Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP) and France-based energy and automation digital solutions launched a one-stop Sustainability Experience Centre to help Singapore’s small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) implement green technologies at the workplace. This can help Singapore achieve its goal of having at least 80% of buildings be green by 2030.
A key showcase at the centre focuses on sustainable facilities management. Augmented reality is tapped for instant diagnosis, and when coupled with contactless and predictive maintenance, the overall power efficiency of a venue is significantly improved. This helps SMEs operate more sustainably and enhances the productivity of the maintenance crew, as repairs and rectifications can be reliably predicted, and preventive maintenance is made ahead of time.
At the centre, students from NYP’s School of Engineering will be able to gain valuable hands-on experience in cutting edge solutions used by the industry to meet sustainability goals. For example, students from NYP’s Diploma in Electronic & Computer Engineering will learn how to integrate multiple systems and devices to collect and analyse relevant data. The first-hand experience would provide gainful insights to these students, thereby preparing a steady pipeline of talents to meet the demands for sustainability solutions in future industries.
NYP’s Principal & Chief Executive Officer stated that with NYP’s expertise in engineering systems and data analytics, alongside the company’s technology and solutions, SMEs will now have easy access to kickstart their green journey. This is also a great opportunity to strengthen and inculcate a sustainability-conscious mindset among the youth and empower them to play a role in bringing about a greener future.
Another key showcase at the Centre helps SMEs identify solutions to optimise power usage and reduce energy consumption. With the application of automation and sensors, lights would be activated only in areas where needed; and data usage patterns can also be analysed in real-time.
The energy and automation digital solutions provider’s EcoStruxure Building Operation 3.0 makes this possible by pulling in data from a wide range of sensors, running analysis, and providing users with suggestions to maximise energy use and reduce overall cost. It can also adjust lighting and temperature on the fly.
According to Singapore’s Energy Efficiency Programme Office (E²PO), occupancy sensors for lighting controls can result in at least 50% energy savings2 after implementation at workplaces. Implementing such energy-efficient measures helps SMEs reduce operating costs and become more competitive.
The two parties are also co-training a nexus of the future-ready workforce to meet the increasing demands to help companies implement a sustainable transport solution – through electric fleets. To date, staff from more than 20 SMEs have been trained on the key skills of managing Electric Vehicles (EVs), including setting up charging systems and processes for these EVs.
To ensure buildings have enough electric supply capacity for EV charging stations, the company also developed an EVlink Wallbox, to integrate with a load management system to regulate the amount of electricity allocated for EV charging in real-time. This allows building owners to deploy such sustainable solutions with minimal infrastructure cost while ensuring that critical functions are prioritised to prevent electrical overload.
The Cluster President for Singapore, Malaysia & Brunei at the company stated that the company has always advocated the use of cutting-edge technology to help the industry meet critical sustainability goals, and the firm’s regional headquarters at Kallang is a testament to that belief. He noted that the Sustainability Experience Centre is a fantastic two-pronged approach that will showcase the firm’s technology to the industry while training the next generation who can help them implement these solutions.
The Centre was built with a strong sustainability focus, with most materials being highly rated products under the Singapore Green Building Product (SGBP) certification scheme administered by Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC).