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The Future of HVAC: Innovations Driving Efficiency and Sustainability

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Reading Time: 9 minutes

Huw Dodds, Director of Sales and Service at Armstrong Fluid Technology & RMI Pressure Systems, discusses the latest HVAC trends, focusing on smart technology, energy efficiency, and sustainability in an evolving market.

From the rise of smart technologies and energy-efficient solutions to the growing demand for sustainability and improved indoor air quality, the sector is undergoing significant transformation. Industry leaders are focusing on optimising system performance, reducing energy consumption, and addressing environmental concerns. This conversation delves into how these trends are influencing HVAC design, operation, and the future of building management, highlighting the ongoing evolution of the industry in response to both technological advancements and shifting market needs.

What are the most significant trends in HVAC solutions today, and how are they reshaping the industry?

With increasing digitalisation, we’ve seen the development of online HVAC calculators for faster and more accurate results. Digitalisation, alongside growing environmental concerns, led to the innovation of more energy-efficient HVAC systems today, including geothermal heat pumps and smart thermostats.

Pumps, a critical component for efficient HVAC systems, have experienced several transformations to reduce energy consumption. Smart or innovative pump technologies have allowed remote monitoring to self-diagnose and optimise system performance. The use of sensors has also allowed for predicting potential pump failures, allowing for proactive maintenance.

How are advancements in smart technology, such as IoT and AI, influencing the design and operation of HVAC systems?

Integrating IoT with smart HVAC systems enables real-time monitoring and automation, which supports energy optimisation. It empowers building managers to better monitor and control energy use, reducing waste and operational costs. AI-driven predictive maintenance can reduce maintenance costs by detecting issues before they escalate.

For example, using sensors has enabled the prediction of potential pump failures, allowing for proactive maintenance. Smart thermostats connected to Wi-Fi allow adjustments in temperature or changes in scheduled heating through smartphones. On a commercial level, innovations like smart or innovative pump technologies allow remote monitoring to self-diagnose and optimise system performance. IoT and AI are also helping HVAC solutions to drive more sustainable operations.

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Energy efficiency is becoming a priority for building managers. How is the HVAC industry responding to the growing demand for more energy-efficient systems?

Advanced heat pumps, variable-speed compressors, and high-SEER-rated units are increasingly becoming essential for HVAC systems. Zoned HVAC systems and occupancy sensors can enhance efficiency by ensuring energy is only used where needed.

At Armstrong Fluid Technology, we focus on the design, engineering, and manufacturing of intelligent fluid-flow equipment. A key enabler for our customers is our patented Design Envelope Technology. This demand-based intelligent control solution that models equipment and system behaviour to monitor system conditions and dynamically adjust equipment operation to match the system’s demand. From 2007 to January 2022, we helped global customers save 2.5 billion kWh of electricity, saving them more than $300 million.

How is the integration of HVAC systems with Building Management Systems (BMS) evolving, and what benefits are being realised from this integration?

One of the biggest benefits of integrating a BMS with a smart HVAC system is the potential to improve energy efficiency and thus, resulting in financial savings. Another important advantage is automated HVAC adjustment based on occupancy and environmental conditions. BMS can analyse energy use and alter HVAC responses based on demand, peak hours, and indoor air quality, preventing unnecessary heating or cooling. As BMS technology continues to evolve, HVAC systems are expected to become even more self-optimising.

Advances in HVAC components support increased BMS integration as well. For example, pumps, which are critical for improved HVAC efficiency, have transformed over the years. Today, the industry offers pumps with variable speeds for integrated controls with building management systems (BMS) and to adjust speeds based on the system’s needs.

Sustainability is a major focus for the industry. What are the biggest challenges in developing HVAC systems that are both sustainable and high-performing?

One of the biggest challenges in developing HVAC systems that are sustainable and high performing is that they often require high upfront investments. As such, Armstrong strives to work more closely with our supply chain to continuously improve our technologies, while reducing the cost and environmental impact of our production processes. We have pledged to ensure our buildings operate at net-zero carbon by 2030 as part of the World Green Building Council’s Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment.

Another challenge is that highly efficient and sustainable HVAC systems need to be able to continuously adapt to fluctuating outdoor conditions, especially for cooling systems. With this regard, HVAC system component providers need to ensure the components have variable speeds that can adjust to the demand automatically.

With the increasing focus on health and wellness, how are HVAC systems being designed to improve indoor air quality, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Advanced filtration, air purification, and ventilation technologies help improve indoor air quality. High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are widely used, while UV-C light and bipolar ionisation technologies are being integrated into HVAC systems. Smart sensors monitor CO₂ levels, humidity, and airborne particles, allowing HVAC systems to adjust airflow automatically. Building managers can utilise demand-controlled ventilation that is matched to occupancy numbers.

How is artificial intelligence being used to optimise HVAC systems for better efficiency, predictive maintenance, and energy savings?

AI-powered algorithms can analyse past power consumption and predict cooling demands. On the other hand, AI-enabled tools can provide continuous analysis of sensor data, identifying optimal operating conditions to maintain that will enable operators to increase their power usage effectiveness (PUE).

AI can support predictive maintenance by analysing system performance and detecting any early signs of failure. It can identify component or system inefficiencies and alert maintenance teams before issues escalate. This can minimise downtime, extend equipment life, and reduce repair and maintenance costs.

What are some of the most exciting new technologies emerging in the HVAC industry, and how are they expected to impact system performance and operation?

