols in order to work with any hardware, system, or control.

Delivering Advanced Platform Capabilities
EcoStruxure is designed to meet the core customer challenge of implementing IoT solutions seamlessly, cost-effectively and at scale. The redefined IoT platform bridges the IT/OT gap and connects the three core layers of Schneider Electric’s innovation technology stack to maximise value for customers.

The launch of the EcoStruxure platform provides a secure, IoT-enabled technology backbone with three core technology capabilities:

  • Embedded connectivity and intelligence that enables smart sensing, embedded computing, IP networking and edge analytics
  • A foundation for smart operations to serve as the building blocks for control, management, automaton and optimisation
  • The infrastructure for cloud-connected digital services that enables the delivery of cloud-based connected apps, analytics, services, control and monitoring

Future-proof Reference Architectures
Schneider Electric delivers these efficiency and sustainability solutions to customers through a set of core reference architectures. The architectures build on the company’s deep domain expertise and portfolio and are tested, validated and tailored for its core end markets of Buildings, Grid, Industry and Data Centers, with even more specific architectures also available for industrial plants, industrial machines, and power distribution. The architectures give customers access to documented and standardised system reference designs that can be used in the implementation of interoperable, sustainable, efficient and connected systems.

Schneider Electric also announced that it is working with established partners such as Microsoft and Intel, and new partners who the company will be working with to create or co-create customer solutions and applications. For more information on this ecosystem of partners, see the accompanying press release.

For more information on EcoStruxure, click HERE.

Unique Roof Creates Thailand’s Largest Column-Free Exhibition Space

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The Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC).

The Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC).

The Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC) now has so much open space that exhibitors have the capability to stage displays reaching 25 m into the air. Exhibitors and visitors to the newly expanded exhibition centre will benefit from unblocked views and an innovative roof which is capable of accommodating huge suspended displays. The BITEC now has so much open space that were it to stage an aviation show, Airbus would be able to showcase a full-sized A380 model indoors.

In line with the vision of its owner, BHIRAJ BURI Co., Ltd, the new BITEC heralds an era of unrivalled exhibitions and related events in Bangkok. The exhibition centre opened in 1997 and is located in the Bang Na district of the city.

As the lead structural engineer, Aurecon office in Thailand played a key role in the expansion project. The company worked closely with the architect to balance aesthetics and engineering practicalities, optimising the design while also respecting the architect’s desire for a dramatic addition to the Bangkok skyline – complete with elegant masts and cables. In addition to the detailed design of the finished structure, the company worked out a detailed construction sequence to facilitate the erection of this unusual structure for the main contractor, Italian-Thai Development.

Creating Space and Width
Stretching to 108 m between columns at its widest section, the new long-span structure gives the venue its impressive floor space possibilities. The expansion more than doubles the area of the exhibition centre, adding 40,000 square metres to the existing 35,000 square metres.

The expansion has two distinct, large areas, each with a different clear height. The first section features a height of 25 metres – high enough to accommodate the tail section of an Airbus A380 replica – with a 108-metre column-to-column span; while the second has a clear height of 15 metres with a 90-metre column-to-column span. The light-weight roof also has the capacity to support large hanging loads.

Illustration 1.

Illustration 1.

One of the biggest challenges for the design was supporting the weight of the roof. To counter this, Aurecon’s engineers used advanced modelling and structural analysis to evaluate the size, specification and siting of the cable-stays, together with the optimum lattice design for the roof truss.

To create such long column-to-column spaces, Aurecon designed an innovative support system for the roof structure. This design has the main roof truss supported by fore stays on each side, with these cables then supported on masts around the edge of the building. A further cable from the top of each mast is anchored to the ground, via a configuration that incorporates a back stay, tie stay and reaction beam. There is one mast design for every three roof trusses (See Illustration 1).

Getting the Sequence Right
More importantly, a detailed erection sequence was developed for the building contractor, which required the roof’s lattice structure to be jacked above its final resting height during assembly. Doing this meant that as the contractor systematically removed the jacks – in line with the erection sequence – the downward motion induced the required tension in the cable stays to meet design requirements.

To create such long column-to-column spaces, Aurecon designed an innovative support system for the roof structure.

To create such long column-to-column spaces, Aurecon designed an innovative support system for the roof structure.

“One of the most significant engineering challenges was making sure we got the erection sequence right,” explained Pisit Yingmanokit, Technical Director, Aurecon in Thailand, the project’s senior structural engineer. “It was quite a meticulous process to ensure the roof would maintain its desired shape and strength, but the end result is something unique in Thailand, allowing the venue to stage much bigger and better events.”

