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New software platform offers comprehensive energy management for buildings and building portfolios

9 July, 2014/in News /by Editor

Reading Time: 2 minutes

The Siemens Building Technologies Division launches Advantage Navigator, a software platform which can track the long-term performance of a single building, entire physical campus, or virtual network of hundreds or even thousands of sites.
The cloud-based software platform enables the user to monitor and analyze total building performance as measured through energy consumption, energy procurement and key sustainability performance indicators.
“The Advantage Navigator platform evolved from Siemens’ Energy Management and Controlling (EMC) solution, which collects, connects, and analyzes data,” explains Eike Steffen, global head of Building Performance and Sustainability at Siemens Building Technologies Division. “Whereas the EMC solution focused primarily on the demand side and consumption information, the Advantage Navigator platform incorporates energy supply management functionalities to provide a complete picture of total energy management.”
Unlike other providers of building enterprise platforms, Siemens has a full contingent of analysts and energy experts who can identify and implement recommendations to help customers drive maximum energy efficiency, minimize operating costs, and reduce environmental impact.

“What differentiates us from the rest of the industry is our seamless integration of domain expertise and technology to help our clients achieve optimal energy and operational performance,” explains Peter Halliday, Head of Building Performance and Sustainability for the Middle-East and Asia-Pacific Region. “In addition to energy management applications, the Advantage Navigator platform has robust operational performance analytics to drive system efficiency measures.”
Customizable, scalable and user friendly, the Advantage Navigator platform serves as a customer portal for such areas as supply management, system performance, and compliance reporting. The technology can provide a holistic and enterprise-wide view of energy and operational performance, resulting in better energy reporting, improved energy monitoring, accurate utility bill management and carbon reporting.
In its latest building energy management software benchmarking report, Verdantix, an independent market research firm, ranked Siemens’ Advantage Navigator platform as a leader among an increasingly competitive market segment.
“Siemens’ Advantage Navigator platform is one of the most comprehensive energy and operational performance platforms that encompasses both energy supply and demand analysis,” says Matt Heffley, Verdantix analyst and benchmarking report co-author. “Siemens’ approach to go beyond energy management and into key building analytics resonates with the market needs of today.”

CapitaGreen TOP out and is on track to completion

2 July, 2014/in News /by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Singapore – CapitaLand, CapitaCommercial Trust, and Mitsubishi Estate Asia, the joint venture partners for the development of CapitaGreen, celebrated the topping-out of the iconic 40-storey tall premium Grade A office building located in the heart of the Central Business District (CBD) today. The ceremony was officiated by Guest-of-Honour Mr Khaw Boon Wan, the Minister for National Development. The Guest-of-Honour, representatives from the joint venture, main contractor Takenaka Corporation and the design architect Toyo Ito planted nine different plant species in a symbolic topping-out gesture to showcase the plants that will be grown in the building.
Mr Lim Ming Yan, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of CapitaLand said, “We are delighted that CapitaGreen is on track to achieving completion by end 2014. This is made possible by the strong partnership among CapitaLand, CapitaCommercial Trust and Mitsubishi Estate Asia as well as the support and efforts of our consultants, contractors, staff, bankers, investors and government agencies.”
Mr Lim added: “By adopting innovative technologies and design-and-build methodology, we shortened the construction timeline to 36 months from the industry average minimum of 40 months it would take to complete a building of this scale using conventional construction methods. We are able to do so by streamlining work processes to enhance productivity and efficiency. Today, we are honoured to be joined by Minister Khaw, our valued partners, tenants and prospective tenants, consultants and staff as we witness the topping-out of CapitaGreen – bringing us a step closer to the birth of a new landmark in the heart of Singapore’s financial district.”
CapitaGreen is constructed using the efficient top-down construction method which allows for the building’s basement and superstructure to be built concurrently. This method also eliminates the need for temporary steel struts for basement construction as the floor slabs are designed to support the basement walls, thus saving time and resources.
Despite challenges such as a tight site and proximity to the East-West and Downtown MRT tunnels, further time savings are reaped through innovation in the choice of construction methods, materials and equipment. For instance, for the first time in Singapore, extra-large, 3.5-metre diameter bored piles are used and this has made critical foundation work more efficient and mitigated the risk of impact to the MRT tunnels. CapitaGreen is also Singapore’s first building under development to use “supercrete”, a special grade 100 ultra-high strength concrete which significantly reduces the amount of concrete needed, resulting in energy and manpower savings. This “supercrete” was utilised for 29 columns per floor across six floors of the building. The use of an ingenious hybrid of steel and precast construction technology, coupled with extensive training of the workers, has helped to reduce the typical floor cycle time to six days per floor, from a nine-day cycle usually expected in conventional construction. This also resulted in a neater, cleaner and safer working environment and enhanced ease of construction.
Mr Wen Khai Meng, Chief Executive Officer of CapitaLand Singapore said, “When completed, CapitaGreen will be an attractive location for businesses with its ultra-modern, premium Grade A office specifications, complemented by lush greenery, universal design and green features. In addition to 700,000 square feet of superior office space, CapitaGreen will offer a myriad of facilities for tenants and visitors, including a sky garden and restaurant on the top floor, as well as a gym and swimming pool on level 38. Sculptures by world-renowned artists are tastefully integrated throughout the development to enhance way-finding and add aesthetic value to their immediate surroundings. Tenants will also get to enjoy the convenience of the nearby Raffles Place and Telok Ayer MRT stations and ease of accessibility to major expressways.”
Ms Lynette Leong, Chief Executive Officer of CapitaCommercial Trust Management Limited, said, “We are pleased that CapitaGreen has achieved aggregate leasing commitment for 150,800 square feet to-date, translating to 21% of the building’s net lettable area. The tenants are multinational companies which include Cargill, Bordier & Cie, Jardine Lloyd Thompson, Jones Day and an international gym operator. Given that CapitaGreen is the only new Grade A office development in the CBD completing in the next two years, it is well-positioned to leverage on the limited office supply to progressively attract more tenants.”
Mr. Shojiro Kojima, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Estate Asia said, “CapitaGreen, our first office development in Singapore has made significant construction progress and leasing momentum with commitments from international companies. We have had a good experience working with our esteemed partners, CapitaLand and CapitaCommercial Trust, and are looking forward to seeing this exciting and iconic office addition to Singapore’s CBD skyline.”

World Cities Summit Mayors Forum 2014 features largest gathering of mayors to date

2 June, 2014/in News /by Editor

Reading Time: 2 minutes

SINGAPORE – Over 130 mayors and city leaders from global cities discussed the importance of good governance and community engagement, and how smart technologies will contribute to urban development at the World Cities Summit Mayors Forum (WCSMF) today. Mr Lee Yi Shyan, Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Trade & Industry and National Development and Chairman of the Forum, highlighted the importance of nurturing a global community of mayors and city leaders to share different approaches and plans in light of common challenges faced by cities, especially rapidly emerging cities in Asia.

The WCSMF 2014 is a key highlight at this year’s World Cities Summit (WCS), a biennial global platform for government and industry leaders to address liveable and sustainable city challenges, share integrated solutions, and forge high-level partnerships.

Currently in its fifth edition, the WCSMF nurtures a global community of mayors and city leaders, to exchange ideas and best practices and explore solutions to address common challenges. WCSMF 2014 features the largest gathering of mayors to date. Also participating in the forum were experts from international organisations, including the United Nations, World Bank, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and Asian Development Bank.

In Mr Lee’s closing remarks at the Forum, he said: “As city leaders, we have the heavy responsibility of mobilising the necessary resources and coordinating different programmes. More importantly, we need to engage the community and galvanise our people so that all can move towards our goals”.