AI-driven automation, advanced heat pump systems, and energy-efficient refrigerants are among some of the most exciting developments. Modern pumps can provide highly efficient heating and cooling with a lower environmental impact. Low-global-warming-potential (GWP) refrigerants, such as R-32 and R-454B, can reduce the carbon footprint of HVAC systems while maintaining performance.

As an industry leader in the HVAC industry, Armstrong will continue to improve on the incorporation of our Design Envelope technology, whether by advancing the motors used in our solutions or expanding the industries we support. As advanced HVAC systems have become a necessity, our expertise will continue to evolve and meet increasingly demanding HVAC needs.

One of our latest innovations is the Design Envelope Heat Exchanger. This is a leading solution that integrates a Design Envelope pump with a heat exchanger, resulting in reduced carbon footprint, reduced installation costs, reduced operational costs. At the same time, the solution helps to improve flow range for pumps and offers unmatched performance visibility.

Armstrong’s pumps have also been re-invented over the years to meet the increasing HVAC needs. Currently, our sixth generation of pumps uses a technology called ‘permanent magnet motors’, which utilise magnets to maintain their properties without need for an external power, while still offering more reliable and efficient performance. The advanced electronic controls used in the solution enables a significant reduction in carbon footprint.

As more cities aim to become “smart cities,” how are HVAC systems evolving to support the interconnected, data-driven environments of these urban areas?

Smart HVAC systems can often connect with energy grids to optimise performance. These systems support demand-response programmes, reducing peak energy loads and enhancing grid stability. Additionally, HVAC systems in smart buildings leverage predictive analytics and automation to improve energy efficiency, lower carbon emissions, and enhance indoor air quality.

Specifically, HVAC pumps are no longer seen as just mechanical components. They are becoming more intelligent to be fully integrated into smart city ecosystems. In fact, the use of digital twin technology has been helpful to simulate various operating conditions including pump performance, to optimise energy efficiency before deployment. To support this shift to smart cities, Armstrong has installed smart systems in buildings globally, including solutions that cover three main areas:

  • Building automation services (e.g. hot and cold water and accompanying solutions controlled by a centralised operating system)
  • Data integration for optimised building operations (e.g. intelligent control systems with data integrated from suppliers, networks, and experiences)
  • Building maintenance (e.g. solutions that can forecast possible problems or incidents)

What role does HVAC play in the construction of green buildings, and how are regulations like LEED or WELL influencing HVAC design and performance?

Regulations like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and the WELL Building Standard set strict energy consumption, ventilation, filtration, and thermal comfort requirements. These have a considerable influence on HVAC design and performance. This means that HVAC systems must include elements such as high-efficiency heat pumps, energy recovery ventilation, smart temperature controls, and low-GWP refrigerants.

How are data analytics and real-time monitoring improving HVAC system management, and how is this trend expected to evolve in the next five years?

Data analytics and real-time monitoring can help facility managers to detect inefficiencies, predict system changes, and optimise operations. They can help reduce energy use and operational costs. We expect to see greater AI integration into systems in the next five years. This will enable HVAC systems to self-adjust with even more accuracy. Predictive maintenance is expected to become more precise. Increasing integration with smart grids and renewable energy sources is another trend we anticipate.

How are HVAC solutions being adapted to meet the specific needs of emerging markets, especially regarding affordability, energy efficiency, and climate conditions?

The focus of emerging markets is on affordability, efficiency, and climate resilience. HVAC systems must be able to withstand extreme temperatures and humidity. This means designs must incorporate corrosion-resistant materials, enhanced filtration, and modular components for easier maintenance. In emerging markets, there is an increased adoption of off-grid and hybrid HVAC systems, ensuring sustainable and accessible climate control solutions. Aside from markets, HVAC solutions also need to be adapted to meet the needs of energy-intensive industries that require smarter cooling systems for affordability, energy efficiency, and resistance against challenging climate conditions.

What are the unique challenges and opportunities faced in the Asia Pacific HVAC market compared to other global regions?

The HVAC market in APAC is expanding rapidly. According to 2025 research from Technavio, the global industrial HVAC market is predicted to grow by US$6.81 billion (S$9.187 billion) from 2025 to 2029. APAC will contribute approximately 41 percent of this international growth.

The growth can be attributed to factors such as population growth, industrial expansion, and increasing per capita income. This rapid urbanisation is causing a surge in demand for HVAC systems. As a result, countries in the region with an established HVAC industry, such as South Korea and Japan, are setting up more manufacturing facilities across Southeast Asia to cater to the accelerating demand for HVAC systems.

On the other hand, the region faces unique challenges due to its location. Traditional cooling methods like free cooling are insufficient because of the region’s tropical climate. High temperatures and humidity require more advanced cooling methods, such as liquid cooling – a common technique used to manage excessive heat in buildings such as data centres. The region is also prone to natural disasters. In 2024, the region experienced record-breaking heatwaves, with temperatures exceeding 40°C for several days, necessitating more innovative cooling systems.

According to research by Blue Weave Consulting, the Australian HVAC market is set to reach US$1.56 billion (S$2.104 billion) by 2029. However, the transition from conventional industrial practices to modern manufacturing processes has revealed that there is a lack of temperature control systems in industries, which is especially pivotal during climate fluctuations in Australia – fuelling the demand for more efficient HVAC systems.

What trends are you seeing in terms of the adoption of smart HVAC technologies in the Asia Pacific region?

