CapitaLand accorded the largest number of Universal Design Mark awards

CapitaLand bags eight Universal Design Mark awards; conferred Quality Champion (Gold) for the inaugural BCA Quality Excellence Award

Singapore, 16 May 2013– CapitaLand Limited (CapitaLand) has been accorded the largest number of Universal Design Mark awards at the annual Building and Construction Authority Singapore Awards 2013 (BCA Awards). Eight CapitaLand properties including homes, office buildings and shopping malls were conferred the Universal Design Mark, a voluntary initiative launched in October 2012 to encourage the adoption of a user-centric philosophy in building design, operations and maintenance. In support of the new initiative, CapitaLand has set a minimum requirement of Universal Design Mark Gold for its new projects in Singapore.

CapitaLand has also been conferred the Quality Champion (Gold) for the inaugural BCA Quality Excellence Award, testament to CapitaLand’s track record in delivering high quality homes. CapitaLand has close to 10,000 units in 30 residential projects that have been certified or committed under the Quality Mark scheme since it was introduced in 2002.

Since last year’s BCA Awards, CapitaLand has added 11 awards to its Green Mark stable, including Green Mark Platinum for Westgate and Capital Tower, bringing the total to 75 Green Mark awards (including 12 provisional awards) for its development projects in Singapore, China, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Westgate is an integrated development comprising a seven-storey shopping mall (also named Westgate), and a 20-storey office tower, called Westgate Tower. It has been conferred both the BCA Green Mark Platinum, the highest green building accolade, and Universal Design Mark GoldPlus for its building design. Bedok Mall and Bedok Residences, and CapitaGreen which received the Green Mark Platinum in 2012, as well as JCube, which received its Green Mark Platinum in 2011, have also been conferred the Universal Design Mark GoldPlus. Capital Tower, one of the first office buildings in Singapore to be certified Green Mark Gold upon the launch of the BCA Green Mark in 2005, has been re-certified and awarded the highest Green Mark Platinum rating this year.

Mr Lim Ming Yan, President & Group CEO, CapitaLand Limited, said: “CapitaLand is committed to operational efficiency as well as sustainable development and management. Our stakeholders interact with our homes, office buildings, shopping malls, serviced residences and mixed developments daily. Therefore, it is important for us to have a user-centric approach when we design, build and operate our properties. Building quality developments that are accessible and environmentally sustainable should be a common goal for the real estate industry.”

Mr Tan Seng Chai, Group Chief Corporate Officer, CapitaLand Limited, said: “As a socially responsible real estate developer, CapitaLand’s commitment to sustainability has driven us to set high standards in terms of universal design, environmental sustainability, quality and construction excellence. We have set the minimum requirement of Universal Design Mark Gold for our new projects in Singapore. New buildings and existing buildings undergoing major renovation in Singapore also have to achieve a minimum Green Mark GoldPlus rating.”

CapitaLand implements its Green Building Guidelines to ensure that environmental, universal design, safety and health considerations are factored in at all stages of its projects, from feasibility, design, procurement, construction to operation. The guidelines are regularly reviewed to ensure continuous improvement.

Recently, CapitaLand was ranked eighth in the Environmental Tracking Asia-Pacific 300 Carbon Ranking by the Environmental Investment Organisation (EIO) an independent not-for-profit research body promoting carbon transparency and investment solutions designed to address climate change. In recognition of this, CapitaLand was conferred the 2013 Environmental Tracking Carbon Ranking Leader Award, the only Singapore real estate developer to have achieved top 10 in the carbon ranking in Asia Pacific. 

Mr Sam Gill, CEO of Environmental Investment Organisation, said: “Whilst effective greenhouse gas emissions reporting is certainly not an easy task for any company, it is excellent that certain companies have demonstrated that it can be done and to an ever increasingly higher standard. Since 62% of companies in the ET Global 800 reported incomplete data or no data at all, any company ranking within the top 10 in their respective region should be viewed as a pioneering leader, constantly raising the bar for others around them.”

Please refer to the Annex for a listing of CapitaLand’s 2013 BCA Award winners and more details on the respective award-winning projects.

About CapitaLand Limited

CapitaLand is one of Asia’s largest real estate companies. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, the company’s businesses in real estate and real estate fund management are focused on its core markets of Singapore and China.