“Aurecon is proud to have had the opportunity to collaborate with one of Thailand’s premier property developers to engineer the focal element of the BITEC expansion,” said Thiti Ariyakul, Project Leader and Executive Director of Aurecon in Thailand. “It is a perfect showcase for the design and engineering talent of Thailand, with every phase of the job handled by a Thai company.”

The new BITEC venue welcomed its first exhibition on 23 November 2016.

New Technology Venture Launched to Facilitate Green Building Projects

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Arc allows any project to measure improvements and benchmark against itself and projects around it.

Arc allows any project to measure improvements and benchmark against itself and projects around it.

A new technology company, Arc Skoru Inc., was officially launched today by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). This new venture will be the official host for Arc, a state-of-the-art digital platform available at arcskoru.com.

Arc allows any project – whether a single building, a community or an entire city – to measure improvements and benchmark against itself and projects around it. Scot Horst, who has overseen and led the development of LEED since 2005, has been appointed as the CEO of Arc.

“GBCI developed Arc as a way to provide new and more transparent ways to share information,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, U.S. Green Building Council and GBCI. “Scot Horst brings many years of leadership and expertise to Arc, and we celebrate him in his new role as the CEO. For the past 11 years, Scot has led the evolution of LEED through LEED 2009 and LEED v4. He was also the chief inventor of the LEED Dynamic Plaque, a system designed to tie ongoing building performance to initial certification.”

The goal of Arc is to support the missions of USGBC and GBCI. LEED-certified buildings can use Arc to improve and benchmark against other certified buildings around them. Existing buildings that have not certified can use Arc to make incremental sustainability improvements to eventually achieve LEED certification.

“Arc allows buildings, communities and cities to compare their performance against their peers and also connect to vetted green building strategies,” said Scot Horst, CEO, Arc. “Over the last two decades LEED certification has become a symbol of leadership, signifying that a project is saving energy, resources and water, and is healthier for occupants and the community. A LEED building has become the mark of a high quality building. Now through the Arc platform, all buildings can improve and work toward LEED certification.”

Today more than ever before, the green building movement relies on technology and data, and the future of green buildings is focused on performance. Arc represents a new era for green building; the platform takes LEED to the next level through the shared use of technology, feedback and recognition of excellence.

About the Arc platform:

  • Arc is a simple digital platform for all projects pursuing LEED certification and will eventually include other green building rating systems, standards protocols and guidelines.
  • Arc is inclusive of all projects, even those not pursuing certification, so that all buildings can measure performance and make incremental improvements.
  • Arc facilitates connections to people and projects globally. It encourages innovation, enabling informed decisions on building design, operations and maintenance.

Features of the current Arc platform include:

  • Existing buildings can use Arc to earn LEED Operations + Maintenance certification and precertification using the O+M performance path.
  • Projects that are currently pursuing and planning to register for the LEED for Existing Buildings standard path can also use Arc for performance data reporting.
  • Cities, communities and districts can use Arc to start tracking data and earn LEED pre-certification.
  • All registered and previously certified LEED projects have access to Arc to keep their LEED certification up to date. Project leads can also use Arc for performance data tracking and reporting as per the initial requirements in LEED for data sharing. Projects previously using the LEED Dynamic Plaque will be included in Arc.

The O+M performance path was approved by the LEED Steering Committee in January 2016 and the LEED for Cities Pilot was approved by the LEED steering committee in October 2016. LEED for Cities will be submitted for USGBC member approval following input from pilot users.

Over time, Arc will continue to add rating systems into the platform. The platform provides an entry point for all buildings with the goal of eventually certifying them to LEED or to other GBCI rating systems such as GRESB, WELL, PEER, SITES, Parksmart, etc. As GBCI adds new rating systems, the introduction of Arc makes the certification process as streamlined as possible for the end user. Projects pursuing certification under more than one rating system will realize efficiencies in places where the rating systems share the same or similar requirements.

GBCI Announces New Technology Organisation

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LEED-certified buildings can use arc to improve and benchmark against other certified buildings around them.

LEED-certified buildings can use arc to improve and benchmark against other certified buildings around them.

Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) announced a new technology organisation called arc during the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) International Summit held at the 2016 Greenbuild International Conference and Expo. Officially launching later in 2016, arc will further the performance of the green building industry and the built environment as a whole.

Scot Horst, USGBC’s chief product officer, has been named arc’s incoming CEO. He will transition from his role with USGBC and LEED at the end of 2016.

“As the leaders of the green building movement over the last two decades, USGBC and GBCI have gathered more green building data and its related business intelligence than any other organisation in the world,” said Rick Fedrizzi, CEO and founding chair, USGBC. “Through this data we have begun to measure, monitor and score building performance in real time. We developed arc as a way to provide new and more transparent ways to share this information.”

“Scot’s leadership of this new venture is a testament to his expertise and vision. He’s led LEED’s continued evolution through LEED 2009 and v4, its globalisation and its shift from a design tool to a performance metric. We welcome him to his new role,” continued Fedrizzi.

Arc is a state of the art platform that will allow any building to participate and immediately start measuring performance, make improvements and benchmark against itself. The goal of arc is to support the missions of USGBC and GBCI. LEED-certified buildings can use arc to improve and benchmark against other certified buildings around them. Buildings that have not certified yet will be able to use arc to make incremental sustainability improvements and eventually achieve LEED certification.

“The LEED rating system revolutionised the design, construction and operations of green buildings more than 16 years ago,” said Scot Horst, incoming CEO, arc. “Arc’s goal is to transform green performance technology and bring data, mobility and the most disruptive technologies available today to support a holistic approach to building our future. It will connect actions through a single platform that delivers a higher quality of life.”

The arc platform is a complement to LEED and other green building rating systems, standards, protocols and guidelines and allows buildings and spaces to connect to the built environment in a new way by comparing performance metrics and connecting them to green building strategies. Arc eliminates complexities and barriers to behavioural change.

Arc was developed by GBCI, which is the only certification and credentialing body within the green business and sustainability industry to exclusively administer project certifications and professional credentials and certificates for various rating systems. Arc is an open platform built to integrate the current and future standards, guidelines, protocols and systems that enable a higher quality of life.

CDL’S Forest Woods Receives Strong Interest Ahead of Launch

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There were large crowds at the Forest Woods show flat preview that started on 24 September.

There were large crowds at the Forest Woods show flat preview that started on 24 September.

Forest Woods by City Developments Limited (CDL) and joint venture partners, Hong Leong Holdings Limited and TID Pte Ltd, has received keen interest since its show flat preview began on 24 September. There were strong enquiries for this highly anticipated new condominium in Serangoon Central which is expected to be launched next week.

Forest Woods comprises seven 12-storey blocks, most of which are within the one-kilometre radius of Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School (Primary) and Yangzheng Primary School, making it a major draw for families with children. Other schools in the vicinity include: Cedar Primary School, CHIJ Our Lady of Good Counsel, Maris Stella High School, St. Gabriel’s Primary School, St. Gabriel’s Secondary School, Stamford American International School, Xinghua Primary School, Zhonghua Primary School and Zhonghua Secondary School.

The project offers one-bedroom with study to four-bedroom apartments, and single-storey five- bedroom penthouses. Unit sizes range from 506 square feet (sq ft) for a one-bedroom with study to 2,185 square feet for the largest penthouse unit. Apartments are attractively priced from S$688,000 for a one-bedroom with study unit, S$838,000 for a two-bedroom, S$1.1 million for a three-bedroom, and S$1.65 million for a four-bedroom.

Flexible Layout and Finishes for Different Lifestyles

An illustration of a 3-bedroom unit at Forest Woods.

An illustration of a 3-bedroom unit at Forest Woods.

Catering to varied lifestyle requirements, select units offer the option to customise rooms with flexible layout and configurations. For example, the Open Study concept is suitable for parents who wish to supervise their children from any part of the home. The Ensuite Study concept is ideal for working professionals who prefer to work in the comfort and privacy of his or her expanded bedroom. For fashionistas who need space for their trove of beloved items, they may opt for the Walk-in Wardrobe concept.

Home owners of all units are given a choice of either a warm or cool colour scheme for the finishes, accompanied with the finest in branded kitchen appliances from Bosch and bathroom fittings from Grohe.

Making Life Better With Smart Home Technology
Forest Woods leverages smart home technology to make life better in tangible yet subtle ways. All units will be equipped with:

  • Smart Home Center Lite to easily control smart devices and sensors installed
  • Smart Door Sensor to monitor the opening of doors for added security
  • Smart IP Camera to monitor what is happening at home when residents are away
  • Smart Lighting Control and Air Conditioner Control to automate lights and air-conditioning remotely.

When Forest Woods is completed, residents can also add on the Smart Digital Lock, Smart Wall Plug, Smart Smoke Sensor, Smart Multimedia, Smart Roller Blind, and Smart Motion Sensor, for an additional cost.