Mayors and city leaders also agreed that it is most important to engage their community and put people at the centre of policy goals. Lord Mayor Damon Thomas of Hobart, Australia said: “Passion and people involvement are key… unless the people feel connected and proud, it’s not much use.” Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb from Rotterdam, the Netherlands said: “The key (to a sustainable urban ecosystem) is co-creation. No government is in a position to do it alone… The world needs leaders who are willing to share knowledge with corporations and societies.”

Cities also pledged their support for the United Nations Open Working Group’s Sustainable Development Goal that focused on Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements. This will focus the attention and resources of national agencies, local governments, the private sector and civil society towards managing urban challenges and creating more liveable and sustainable cities.

WCS Mayors Forum 2015

Mr Lee also announced that next year’s WCSMF will be held in New York City, USA. The city was awarded the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize in 2012 for reinventing and rejuvenating itself post-September 2001 to give residents and tourists renewed confidence and optimism for the city’s future. Mr Mitchell Silver, New York’s Commissioner of Parks and Recreation said: “We are excited that many of you will be coming to New York for the next Mayors Forum.”

The Centre for Liveable Cities (CLC) also launched the publication Liveable and Sustainable Cities: A Framework at the WCSMF, which distilled the key actors and principles of Singapore’s development journey into the CLC Liveability Framework. The book was presented to mayors and city leaders as a resource to help them develop liveable and sustainable cities. The book is available for download via CLC’s website: http://www.clc.gov.sg/documents/books/CLC_CSCLiveable&SustainableCities.pdf

Xylem Affirmed Singapore as their Greater Asia Headquarters

2 June, 2014/in News /by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

SINGAPORE – Xylem Inc. (NYSE: XYL), a leading global water technology company dedicated to solving the world’s most challenging water issues, today announced at Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) 2014 that Singapore has been chosen as the company’s Greater Asia headquarters. The regional headquarters will drive continued geographic and market expansion in the region, reflecting Singapore’s leading position in the water industry. SIWW, which takes place from June 1 to 5, also marks Patrick Decker’s first official visit to the region as Xylem’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
“Our Let’s Solve Water” tagline is an inspirational call to action for our employees. It’s also an invitation to like-minded partners around the world to join us in developing solutions to one of the world’s most urgent issues – the need for clean, safe water and sanitation,” said Decker. “Xylem is focused on developing and growing water markets, and we are continuing to expand our presence where demand for water is escalating due to fast-expanding populations. Much of this growth is occurring right here in Asia, which is why we are proud to announce that Singapore will join China as one of Xylem’s regional headquarters.”

As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries integrate as a single economic community in 2015 and embark on key infrastructure projects, Xylem is well positioned as a technology and equipment provider focused on helping the region meet its
present and future water needs. Xylem’s presence in Mainland China continues to grow, with two factories, research and development capabilities and a business headquarters located in Shanghai. Through these two designated headquarter locations in Asia, Xylem will
be well positioned to steer and drive growth in Greater Asia and Mainland China.
“Our headquarters in Singapore will oversee, manage and function as our local ‘center of excellence’ as we continue to drive growth in the region,” said Allan Hendry, regional director for Greater Asia. “Locally, we are proud to be partnering with PUB, Singapore’s national water agency on research and development programs, as well as with other local companies in the areas of smart water networks and offshore and marine applications.”
“We are delighted that Xylem has affirmed Singapore as their Greater Asia headquarters. Over the years, Singapore has been growing its water industry with research and innovation as the key drivers,” said Chua Soon Guan, PUB’s deputy chief executive of policy and
development. “Through a slew of funding opportunities, commercialisation programmes and test-bedding opportunities, we offer a conducive platform that drives cutting-edge water solutions. This expansion of activities by a major global water company like Xylem reinforces Singapore’s position as a global hydrohub, especially in Asia. Xylem will join more than 130 water companies and 28 research institutes spanning the entire spectrum of the water value chain who have presence in Singapore,” According to the Singapore Economic Development Board, Singapore will see the water sector’s contribution to its GDP rise to $1.7 billion in 2015 – from $0.5 billion in 2003. Local jobs for the sector are expected to double to about 11,000, and will largely comprise professional and skilled positions.
Xylem is a founding partner of Singapore International Water Week and has participated in the meeting since 2008. The five-day event will take place at Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands Hotel, in conjunction with the World Cities Summit (WCS) and CleanEnviro Summit
Singapore (CESS). Xylem’s exhibition space, located within the Sands Expo & Convention Center, will feature Xylem’s “Virtual Resilient City,” as well as selected technology from the company’s portfolio of products and brands. Throughout the week, there will also be product demonstrations and videos showcasing the company’s innovative capabilities.
As part of the company’s participation in SIWW 2014, Xylem’s President and CEO Patrick Decker will be a panellist at the TechXchange forum along with other industry leaders. He will also speak at the Water Leaders Summit. For more information on SIWW 2014 and
individual events open to the press, visit http://www.siww.com.sg.

