Embodying  Sustainability

A Decarbonisation Playbook for the Built Environment

Climate change continues to be one of the greatest challenges of this century. With buildings responsible for an estimated 40% of energy-related emissions globally¹, we believe that the built environment sector can, and must, do more.

At CPG, we have leveraged our multidisciplinary expertise to develop an integrated decarbonisation approach that effectively addresses both operational and embodied carbon throughout a building’s lifecycle. Coupled with our extensive project experience across different typologies, we are ready to help building owners, property developers and facility operators go greener, faster.

¹ Source: 2021 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction, Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction

Sustainability by Design

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Underpinning the stunning Gardens by the Bay are various sustainability efforts. Particularly in the region’s two largest man-made and air-conditioned conservatories, CPG implemented various design features that help the conservatories net an annual energy savings of about 16 million kilowatt-hours, equivalent to 8,400 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions.

These include generating electricity on-site from horticultural waste for energy conservation and using glass panels with a special coating to bring in optimal light while reducing heat. Not only did this revolutionise the idea that air-conditioned glasshouses could not save energy, but also demonstrates CPG’s commitment to designing environmentally sustainable buildings for the future.

Beyond Energy Efficiency

The built environment sector has traditionally focused on reducing operational carbon, or emissions generated from the use of a building. However, emissions are produced much earlier, from the supply of raw materials for construction, and continue to the eventual demolition of the building. Known as embodied carbon, these emissions account for an estimated 40% of a building’s total carbon footprint.

At CPG, we combine a new capability in emissions measurement called carbon emissions intensity (kgCO2e/m2) with our proprietary BIM-Based-Building carbon calculation tool, B3, to capture a more holistic picture of a building’s carbon footprint. Our integrated decarbonisation approach then guides us to develop a decarbonisation strategy and roadmap that addresses both operational and embodied carbon emissions.

Innovative Solutions for Effective Cooling

State Courts, Singapore

Addressing the issue of tall buildings having higher carbon emissions due to electricity generation, CPG worked out various innovative solutions to cool the 35-storey State Courts. The building utilises a highly efficient water-cooler chiller plant system that serves its towers separately. The main air-conditioned zones were strategically placed towards the centre of the buildings, which is more shaded and minimises heat exchange with the external environment. Each floor also has individual air-conditioning units for better energy control when zoning is not used. These sustainable systems not only meets the BCA’s Green Mark Platinum certification, but also churns out great overall annual energy savings.

Our Playbook

Our experience and expertise in decarbonising the entire building lifecycle has been distilled into a playbook. Produced by CPG’s Sustainability Office, the playbook outlines our integrated decarbonisation approach and offers insights into what this looks like in action.

Harnessing Natural Energy for a Reduced Carbon Footprint

Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore

Utilising passive design, CPG created a facade system that is responsive to sun and wind, reducing heat and maximising natural light. This greatly reduces the carbon footprint without compromising the comfort of occupants. The hospital also generates sustainable energy with the installation of floating solar panel platforms on Yishun Pond, which is not only an innovative utilisation of a water body but also maximises land use.

Furthermore, siphonic rainwater drainage channels water to the pond and back after water treatment for its irrigation needs. With 18% of floor space dedicated to blue-green areas, the hospital exemplifies sustainable design, harmonising functionality and environmental consciousness.

“Climate change is a call for change. It is time to rethink how we approach sustainability in the built environment. Decarbonising the entire building lifecycle, from pre-design to end-of-life, is the only feasible way forward.”

Gavin

Head of Sustainability CPG Corporation

Contact CPG’s Sustainability Office to discuss how we can support your decarbonisation efforts.

Adaptive Reuse to Mitigate Embodied Carbon

National University of Singapore School of Design and Environment 1 & 3, Singapore

The project involved an intelligent adaptive reuse of its existing structure which helps mitigate embodied carbon. The facade design allows the building to screen out heat, while driving daylight into its interiors for both natural lighting and ventilation. Its interiors are retrofitted with smart sensors to monitor and control building electrical consumption. In place of air-conditioners are ceiling fans that work with a hybrid cooling system to promote indoor environmental quality while minimising carbon expenditure.

Embodying Sustainability