In APAC, there is a growing need for more energy-efficient and sustainable cooling solutions. Governments are implementing stricter regulation, which has driven the requirement for solutions that minimise environmental impact, such as demand-based, intelligent HVAC systems. For instance, Australia’s National Construction Code (NCC) includes provisions for energy efficiency in buildings, including industrial facilities. To demonstrate our support of Australia’s National Energy Performance Strategy, we introduced our expanded range of Design Envelope Permanent Magnet (DEPM) pumps to the Australian market in 2024.

Our extended range of DEPM pumps, with motors up to 45kW, are engineered to deliver a 35-65 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional integrated pumps with induction motors. This translates into 50 percent embodied carbon reduction for end users. Design Envelope pumps provide better flow measurement accuracy (+/-5 percent) than most flow meters.

How can building management companies balance the need for sustainability with the practical business requirements of maintaining tenant satisfaction and operational efficiency?

Building management companies must keep up with the latest regulations, while considering the technology deployed in their building management systems and the modern solutions that are available today.  These include innovative HVAC solutions that utilise more advanced filtration and improved ventilation. They should also consider integrating their management system with eco-friendly refrigerants, and intelligent controls. These can enable real-time monitoring and increased efficiency.

How have tenant expectations regarding comfort and sustainability changed in recent years, and how are these expectations shaping the HVAC industry?

In recent years, tenant have had higher expectations to balance both building comfort and sustainability, looking for HVAC systems that offer better productivity and efficiency. One way to manage these expectations are to reduce performance drift – a common issue that causes energy waste and an increase in greenhouse gas emissions – with more transparent and actionable insights from their HVAC systems.

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About Huw Dodds

Huw holds a degree in air conditioning and certificates in refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics and marine engineering. He has more than 23 years of professional experience in the air conditioning and refrigeration industry, with experience in service, installation, application engineering, and account and sales management. Some of his previous positions include sales manager and application engineer at Emerson Commercial & Residential Solutions as well as maintenance support at Hastie Refrigeration. Based in Australia, Huw is the Director for Sales and Service for Armstrong Fluid Technology and RMI Pressure Systems. He is responsible for developing and delivering a strategic growth plan for Armstrong’s branded commercial/industrial HVAC product offerings and RMI’s branded Australian business.

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Suntec City Office Towers Selects UnaBiz to Enhance Indoor Air Quality for Tenant Comfort

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Reading Time: 3 minutes
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Suntec City Office Towers, an iconic integrated commercial development located in the Marina Bay Precinct within Singapore’s Central Business District, embarks on a comprehensive refurbishment project with UnaBiz, Massive IoT service provider and integrator. The large-scale project includes the replacement of existing key equipment to enhance the reliability of the Air-Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation (ACMV) system, and the installation of an indoor air quality (IAQ) monitoring solution to improve air quality standards and enhance the comfort of tenants in the office environment.

Suntec City is a landmark development which comprises five Grade A office towers, a world-class convention and exhibition centre, and one of Singapore’s largest shopping malls, all of which are interlinked by street-level plazas and underground walkways.

Over the next six months, UnaBiz will work together with ACMV expert, D-Team Engineering, to

  1. Replace the Air Handling Unit (AHU) at the plant room located adjacent to the service corridor.
  2. Replace the Variable Volume Air (VAV) Controller sets located within the office areas.
  3. Deploy close to 800 wireless IAQ monitoring sensors and 50 LoRaWAN gateways to monitor the IAQ levels of all five Suntec City Office Towers to ensure consistent IAQ standards and monitor the performance of the new ACMV systems.

“Suntec City is dedicated to enhancing workspace comfort and upholding a commitment to environmental sustainability through the use of more energy-efficient equipment,” said Steven Kong, Senior Manager of Operations of APM Property Management. “The main purpose of the rejuvenation plan is to help maintain comfort and a stable temperature in all five office towers. A data-driven ACMV system ensures good air quality for shoppers and tenants, while a high energy-efficiency system helps optimise energy consumption and reduce carbon emissions.”

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Image Credit: APM Property Management

 

The Suntec office towers comprise five buildings named Towers One through Five with four containing 45 stories and one 18 stories. The latter has 28,000 square feet of net lettable floor area on each floor while the 45-storey towers consist of floor plates ranging from 10,000 to 14,000 square feet. UnaBiz will be installing Milesight IAQ sensors and gateways, with Actility ThingPark Enterprise on-premises IoT platform on a LoRaWAN network for this project. The deployment will be carried out in phases starting with Tower 4, followed by Tower 2, Tower 3, Tower, 1 and Tower 5. In total, there are about 2.3 million square feet of office space. Tower One to Four is 45-storey representing the 4 fingers and Tower 5 is 18-storey representing the thumb.

The IAQ sensor utilised by UnaBiz is a comprehensive 9-in-1 solution that integrates nine types of sensors to measure various ambience conditions including CO2 concentration, temperature, humidity, light, TVOC, barometric pressure, PM2.5, PM10, formaldehyde and motion. This energy-efficient sensor is designed for real-time monitoring and collecting reliable IAQ data 24/7.

Mr Jonathan Tan, Managing Director of UnaBiz Singapore said, “As an IoT service provider and integrator, we are pleased to work with D-Team Engineering, Actility and Milesight to help bring this project to life. The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated to us the importance of IAQ monitoring as the majority of us spend our time indoors. By integrating indoor IAQ monitoring with the new ACMV system, Suntec City can prioritise tenant well-being, and optimise airflow and energy consumption through data-driven ventilation. This integrated solution can help Suntec City achieve both their Social and Environmental goals.”

“Actility is thrilled to provide its QoS-based LoRaWAN IoT mediation solution that will ensure reliable wireless communication towards the whole Suntec complex. Helping to solve real problems with improved air quality and reduced carbon emission is the goal of our communication solutions and part of Actility Core values. We are proud to partner with UnaBiz on such a large-scale project.” said Alban Médici, APAC Managing Director of Actility.

“Milesight is dedicated to promoting greener buildings and enhancing the comfort of its tenants. Utilising our advanced 9-in-1 IAQ sensors and LoRaWAN gateways, building managers can enable optimised, data-driven air quality and streamlined operations for Suntec City Office Towers, effectively elevating its air quality standards and enhancing its tenant’s comfort and well-being,” said Leon Jiang, Vice President of Milesight.

The phased refurbishment works are expected to be completed by 2024 and will continue to strengthen the value propositions of the office towers.

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H3 Dynamics & ELID Partner on Fully Autonomous Building Facade Maintenance, Link-up AXIOBOT® Robotic Gondolas to H3 Zoom® Façade Inspection Software

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

Singapore industrial AI & robotics companies, H3 Dynamics and ELID Technology, have entered a  commercial and technical partnership that ties H3 Dynamics’ AI-enabled façade assessments to ELID’s robotic façade  repair gondolas. 

The combined technologies create the first end to end automation solution covering both inspection and remediation activities on tall buildings. This increases worker safety, while scaling up much needed maintenance in large-scale cities  with aging populations and thousands of aging structures. 

Launched 3 years ago, H3 Dynamics’ H3 Zoom® platform applies AI and workflow automation to help digitize health  assessments of various structures and sites, with a first solution aimed at modernizing dangerous façade inspection work. 

This year Singapore enacted the Periodic Façade Inspection regime, making it compulsory to inspect buildings over 13  meters high and over 20 years of age every 7 years. Anticipating this development, Singapore’s JTC Corporation partnered with H3 Dynamics to develop an all-digital façade inspection solution as part of a national innovation initiative,  now seen as the most advanced solution of its kind. The AI-enabled solution has been applied to over 900 buildings so far  in Singapore alone. 

So far H3 Dynamics relied mainly on drone cameras to feed its cloud-based report generation system with HD and thermal  images. But in the last 2 years its platform expanded to “non-drone’ data workflows, connecting to body worn cameras,  fixed cameras, and various robots – including AXIOBOTS® robotic façade gondolas from ELID. “H3 Zoom is an agnostic site  or asset intelligence platform – we purposely separated our software platform from our hardware developments so that we  can open ourselves to new possibilities” says Shaun Koo, CTO and co-Founder of H3 Dynamics’ H3 Zoom business. “Robotic  gondolas can operate autonomously where drones cannot, especially in tight urban environments.”  

Following recent developments with CapitaLand, one of South-East Asia’s leading real estate companies – H3 Dynamics’  H3 Zoom platform capabilities have expanded to automated repair cost estimates, vendor management as well as repair  project tracking. The platform links seamlessly to third party enterprise software, such as SAP’s work order management  systems, or BIM tools from Autodesk, and has now partnered with HP Enterprise and Oracle to reach even more clients. The  company’s system is open, agnostic, and can flow easily from assets anywhere in the field to clients’ operations. 

ELID’s AXIOBOTS® robotic gondolas bring façade maintenance automation to the next level: they can paint, grout, clean, check for waterproofing and provide visual inspection. Combining AXIOBOTS® with H3 Zoom AI-enabled platform fully  automates the physical inspection and remediation process, linking precise positioning and qualification of defects with  automated NDT physical checks and repair.  

“Our partnership with ELID exemplifies a powerful end to end innovation, where robots are not just capable of acquiring  data, but also execute repair tasks identified by our AI analytics platform. This will make smart cities even smarter – bringing building automation to the next level”, stated Taras Wankewycz, CEO of H3 Dynamics. 

“We are proud to have H3 Dynamics’ market leading “Facade Inspector” solution tied to AXIOBOTS® facade robots. This  provides clients with an easy all-in-one-solution for their façade maintenance needs”, says Kenneth Wong, CEO of ELID  Technology International.  

H3 Dynamics and ELID are expected to begin trials of the combined solution in Singapore with JTC Corporation and Frasers  Property Singapore, as a springboard to other megacities and countries with dense urban city-centers.

Lendlease enhances its mall operations and security through smart technology

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Lendlease is introducing housekeeping and security robots at its  shopping malls – 313@somerset, Jem®, Parkway Parade and PLQ Mall. By utilising these robots, the  malls will be able to adhere to safe distancing requirements, and also greatly boost the efficiency of  cleaning and facility management employees through optimal resource planning. This underscores  Lendlease’s constant push in innovation to build a skilled workforce aided by technology, whilst tackling  new challenges ahead for the post-pandemic shopping experience. 

Lendlease has made investments in other smart technologies such as RFID (radio-frequency  identification) tagging and IoT dashboard monitoring for waste management. These have greatly  boosted sustainability efforts at Lendlease’s malls and constitute part of the Group’s mission to offer  both shoppers and staff better standards of health, safety, and operational efficiencies. 

Jenny Khoo, Head of Asset Operations, Singapore, Lendlease said, “Lendlease has always been a  big believer in innovation. It is more important than before to stay ahead of the curve in ensuring that we  continue to provide a safe and unparalleled shopping experience. The use of different forms of smart  technologies – robots, AI-enhanced interfaces – can help us realise the vision with customers at the  heart of our approach, adding value for them and Lendlease.” 

Aside from adopting robotic technology, Lendlease will be participating in the National Environment  Agency (NEA) and Enterprise SG’s Sustainability Open Innovation Challenge (SOIC), to crowdsource  for innovative sustainability solutions and build a more sustainable future for the world. 

With Covid-19 accelerating technology use across different industries, malls alike must consider delivering better and safer solutions with the well-being of shoppers in mind. This is also in line with the  digital transformation of Singapore’s retail sector, a key pillar for the nation’s long-term economic growth  strategy. 

Signify adds an extra layer of safety with new UV-C disinfection lighting products for the professional market

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Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the world leader in lighting, is accelerating the  adoption of UV-C disinfection lighting with new luminaires and equipment for the professional market in Singapore. UV-C lighting is effective in disinfecting air, surfaces, and objects, adding an extra layer of safety for people in elderly homes, schools, food outlets, retail, industry, offices, and  public transportation. The effectiveness of Signify’s UV-C light sources on the inactivation of SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-has been validated by Boston University. 

Professional customers in Singapore can now order Philips UV-C disinfection upper air luminaires to  disinfect air, Philips UV-C disinfection battens Philips UV-C disinfection battens and Philips UV-C  disinfection trolleys to disinfect surfaces, and Philips UV-C disinfection chambers to disinfect objects.  The UV-C disinfection batten can be used with a control system that contains the appropriate  safeguards like the Philips Dynalite PDUVCC control system for UV-C disinfection battens. 

Signify is helping by contributing with an extra layer of safety in a world where organisations are  seeking ways to continue operations and provide services to customers. “Now more than ever,  disinfecting air, surfaces and objects is critical,” said Jitender Khurana, Country Manager for  Singapore and Export Markets at Signify. “To support offices, schools, public transportation, retail  outlets and many businesses as they strive to disinfect their spaces, we’ve leveraged our knowledge  and experience in UV-C lighting, making multiple product ranges available for professionals.” 

Tailor-made solutions can be developed with the customer for example for use in airports and hotels  for luggage disinfection, packages, and deliveries in (office) buildings, or for disinfection of larger  objects such as shopping carts. 

The following products are now available in Singapore and can be applied in many applications  ranging from shopping trolleys at local retailers to corridors and rooms in schools, hotels or offices,  and from kitchens at restaurants to surfaces in trains, planes and buses.  

Air disinfection solutions 

  • Philips UV-C disinfection upper air luminaires: Signify offers ceiling-mounted UV-C  luminaires to disinfect the air. These UV-C upper air luminaires are installed at a height of at  least 2.3 meters which, in combination with shielding and optics, ensures people can  continue to work in the lower sections of a room. The UV-C disinfection upper air luminaires  can continuously disinfect the air. These luminaires are ideal for use in elderly homes, office  spaces like visitor lounges ,meeting/conference rooms, collaboration and breakout spaces , retail, food outlets, hospitality, schools, banking, cinemas, theaters, opera houses, gyms,  washrooms, hospital waiting areas and other high-contact areas. 

Surfaces disinfection solutions 

  • Philips UV-C disinfection batten: Fixed installation of luminaires (with or without reflector  and integral or non-integral sensor options) on the ceiling to disinfect areas outside of  opening hours. Should be used in connection with appropriate safeguards, such as a control  system like the Philips Dynalite PDUVCC control system. Multiple safeguard controls are  available using authorized activation with sensor monitoring, door monitoring and  emergency override with visible and audible triggers during operation. At controlled times,  the UV-C battens disinfect a room or enclosed space. Suitable for pharmacies, hotel rooms,  schools, universities, banks, retail outlets, gyms, elderly homes, barber shops, health  spas, washing rooms, and industrial sites. The Philips UV-C disinfection batten is not intended  for and must not be used to disinfect the surfaces of medical devices or for medical purposes. 
  • Philips UV-C disinfection trolley: The UV-C trolley, without sensor, with 1- or 2-arms version,  is designed to disinfect up to 36m2 of circular coverage area/20m2 of square area. Integrated  safeguard controls include a timer to plan disinfection for a predefined period, remote  control, and voice alarm. Additional containment safeguards (such as user manual and  mounting instruction) should be deployed together with the UV-C trolley in order to ensure  that no people or animals are exposed to the UV-C rays. The trolley for professional surface  disinfection is ideal for retail outlets, schools, universities, offices, banks, barber shops, spas,  hotel guest rooms, industrial sites, restaurants, hospitals, industrial kitchens and on buses  and trains. The Philips UV-C disinfection trolley is not intended for and must not be used to  disinfect the surfaces of medical devices or for medical purposes.  

Objects disinfection solutions 

  • Philips UV-C disinfection chamber: This UV-C disinfection chamber is used for disinfection of  objects for professional use. It’s available in two variants: small (77 liters), and medium (110  liters). It can be used for objects and (shared) devices in pharmacies, shops, schools, universities,  offices, mail rooms, reception areas, banks, barber shops, spas, restaurants and industrial  kitchens. The Philips UV-C disinfection chamber is not intended for and must not be used to  disinfect medical devices or for medical purposes.  

UV-C breaks down the DNA and/or RNA of micro-organisms, including viruses and bacteria, rendering  them harmless. Signify’s UV-C lamps emit a radiation peak at 253.7 nm which is near the germicidal  efficiency peak and therefore ideal for disinfecting air, surfaces, and objects.  

Product Safety 

UV-C lighting is well-proven and trusted as an effective disinfectant. Signify’s UV-C light sources’  efficacy in disinfecting SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, was recently validated in a  laboratory test by Boston University, which showed that Signify’s UV-C light sources inactivate SARS CoV-2 in a matter of seconds. 

