Super Low Energy Buildings: Lofty Ambition or Achievable Goal?
In Singapore, buildings contribute roughly 20% of the nation’s carbon emissions1 and more than a third of its electricity consumption2. Green buildings play a crucial role in sustainability efforts.
Central to these efforts are Super Low Energy Buildings (SLEBs). By the end of 2023, 115 buildings had earned SLE certification or higher.3 What makes a building “Super Low Energy,” and how can existing structures transform into this green benchmark?
SLE projects boast top-tier energy efficiency, integrate renewable energy (onsite and offsite), and employ intelligent energy management strategies. To achieve SLE status, buildings must show at least 60% energy savings compared to the 2005 baseline, when BCA introduced the Green Mark certification scheme.
SLEBs are further categorised into Zero Energy (ZE) buildings — fully powered by renewable energy — and Positive Energy (PE) buildings, which generate more energy than they consume. Of the 115 SLE-certified buildings, 34 have achieved either ZE or PE status.
What does it take to achieve 60% or greater energy savings? Building owners aiming for this milestone should focus on four core characteristics of SLE buildings: a blend of passive and active strategies, along with technology adoption.4
Incorporating optimal building design, such as natural ventilation, daylighting, and efficient facades to minimise energy use.
Energy-efficient equipment for air-conditioning, mechanical ventilation, lighting, and vertical transportation is crucial.
Smart Building Management Systems optimise energy consumption, lowering operational costs while enhancing occupant comfort.
In Singapore’s tropical climate, solar energy is the most viable renewable source. Buildings can maximise roof and facade spaces with photovoltaic technology.
While green transformation offers long-term benefits, upfront costs for upgrades like cooling system enhancements or solar panel installation may be significant.
To lighten the load, BCA introduced the $63-million Green Mark Incentive Scheme for Existing Buildings in 2022. Buildings meeting SLE standards can access funding of up to $900,000 or 50% of qualifying costs, whichever is lower.5
SP Digital’s GET™ solutions help industrial and commercial buildings achieve SLE standards through EnergyTech, IoT, and AI. These tools enable building owners and facility managers to leverage smart insights, optimising energy efficiency and enhancing occupant comfort.
GET™ Control, our innovative microclimate control system with smart sensors and meters, seamlessly connects to any BMS (Building Management System) without requiring major retrofitting, supporting the transition to green buildings.
We recently applied our own technologies to our headquarters, enabling it to receive Platinum Super Low Energy Building certification — the highest recognition from BCA.
Our headquarters achieved a 16.9% reduction in energy consumption through advanced cooling solutions. Switching to LED lighting cut energy usage by 20%, and the deployment of GET Control improved energy performance by 20%.
Green buildings are key to realising Singapore’s Green Plan, which includes greening 80% of buildings by floor area by 2030, and achieving an 80% improvement in energy efficiency for best-in-class green buildings over 2005 levels.6
With a clear roadmap and actionable steps, your building can join the 115 SLE buildings to be a beacon for a green built environment.
Partner with SP Digital for a cost-efficient and smooth SLE transformation, benefiting your business, occupants, and the environment. Contact SP Digital today.
Footnotes
1Green Buildings, www1.bca.gov.sg
2Super Low Energy Building Technology Roadmap (page 3), www1.bca.gov.sg
32023: Revenge of the zero-energy building projects, The Straits Times, 27 Dec 2023
4Super Low Energy Building Technology Roadmap (page 21), www1.bca.gov.sg
5Green Mark Incentive Scheme for Existing Buildings 2.0, www1.bca.gov.sg
6SG Green Plan – Our Targets, greenplan.gov.sg