About Xylem
Xylem (XYL) is a leading global water technology provider, enabling customers to transport, treat, test and efficiently use water in public utility, residential and commercial building services, industrial and agricultural settings. The company does business in more than 150 countries through a number of market-leading product brands, and its people bring broad applications expertise with a strong focus on finding local solutions to the world’s most challenging water and wastewater problems. Xylem was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index for the last two years for advancing sustainable business practices and solutions worldwide.
For more information, please visit us at www.xylem.com.

Johnson Controls expands manufacturing and R&D in China

29 May, 2014/in News /by Editor

Reading Time: < 1 minute

SINGAPORE – Johnson Controls, a global multi-industrial company, officially opened a $35 million expansion of its manufacturing and research and development center in Wuxi, China. The expansion will meet the demand for energy efficient buildings by tripling the company’s manufacturing capacity to serve the growing market.
Located in Jiangsu province, the entire Wuxi campus now covers 138,500-square-meters with more than 1800 employees, including 60 new employees. The Wuxi campus and its engineering center is now one of Johnson Controls’ largest research and development centers for building solutions in the world for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, as well as industrial refrigeration solutions. The campus will also spearhead continuing innovation on heat recovery solutions that make district heating plants up to 40 percent more efficient.
“Urbanization and the government’s efforts to promote sustainable development are driving demand in China for energy efficient buildings,” said Dave Myers, president, Johnson Controls Building Efficiency. “This is a real opportunity for us to expand our presence and use our expertise and innovation in a growing global market.”
The new facility is equipped with the latest automatic and intelligent production lines to ensure excellence in productivity and quality control. The new construction used integrated building technologies and solutions such as rainwater recycling and solar energy systems to meet LEED Gold certification standards.
The expansion is part of Johnson Controls continued commitment to China across its businesses. Last year, the company announced plans to build a second global corporate headquarters in Shanghai. The 35,000-square-meter campus is expected to be completed by late 2016.

National Heart Centre Completes in Singapore

1 April, 2014/in News /by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

National Heart Centre in Singapore (Photo credit: Broadway Malyan)

National Heart Centre Singapore – Back of Building (Photo Credit: Broadway Malyan)

The landmark National Heart Centre in the centre of Singapore, designed by global architecture, urbanism and design practice Broadway Malyan, has completed onsite and is set to provide a new centre of excellence for patients.

Broadway Malyan acted as lead design consultant on the 48,000 sq m 12 Storey building, with support from local consultancy Ong & Ong, and the design philosophy based on the principle of putting patients, staff and visitors first.

The patient-focused environment builds on traditional hospital design, emphasises light and features open spaces with a mixture of green courtyards, sky-gardens and landscape views to create a welcoming and calming environment conducive to patient wellbeing and the healing process.

This sense of openness carries through to the external finish, with the façade appearing to be stripped back to reveal the gardens and courtyards and better connect people to the wider environment.