UV-C light should always be used by professionals in accordance with the safety requirements and  instructions to avoid humans and animals from being exposed to it since it can damage their skin and  eyes.  

For more than 35 years, Signify has been at the forefront of UV technology, and has a proven track  record of innovation in UV-C lighting. Signify’s UV-C lighting is designed and manufactured using well established industrial processes. Our product-specific instructions also guide users towards safe  installation and operation. 

Signify is continuously working on sharing expertise and spreading awareness with relevant  stakeholders in Singapore on all aspects of Signify’s UV-C product design and safety, as well as the  effectiveness of UV-C technology against the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). 

 

Malaysia’s Sunway Pyramid Mall Cuts RM3 Million In Annual Energy Cost For Seven Consecutive Years With Johnson Controls’ Technology

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Johnson Controls’ integrated solution optimized the chiller plant performance to exceed the mall’s energy efficiency targets within a year of project completion.

Johnson Controls, a global leader in building technologies and solutions, has enabled Sunway Pyramid mall, one of the largest shopping malls in Malaysia, to save more than RM3 million in annual energy cost consistently since the retrofit in 2012. The result of a comprehensive chiller plant retrofit, the achievement exceeded the targets set by the Sunway management in its quest for improving energy efficiency and sustainability of the mega mall that opened in 1997.

Johnson Controls was awarded the retrofit contract in a six-way tender exercise. The project scope was to replace the aging original installation to eliminate the use of HCFC refrigerant gas, and to improve the overall chiller plant room efficiency. In addition, the project was to be carried out without downtime to the retailers and shoppers at the mall.

With a total retail floor area of nearly 4 million square feet, the retrofit project is one of the largest for shopping malls and a pioneer for green buildings in this category in Malaysia. It is estimated that green building practices can reduce a building’s operating costs by as much as nine percent, while increasing the building value by 7.5 percent and providing a 6.6 percent increase in return on investment.

“Sunway Pyramid mall is one of the largest shopping centers in Malaysia. Given the size of the retrofit project, it’s imperative that we select a partner with a proven technology, solid track record and good after sales service to support us. Johnson Controls, as one of the top providers of energy efficient chillers in the market, fits the bill. The YORK® chillers have exceeded our expectations in terms of performance and energy savings,” said Mr. Jason Chin, general manager of operations, Sunway Malls.

Johnson Controls designed and installed an integrated software to optimize the performance of a series of centrifugal water chillers (comprising seven units of 1,200 TR capacity and one unit of 550 TR capacity). The solution exceeded the mall’s energy efficiency targets within a year of project completion. It delivered a plant room efficiency of 0.75 kW/TR or less, and exceeded the target of 30 percent reduction in energy consumption. The carbon dioxide reduction is estimated to reach 6,400 metric tonnes per year.

The new solution also offers flexibility and improves productivity. It has sufficient redundancy to ensure undisrupted cooling and is able to provide extra cooling capacity during peak periods when there is higher footfall at the mall. The maintenance personnel can better manage and monitor the plant room performance through the system’s automation features and analytics, thereby improving overall efficiency such as faster response time to address any disruptions.

“It’s our mission at Johnson Controls to help facilities owners optimize their buildings for better comfort, cost savings and sustainability. We are honored to play a pivotal role in the transformative journey of Sunway Pyramid, one of Selangor’s most well-known landmarks,” said Fam Wee Chean, country general manager, Malaysia.

Johnson Controls has been selected to work on other properties under the Sunway Group. New projects will include providing energy efficient cooling solutions to properties such as Sunway University, Sunway Velocity Hotel and Sunway Medical Center.

Schneider Electric Named a Leader in Facility Optimisation Software

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Schneider Electric, one of the world’s leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, recently announced that independent analyst firm Verdantix has positioned the company as a leader in its Green Quadrant Facility Optimisation Software report.

By combining benchmark data from live product demonstrations and questionnaires with an independent customer panel, this year’s report recognises a market shift. Facility administration has evolved away from the reactive state of energy management and towards facility optimisation solutions that help save money, lower risk and improve efficiency. This evolution has been powered by the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), allowing even greater connectivity between systems.

The report placed Schneider Electric in the leader quadrant by assessing its wide range of software capabilities and strategic momentum in the market for facility optimisation software. As part of its report analysis, Verdantix examined Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Building offers and noted the following strengths:

  • Energy risk and utility bill management: EcoStruxure Resource Advisor received high marks for its energy procurement and risk management capabilities.
  • Facility data capture: EcoStruxure Building Operation building management software that achieved top scores for its ability to capture facility performance data from energy meters, sensors, HVAC and lighting systems, equipment and external sources such as weather data.
  • Energy monitoring and tracking of energy management projects: EcoStruxure Building Advisor recognised for its ability to identify energy efficiency opportunities and was noted for its ability to provide insight into HVAC system poor performance and faults.

“Schneider Electric breaks away as a leader in our Facility Optimisation Software report,” said Derrek Clarke, industry analyst, Verdantix. “Firms with complex operations that seek to future-proof their building system investments should shortlist Schneider Electric among their considered vendors.”

“We are honoured that Verdantix recognises us as a leader in facility optimisation software. Their independent analysis validates the work we do to make EcoStruxure the backbone of our clients’ smart building strategies,” said Laurent Bataille, executive vice president, Eco Building, Schneider Electric. “As buildings can produce massive amounts of data, EcoStruxure Building helps clients capture and use that data to create greater efficiency, productivity and sustainability,” he added.