Mr Chia Ngiang Hong, CDL Group General Manager said, “For a few years, no project of this size was launched in the much sought-after Serangoon Central area. We have received strong interest for this highly-anticipated launch as Forest Woods comes across as a compelling purchase for new home buyers, upgraders and investors. It has an extremely prime location in a mature estate, very near the Serangoon MRT Interchange, bus interchange and Nex Shopping Mall, with easy access to amenities, expressways and many schools. Forest Woods also offers great value at attractive pricing, and several unique facilities. We expect a good take-up when sales commence.”

Buildtech Yangon 2016 Meets Needs of Myanmar’s Building and Construction Sector

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BuildTech Yangon is the leading trade show of its kind.

BuildTech Yangon is the leading trade show of its kind.

The third edition of BuildTech Yangon concluded on May 28, 2016 after three days of trade discussions, commercial engagements and extensive knowledge sharing among some 3,000 trade visitors and business professionals from the region. Organised by Sphere Exhibits, a subsidiary of Singapore Press Holdings (SPH), and co-organised by the Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), BuildTech Yangon is the leading trade show of its kind focusing on the entire value chain for the built environment sector.

H.E Zae Aye Maung, Minister for Rakhine Affairs Ministry and Labour Affairs, Immigration and Manpower Ministry, Government of Yangon Region, graced the opening ceremony of the trade show. Designed specifically to meet the needs of the burgeoning building and construction industry in Myanmar, BuildTech Yangon 2016 saw the signing of a memorandum of understanding between MCEA’s Mandalay Chapter and Sphere Exhibits to co-organise the inaugural staging of BuildTech Mandalay later this year. This extended collaboration further reinforces a stronger alliance between the two organisations in their efforts to extend the knowledge building and trade opportunities to industry professionals in Myanmar.

Positive response for integrated show and skills upgrading platform
The show hosted some 80 exhibiting companies from Austria, China, Indonesia, Korea, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam, each of which offered a range of products, services and solutions for four key areas: Onsite construction machinery and equipment, building materials and architectural solutions, interior finishing and facilities management.

Visitors were able to check out various products and cutting edge technology put on display.

Visitors were able to check out various products and cutting edge technology put on display.

Industry professionals who visited the show included architects, developers, building and trade agency representatives, investors, manufacturers of machine and building, retailers, security, state-owned company owners, surveyors, trainers and wholesalers.

Ms. Nicole Zycinski Singh, General Manager of Killem Pest Pte Ltd, said: “We are very happy with our experience exhibiting at this year’s BuildTech Yangon. The organisers have done a fantastic job in coming up with a focused event and in attracting quality visitors. For a homegrown company with little experience in the Indochina market, we have received very good responses from potential buyers, several of whom have already enquired about our services. We will definitely consider returning for the next edition of BuildTech Yangon.”

The complimentary Business Seminar Series, which took place from May 26 to 28, 2016 focused on the following topics:

  • Construction safety
  • Working at heights
  • Fire safety and disaster management
  • Sustainability
  • Energy efficiency in green buildings
  • Security and town planning
  • Special economic zones
  • The investment outlook in Myanmar
  • Construction law
  • Sustainable and responsible urban design and building management
  • Infrastructure management

Young Construction Entrepreneurs Award
BuildTech Yangon also played host to MCEA’s Golden 20 Jubilee Gala, which hosted 250 guests on May 26, 2016. Three of Myanmar’s young construction entrepreneurs were presented with Diamond, Platinum and Silver awards under two categories: Professionals under 10 Years and Professionals Above 10 Years for successfully incorporating the latest construction technologies into various stages of the supply chain.

The show welcomed 3,000 trade visitors and business professionals from the region.

The show welcomed 3,000 trade visitors and business professionals from the region.

BuildTech Yangon 2016 was supported by the International Facilities Management Association (Singapore Chapter), International Powered Access Federation, Malaysia Heavy Construction Equipment Owners Association, Myanmar Engineering Council, Myanmar Engineering Society, Myanmar Industries Association, Singapore Institute of Building Limited, Vietnam Electronics Industry Association, Vietnam Federation of Civil Engineering Association, World Evergreen Travel & Tours and WSH (Asia).

Mr. U Tha Htay, President of Myanmar Construction Entrepreneurs Association (MCEA), said, “We are happy to receive good feedback from both exhibitors and trade visitors. The third edition of BuildTech Yangon delivered a more focused event that was very well received by the attendees. Its newly revamped platform for the industry, consisting of an extensive product showcase, fruitful networking sessions and specialised seminar programmes, successfully catered to the needs of Myanmar’s industry progression in providing right balance for the progression of the building and construction sector in Myanmar.”

The fourth edition of BuildTech Yangon will take place in May 2017. For more information, visit www.btyangon.com/en.