To improve the patient experience, the design team organised the complex and diverse range of clinical functions in a way that satisfies vital clinical needs, while minimising travel distances and creating efficient circulation around the building.

Ed Baker, Singapore-based Director at Broadway Malyan, said: “Our expert design team wanted to challenge people’s perceptions of healthcare and taking the patient experience as our starting point, working in close partnership with the Ministry of Health, we have incorporated the complex, specialist medical needs within an exciting and dramatic space. The resulting environment is better for patients, staff and visitors and stands as a vision for the future of healthcare facilities in Singapore and beyond.”

Broadway Malyan was selected through an open competition for the £175m million project and has provided a wide range of services, including architectural, landscape architectural and interior design services, with the project winning the MIPIM Asia Futura Project Award in 2010.

The project forms part of Singapore’s general hospital redevelopment masterplan – the largest of its kind in the country – with the Broadway Malyan-designed 17-hectare mega healthcare city recently launched in Singapore.

When complete in 2030 it will serve 30,000 patients, visitors, staff, students and residents a day, double the current 15,000 who visit Tan Tock Seng Hospital. The floor space will be increased from 250,000 to 600,000 sq m, the number of beds will be increased by 25 per cent to 2,200 and ten buildings will be physically connected, including Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

The practice’s Singapore-based team of design experts is also delivering high-profile healthcare projects in India, including a 110,000 sq m and 500-bed high-level Cancer Institute in Lucknow, the capital city of the state of Uttar Pradesh, and the 30,000 sq m and 300-bed Fortis Children Hospital in Delhi.

Distinguished by Broadway Malyan’s global reach with 16 studios across world centres, unrivalled diversity with 500+ design experts and distinctive client focus with over 75% income from repeat business, they create world-class and fully-integrated cities, places and buildings to unlock lasting value and deliver a ‘return on design’.

PARKROYAL on Pickering Wins President’s Design Award 2013

26 December, 2013/in News /by Editor

Reading Time: 3 minutes

PARKROYAL on Pickering, Singapore’s first hotel-in-a-garden, has been awarded Design of the Year by The President’s Design Award 2013. Singapore’s most prestigious design accolade recognizes excellence across all design disciplines and is conferred by the President of the Republic of Singapore.

The Award venerates buildings that make a significant difference to the community by improving quality of life through design. Entries are judged by a panel of expert jurors from both Singapore and overseas. Jointly organised by DesignSingapore Council and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), this year’s award saw a total of 131 nominations. In total, nine awards were given out for Design of the Year.

PARKROYAL on Pickering, designed by the award winning WOHA, is one of only 65 projects to have been singled out since The President’s Design Award was first founded seven years ago. This year, the hotel was commended by the Jury for ’’solving a complex problem radically with imagination and flair, bringing lush greenery and integrated landscape to high-rise development’’.

The Design of the Year joins a host of awards already received by PARKROYAL on Pickering in its first year of operation. Since opening in January 2013, the property has established itself as a design icon and ground-breaking hotel garnering accolades, across the spectrum of architecture, design, property, sustainability and greenery.

Most recently, the hotel was given the Outstanding Award by the Skyrise Greenery Awards 2013. Granted by Singapore’s National Parks Board (NParks), PARKROYAL on Pickering was recognized for the skillful integration of sky gardens within the hotel’s architecture, allowing guests to view and enjoy greenery from every room. PARKROYAL on Pickering was also named Hotel of the Year by the World Architecture News (WAN) Awards 2013. Judges described the property as a garden online casino of ‘warmth and vitality’ floating through Singapore’s canyon of concrete. PARKROYAL on Pickering’s sustainable project design and green efforts have also earned the 2013 HICAP Sustainable Project Design Award, as well as the Solar Pioneer Award for its innovative solar energy system. It has also been the first hotel awarded with the BCA Green Mark Platinum, Singapore’s highest green rating.