The Green Quadrant report provides a detailed comparison of 14 facility optimisation software applications. The report provides guidance for senior executives and decision-makers, including CFOs, heads of procurement and directors of energy, facilities and real estate. It helps those in industries such as banking, commercial real estate, healthcare, hotels and leisure, insurance, media and retail select a software supplier to assist in improving the performance of their firm’s facility operations, from the office building to the enterprise level.

Intelligent Technology Crucial to Sustainable Healthcare for East Asia’s Ageing Population

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Reading Time: 5 minutes

Article by Tommy Leong, President, Schneider Electric East Asia & Japan.

We are living longer, and better, in Asia than we have ever done before, but this is resulting in soaring demand for healthcare providers in the region to deliver high-quality medical care, consistently and sustainably. The World Bank reports that East Asia’s population is ageing faster than any other region in history, with 36 percent of the world’s population (211 million people) over the age of 65—namely, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea are considered as “advanced agers”, while other fast-ageing countries include China, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.[1] Further, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases add to the demands on healthcare organisations, which are already constrained by tightening budgets and a lack of resources.

 

To meet the demands of an ageing population, there is an even greater focus to achieve better operational efficiency, while improving patient safety and satisfaction through integrating innovative technology inhealthcare infrastructure. The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) “Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health: workforce 2030” agenda reinforces technological innovation as a mean to improve and strengthen national health systems in today’s “Big Data” era[2]. Meanwhile, hospitals on average use three times the volume of electricity than that of a typical large-scaled office building, thereby adding to the burden of rising operating and energy costs.

 

Whether designing a new facility or expanding an existing one, hospitals and healthcare amenities are under mounting pressure to do more with less. In addition, it is important to consider prudent investment in technological healthcare solutions that deliver quality care, patient safety, hospital security, and staff productivity.

 

Creating a Future-ready Hospital

An optimally designed hospital needs to accommodate the use of sophisticated equipment; allow for rapid responses to emergencies; include built-in protection against human errors and mechanical failures; as well as provide safe spaces for patients to heal and the clinical staff to work.The answer to this is a Digital Healthcare Infrastructure, called EcoStruxure™ for Healthcare, which uses the latest technology including: 1) Embedded connectivity and intelligence; 2) Smart control, management, automation and optimisation; and 3) Cloud-based digital services. Acting as the central nervous system of a hospital, the EcoStruxure for Healthcare bridges the Information Technology (IT)/Operational Technology (OT) gap and connects the three core layers of connected products, monitoring and control software, as well as apps and analytics—therefore building efficiency across an organisation to create a ‘future-ready’ hospital.

 

The intelligent infrastructure integrates and enables communication between traditionally disparate systems, leading to greater utilisation and ROI (Return On Investment) of “connected” infrastructure devices – or IoT (Internet of Things) such as temperature sensors, power meters, building automation controllers, real-time location system devices, and more. These IoT-enabled devices provide several benefits including embedded intelligence and control, control and monitoring capabilities via the cloud, as well as advanced analytics with the help of software. Data collected from connected devices is used to drive better decision making and process improvements.

 

For instance, a clinical environment optimisation solution can share the occupancy status of patient rooms and operating theatres with the Building Management System (BMS), which then sets rooms to predetermined set points for HVAC and lighting during vacancy to achieve energy savings during unoccupied times. The BMS puts the room back into normal operation when it receives a notification that the patient will be returning or when a room has been assigned to maintain the optimal environment for patient healing and satisfaction.

 

In Singapore, a notable example of how intelligent technology infrastructure is enabling health services to grow and meet patient demand, can be seen in Integrated Healthcare Innovation Systems’ (IHIS) adoption of Schneider Electric’s Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) solution. The solution was part of IHIS’ private health cloud, H-Cloud, developed to replace legacy IT silos and provide a disaster resilient platform for electronic medical records across six of Singapore’s regional health systems. An independent assessment by PwC suggests that the health cloud will deliver millions of dollars’ worth of savings over the next ten years. Each hospital cluster will reduce its costs by nearly 55 percent, compared to business-as-usual costs, by 2025.

 

Improve Senior Patient Care and Experience

At hospitals, the stakes are high: 1) Uninterrupted access to power or a power outage can mean the difference between life and death, and with an average cost of greater than $1 million for a 200-bed hospital; and 2) Adverse patient events (APEs) and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) continue to claim lives, with attributed mortality in infected patients in hospitals in Southeast Asian countries at an estimated range of 7 percent to 46 percent[3].

 

The good news is, proper safeguards can reduce these APEs and HAIs, medical errors, and patient falls.

 

Automated testing of electrical distribution system and emergency power supply systems (EPSS) counteract the consequences of human error. By improving the electrical distribution system reliability, hospitals can both improve patient safety and reduce the financial risk of malpractice and wrongful death suits. Automated systems also ensure compliance to regulations and produce compliance reports.

 

To minimise the need for extra maintenance personnel and adding to operational expenses, hospitals can build intelligence into their ventilation systems to optimise patient safety and maintenance. The intelligent system will automatically monitor and maintain humidity, ventilation, air pressure, and HEPA filters in real-time, and ensure they are controlled to design requirements.

 

For healthcare providers, there is value in delivering a high-quality, positive and engaging patient experience. For example, a hospital with $120 million annual revenue can improve patient satisfaction and realise an estimated $2.2 million to $5.4 million in additional revenue annually.[4]

 

Digital innovation transforming elderly healthcare

Patient safety starts at the very foundation – the physical foundation – of hospital facility systems. As people are getting older and experiencing multiple chronic diseases, they require a new paradigm of treatment in hospitals and clinics as well as at home.