The company’s diversified real estate portfolio primarily includes homes, offices, shopping malls, serviced residences and mixed developments. The company also has one of the largest real estate fund management businesses with assets located in Asia. CapitaLand leverages its significant asset base, real estate domain knowledge, product design and development capabilities, active capital management strategies and extensive market network to develop real estate products and services in its markets.

The listed entities of the CapitaLand Group include Australand, CapitaMalls Asia, Ascott Residence Trust, CapitaCommercial Trust, CapitaMall Trust, CapitaMalls Malaysia Trust, CapitaRetail China Trust and Quill Capita Trust.

Issued by: CapitaLand Limited (Co.  Regn.: 198900036N)
Date: 16 May 2013

Analyst Contact                                        Media Contact
Harold Woo                                               Lorna Tan
SVP, Investor Relations                            SVP, Corporate Communications
Tel: +65 6823 3210                                   Tel: +65 6823 3205/ +65 9791 8597
Email: harold.woo@capitaland.com         Email: lorna.tan@capitaland.com

ANNEX

This year, CapitaLand has been accorded eight awards in the new Universal Design Mark category for completed and projects under construction, the largest number of awards for a real estate developer. The Group is also pleased that it will be receiving the Quality Excellence Award – Quality Champion (Gold) for developers at BCA Awards 2013.

Since last year’s BCA Awards, the Group has garnered 11 Green Mark awards including new and re-certified projects, and four provisional Green Mark Awards for its overseas projects. To date, CapitaLand has received 75 Green Mark awards (including 12 provisional awards): 57 awards in Singapore, 13 in China, two in Vietnam, two in Malaysia and one in Indonesia. In recognition of its green building efforts,  

CapitaLand was accorded the BCA Green Mark Champion Award at BCA Awards 2012 and also received the Built Environment Leadership Award (Gold) in 2009.

Universal Design Mark

• JCube - GoldPlus
• Bedok Mall and Bedok Residences - GoldPlus (design)
• CapitaGreen - GoldPlus (design)
• d’Leedon - GoldPlus (design)
• The Interlace - GoldPlus (design)
• Westgate - GoldPlus (design)
• Sky Habitat - Gold (design)
• The Nassim - Gold (design)

Green Mark
Singapore projects

• Westgate - Platinum
• Capital Tower - Platinum
• Marine Parade Condominium Development - GoldPlus
• Mixed Development at 15 Cairnhill Road (Residential component) - GoldPlus
• Bukit Panjang Plaza - Gold
• Sembawang Shopping Centre - Gold

Overseas projects

• Riverside Ville, Foshan, China - Certified
• East Coast Mall, Kuantan, Malaysia - Gold Provisional
• CapitaMall Xindichen, Xi’an, China - Certified Provisional
• CapitaMall Fucheng Phase 2, Mianyang, China - Certified Provisional
• Ascott Jakarta, Indonesia - Certified Provisional

Universal Design Mark and Green Mark

Westgate, Singapore (Universal Design Mark GoldPlus – Design and Green Mark Platinum)

Westgate is strategically located in the heart of Jurong Gateway, Singapore’s up-and-coming largest regional centre, and is the only development that will have direct connections to both the Jurong East MRT and bus interchanges. It comprises a seven-storey shopping mall, similarly named Westgate, and a 20-storey office tower, called Westgate Tower. 

The development, which has a total gross floor area of about 976,000 square feet, is conceived as an urban oasis with plenty of lush landscaped areas for the public to enjoy. In addition, Westgate is integrated with resource-efficient and environmentally-friendly technologies and features, such as the use of shading device and glazed glass on its façade to reduce heat absorption; energy-efficient air-conditioning systems, light fittings and lift systems; and the use of harvested rain water to irrigate all the landscaped areas. These provisions will help Westgate achieve about 30% savings in both energy and water consumption. Other green features at Westgate include a naturally ventilated atrium; a recycling chute for paper in the office tower to facilitate recycling; and the use of low volatile organic compound paints and materials to improve air quality. 

To maximise its green performance, Westgate integrates its green features – the “hardware” – with Green Lease – the “software”.  Under its Green Lease model, retail tenants are required to comply with operations and maintenance guidelines that will contribute towards Westgate’s long-term sustainability.