About PARKROYAL on Pickering
PARKROYAL on Pickering, a PARKROYAL Collection hotel, is managed by the Pan Pacific Hotels Group. A further expression of the PARKROYAL brand, a PARKROYAL Collection hotel is distinguished by its unique architecture and design elements while embodying the intrinsic PARKROYAL characteristics of modern comfort, uncomplicated service and authentic local connections.
Designed by award-winning architectural firm WOHA, PARKROYAL on Pickering adopts a hotel-in-a-garden concept and incorporates energy-saving features throughout the property. Its sustainable project design and green efforts have earned it the BCA Green Mark Platinum, Singapore’s highest green rating, as well as the Solar Pioneer Award for its innovative solar energy system.
Strategically located at the key gateways to Singapore’s central business district, Hong Lim Park and bustling Chinatown, the 367-room property provides an urban oasis in downtown Singapore, with convenient access to waterfront entertainment and dining options along the Singapore River as well as cultural gems across the island. PARKROYAL on Pickering, a PARKROYAL Collection hotel, is ‘Your Trusted Local Companion’ in Singapore.

IES Honours Illustrious Engineers at its 47th Anniversary

3 December, 2013/in News /by Editor

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The Institution of Engineers, Singapore (IES) celebrated its 47 years of momentous achievements in facilitating the advancement of engineering in Singapore at its Annual Dinner held on 27^th November 2013. Gracing the occasion was guest-of-honour Mr Heng Swee Keat, Minister for Education.

As a tribute to local engineers across the academic, industry and political fields, IES unveiled the second edition of ‘Who’s Who in Engineering Singapore’, a compilation to recognize and acknowledge more than 270 local engineers who have been instrumental in Singapore’s economic progress, nation development and enhancement of quality of life.

To boost the growth of four thriving engineering fields, IES also launched the Chemical and Process Engineering Chapter, the Environmental Engineering Chapter, the Marine and Offshore Engineering Chapter and the Systems Engineering Chapter at the dinner. These IES chapters aim to raise the profile of engineers in these disciplines locally and internationally, provide a professional platform for them to convene and offer them more training and career advancement opportunities.

IES conferred four senior engineers with the IES Honorary Fellowship, which recognises individuals who have made tremendous contributions in engineering to the nation. Dr. Prof Chew Yong Tian, IES Past President; Mr Choo Chiau Beng, Keppel Corporation CEO; Dr. Ong Ser Huan, IES Past President; and Dr. Tang Kin Fei, Sembcorp Industry Group President and CEO will join other IES Honorary Fellows, including Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean; Ms Ho Ching, CEO of Temasek Holdings; and Mr Cham Tao Soon, Chairman, Audit Committee of UOB Bank in serving as local key role models to encourage youths to take up engineering.

Further, IES and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) presented the IES/IEEE Joint Medal of Excellence Award 2013, an award aimed at promoting engineering as a profession and recognising individuals for contributions in engineering with far-reaching best online casino impacts on society, to Prof Chong Tow Chong, Provost of the Singapore University of Technology and Design, for his contribution in the innovation and revolution of scientific research and education. In his various capacities, Professor Chong has set the direction of R&D for Singapore, played a significant role in promoting international collaborations within the industry, and inspired and guided his students, many of whom have gone on to make significant impact in their respective careers.

In line with its role to promote and enhance engineering education, IES will also sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT) and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) to set up the IES-SIT Student Chapter and the IES-SUTD Student Chapter respectively. Under the MoU, IES will provide the Student Chapters with funding support and connect these future engineers to the engineering community.

At the dinner, IES also awarded some 13 top engineering students from National University of Singapore (NUS) and Nanyang Technological University (NTU) with the IES Gold Medal, the top Electronics Engineering graduate of UniSIM with a cash prize, and two selected engineering students with the IES-Yayasan MENDAKI Scholarship to reward excellence in the pursuit of engineering education and encourage young talents to pursue an engineering career.