 

On the operational front, healthcare facilities must find a way to work better and smarter, and do more with less. Energy efficiency projects can unlock trapped capital that can improve a hospital’s profit margin or be used to fund technological advancements, purchase medical equipment, or improve the patient experience—vital elements that would deliver significant results in terms of cost savings and patient-centric improvements. With 54 percent of healthcare executives ranking patient experience and satisfaction among their top three priorities[5], as well as the availability of automated solutions to enable an intelligent healthcare infrastructure, future-ready hospitals may very soon become a widespread reality than an experimental concept.

 

By embracing intelligent infrastructure and applications, East Asian nations will have a solid foundation to transform the future of health and social care for its golden-agers. Schneider Electric believes that intelligent technology is the answer, and it is a solution that healthcare organisations can successfully achieve today.

 

[1]World Bank. 2016. Live Long and Prosper: Aging in East Asia and Pacific. Washington, DC: World Bank.

[2]World Health Organisation. 2016.Global strategy on human resources for health: workforce 2030. Geneva, Switzerland: WHO.

[3]Ling ML, Apisarnthanarak, A, Madriaga, G. (2015). “The Burden of Healthcare-Associated Infections in Southeast Asia: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-analysis,” Clinical Infectious Diseases, 60(11), 1690-9.

[4]Hall, MF. (2008). “Looking to Improve Financial Results? Start by Listening to Patients,” Healthcare Financial Management,62(10), 76-80.

[5] “2013 Industry Survey Data,” HealthLeadersMedia, (2013).

C&W Services Singapore Wins Big at Singapore Facility Management Awards 2017

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Reading Time: 2 minutesC&W Services Singapore was named Best Facility Management (FM) Service Provider of the Year for the second year running at the recent Singapore Facility Management (FM) Awards 2017. It also scooped the Singapore FM Service Provider Award for Innovation Excellence.

The awards ceremony was held on October 4, 2017 in conjunction with the fifth International Facility Management Expo 2017 and the fourth International Facility Management Conference 2017. The event was co-organised by the Singapore Chapter of the International Facility Management Association and Conference & Exhibition Management Services.

The Best FM Service Provider of the Year award is considered the highest industry accolade in Singapore. C&W Services Singapore was awarded the prize for the successful introduction of a food waste digester system. This has enhanced site-recycling efforts and reduced long-term waste disposal costs, in line with the Singapore government’s drive for a smarter, more sustainable nation.

The Innovation Excellence award was awarded for the successful implementation of mobile cameras with two-way voice communication accessible via a cell phone, as well as drones that provide a bird’s eye view of the estate that we manage. This system addresses illegal dumping, encroachment and parking issues commonly faced by our tenants. The implementation of these solutions has helped to improve the estate environment and image. Since the implementation, there has been a reduction in the number illegal dumping cases within the estate.

“Winning these two coveted awards is attributed to our innovative solutions that address our customers’ complex challenges while delivering excellent services. It’s an honour to be recognised as the industry leader in facility management services and I am very proud of our teams that serve our customers,” said Jun Sochi, Managing Director, C&W Services Singapore.

 The Singapore FM Awards recognise those who have made significant contributions to the knowledge, practical application and sustainable performance of Singapore’s FM industry. The awards promote industry excellence, encourage innovation and recognise the professionalism of facility managers among their industry peers as well as in the building and real estate sectors.

JLL Introduces Command Centre to Improve Building Performance and Reduce Risk

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

Global real estate company JLL is adding to its portfolio of services with the launch of its Command Centre in Asia Pacific. The new product provides real estate owners and occupiers with advanced analytics and operational knowledge for real time, remote monitoring of buildings and facilities.

The platform analyses data captured through a series of data inputs coming from a building, including Wi-Fi sensors that are easily retrofitted. It identifies trends and anomalies allowing for continuous monitoring and fine-tuning of building services to improve operations and maintenance, reduce costs and save energy.

“With the increasing prevalence of smart buildings, investors are getting savvier about new solutions they can harness to make their assets work more efficiently, enhance occupant experience and be more attractive to tenants,” says Albert Ovidi, Chief Operating Officer of JLL Asia Pacific.

“JLL Command Centre is particularly helpful for those who own, occupy or manage large real estate portfolios because they can compare their buildings or the space they occupy and improve those that are not operating at their best.”

Peter Hilderson, Head of Engineering and Operations Solutions, JLL Asia Pacific explains: “We developed this service to answer the needs of real estate owners and occupiers who are looking to make improvements in cost efficiency and reduce operational risk. It allows them to address issues before they become complaints, problems or failures. For instance, if an office building registers higher than comfortable temperatures in certain areas and the system detects a fault in the air conditioning system, it notifies a technician to rectify the problem, minimising disruption to occupants.”

The deployment of inexpensive Wi-Fi sensors enables quick detection of potentially dangerous issues such as a water leak in an electrical switch room. JLL Command Centre can then raise an alert to technicians who can quickly fix a leaking pipe, thus avoiding an electrical hazard, property damage and disruption to business. In the case of a data centre, it can alert a building owner to a problem such as overheating which, if left unattended, could result in a major loss of data and damage to business operations.

According to Mr Ovidi, “Digitising assets and embracing technology goes beyond mere energy savings. Our clients care about getting the most out of the assets they own and the space they occupy. This is why we’re investing in new technologies like Command Centre that ensure assets are working hard for investors and occupiers.”

Click here for more information about the JLL Command Centre.