Creating a greener Singapore through innovative sustainable solutions

Singapore is no stranger to the concept of urban redevelopment. Given its limited land resources, the city-state constantly finds innovative and sustainable solutions to create opportunities for better housing and new business establishments, as well as using technology to future-proof and extend the lifespan of buildings. Clarence Hwee, Head of Asset Operations, Sustainable Urban Renewal Singapore, from Keppel’s Real Estate Division, is a strong believer in this concept. He brings nearly 15 years of experience to the table, creating sustainable solutions within the built environment. Clarence has been involved in Keppel projects like Keppel Towers, Bugis Junction Towers, Prudential Tower, Keppel Bay Tower and Ocean Financial Centre – all icons, in their own right, of Singapore’s cityscape.

“Keppel leverages our sustainability capabilities in the area of smart and green developments to create quality urban spaces that bring benefits including an improved quality of life for building occupants, greater architectural resilience, and heightened operational efficiency.” he said.?

Increasingly, businesses want to be located in buildings and office spaces that can cater to the growing and fast-changing needs of the modern-day workforce — all while being eco-friendly.?

Keppel South Central, a 33-storey next-generation smart, super low-energy building with 24/7 facilities, strategically located in the heart of Tanjong Pagar and within the Greater Southern Waterfront, is a shining example of this.

Keppel South Central – a leading green icon

Keppel South Central is situated on the site that Keppel Towers once occupied and is a smart and super low-energy building designed for the talents of tomorrow. Its myriad innovative and green features include a high-performance facade system that will significantly reduce the amount of solar heat gain in the building, smart building management systems, rainwater harvesting systems, as well as the use of renewable energy. In addition, Keppel South Central is fitted with the latest smart technologies, including facial recognition access, a digital spine for secure digital connectivity, smart lighting and micro-zoned air conditioning.?

“Keppel South Central is a state-of-the-art example of a forward-looking sustainable building that combines both form and function,” Clarence shared.?

Once completed, the building’s annual Energy Use Intensity (or EUI) is forecast to be 110 kWh/m2 – this translates to energy savings of over 40% or about 6.2 million kWh a year compared to a BCA code-compliant building. “This is equivalent to the energy required to power more than 1,300 homes in Singapore for a year,” said Clarence.

Furthermore, Keppel is not only creating sustainable assets with an eye towards the future but also delivering enterprise solutions that elevate community experience. This is being done via a combination of innovative green spaces, curated programmes and community-building activities that would add to the vibrancy of the surrounding area. Keppel South Central serves as a communal space for the wider neighbourhood to connect and co-create. In this way, Keppel South Central is able to address sustainability holistically, from the environmental aspects to the health and wellness of the community.

Contributing to the transformation of Singapore’s cityscape?

Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority has a number of urban transformation projects lined up around Singapore, including in the Changi Region, Kallang River, and the Greater Southern Waterfront where Keppel South Central is located. Clarence is excited to see how Keppel South Central will contribute to transforming Singapore’s cityscape sustainably, as Keppel continues to champion the creation of sustainable developments that enhance quality of life and add value to their surrounding communities.

Keppel South Central is open for work and play from end-2024. Learn more here .?