Singapore Commercial Buildings Cut Energy Use Through Alternative Cooling Methods
Nearly 50 buildings in Singapore have implemented cooling technologies that reduce energy consumption by up to 48 per cent compared to traditional air-conditioning. These methods, including hybrid and radiant cooling, aim to address the high energy demands of a warming climate.
Key takeaways
- Nearly 50 buildings in Singapore now use alternative cooling methods to reduce the 40-60% energy load typically used for climate control.
- Hybrid cooling is the most popular alternative, adopted by 26 buildings, as it avoids the need for major structural retrofits.
- Advanced systems like radiant cooling and active chilled beams can help high-performing green buildings reach an 80% energy savings target.
- The Clifford at Raffles Place will pilot passive displacement cooling, a method leveraging the natural rise and fall of air temperatures.
What Happened
Commercial buildings in Singapore are increasingly adopting alternative cooling technologies to reduce reliance on traditional air-conditioning systems. Currently, cooling accounts for 40 per cent to 60 per cent of total energy consumption in the nation's commercial structures. According to recent data, nearly 50 buildings have integrated alternative methods designed to maintain occupant comfort while significantly lowering energy expenditure. These technologies can reduce cooling-related energy use by as much as 48 per cent.
Why It Matters
Traditional air-conditioning contributes to global warming through high energy consumption and the emission of planet-warming refrigerants. As environmental temperatures rise, the demand for indoor cooling is expected to increase. A 2024 study commissioned by the Building and Construction Authority suggests that incorporating these novel cooling technologies can help green buildings achieve an 80 per cent energy savings rate, up from the current 72 per cent.
Key Facts
- Hybrid Cooling: This is the most common alternative, utilized by 26 buildings including Temasek Shophouse and The GEAR. It involves setting air-conditioning units between 25.5 and 27 degrees Celsius and supplementing them with fans to improve air circulation.
- Radiant Cooling: This method uses chilled water circulating through ceiling panels or pipes to absorb heat from the room through radiation and natural convection.
- Active Chilled Beams: These ceiling-mounted systems push treated fresh air through nozzles, creating an airflow that draws warm room air across cold water coils. This technology is currently in use at the L-Acoustics office in Paya Lebar Green.
- Passive Displacement Cooling: An upcoming pilot at The Clifford at Raffles Place will test this method, which uses ceiling-level cooling coils to cool rising warm air, causing it to sink and create a continuous natural cycle.
Background
The shift toward these technologies often requires higher upfront investments and specialized architectural planning. However, some methods like hybrid cooling are gaining traction because they do not require major structural retrofits. The GEAR, which serves as Kajima Corporation's regional headquarters, exemplifies the multi-method approach by combining hybrid cooling, natural ventilation, and radiant cooling to achieve a 45 per cent reduction in cooling energy use.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
Related stories
B.C. First Nations Chiefs Urge Halt to West Coast Pipeline Over Climate Risks
Diddly Squat Harvest at Risk as Heatwaves Impact UK Agricultural Yields