Besides the green features, the design of Westgate epitomises the seamless connectivity that is characteristic of Jurong Gateway. The seven-metre wide linkway on its ground level and the six-metre wide elevated pedestrian walkway on Level 2 connect the Jurong East MRT and bus interchanges to the neighbouring buildings.

More than just your typical mall, Westgate takes family and community bonding to a new level with its dedicated Family Zone on Level 4, which will be headlined by a one-of-a-kind 12,000 square feet open-air playground that will be open to the public for free. Apart from the playground, the Family Zone will have F&B and retail offerings that aim to please every member of the family, from children and parents to grandparents. Extra effort has been made to make the area accessible, including for those with special needs. Parents who need help with their children while they shop or work can also make use of the child care centre and kids’ club located on Level 5.

Shoppers, tenants and visitors will get to experience Westgate’s green and universal design features when the mall opens in end 2013 and the office tower is completed in late 2014.

Estimated energy savings: 13,700,000 kWh/yr; Estimated water savings: 56,200 m3/yr

Universal Design Mark

JCube, Singapore (Universal Design Mark GoldPlus)

JCube, which was conferred Green Mark Platinum in 2011, achieves its second accolade from BCA with the Universal Design Mark GoldPlus this year. The ultra-hip mall, which houses Singapore’s only Olympic-size ice rink and first IMAX cinema in the suburbs, integrates elements of accessibility and convenience with its greenery and energy-efficient features. The result is a well-connected and vibrant eco-friendly mall which synergises with the rest of Jurong Gateway, Singapore’s up-and-coming largest regional centre.

JCube is one of the first completed projects to adopt Universal Design Mark principles, such as a driveway, passageways and entrances that are wider; barrier-free access; and provision of family–friendly amenities. JCube also incorporates design elements such as visual cues and colours to lead and guide users around the mall.  It also has a guide-dog friendly policy which allows the visually impaired to access and visit the shopping mall with ease.

As JCube’s main attraction, the ice rink sits at the centre of the mall, providing a natural focal point for shoppers.  Restaurants lined around the rink offering a unique rink-side dining experience further add to the mall’s appeal as a meeting place for the community. Guide bars and footrests are also provided at the viewing gallery. The rooftop terrace-cum-event space located on Level 5 is another popular gathering place for the community. 

In addition to its provision of family-friendly facilities and community spaces, JCube is seamlessly connected to the adjacent Jurong East Town Centre, neighbouring developments and transportation nodes. 

Bedok Mall and Bedok Residences, Singapore (Universal Design Mark GoldPlus – Design)

Located in the heart of the Bedok Town Centre, Bedok Mall and Bedok Residences are part of the first fully integrated retail-residential-transport development in the East, which is set to lead Bedok’s transformation into an exciting hub in the East Coast.  The development will house the new Bedok bus interchange above Bedok Mall on Level 2 and is directly linked to the Bedok MRT station via a new linkway at the mall’s Basement 2. 

From the onset of the design, the project team worked closely with the authorities to integrate the development with the rest of the neighbourhood.  This includes connectivity to the adjacent hawker centre – which is being turned into a town plaza – with three different ramped pathways that become part of the terracing landscape feature.  Steps were also taken to identify suitable access points for multiple uses of the integrated development and to optimise traffic flow. 

Addressing the needs of families and the elderly living in the mature estate, the design of Bedok Mall incorporates family-friendly features and services such as nursing rooms and rental of strollers and wheelchairs. It also has a guide-dog friendly policy which allows the visually impaired to access and visit the shopping mall with ease.

At Bedok Residences, communal recreational facilities with extensive landscaping are located at Levels 4 and 5. Ramps connecting both levels are integrated into the landscaping for the ease of residents’ movement.  The clubhouse is also equipped with family-friendly amenities such as children’s toilets and a diaper station.

Bedok Mall is targeting to open in end 2013, while the Temporary Occupation Permit for Bedok Residences is expected to be obtained in 2015.  In addition to being recognised by the BCA for their accessibility and connectivity, Bedok Mall and Bedok Residences also received Green Mark Platinum in 2012 for their green features. 

CapitaGreen, Singapore (Universal Design Mark GoldPlus – Design)

CapitaGreen, a joint development by CapitaLand, CapitaCommercial Trust and Mitsubishi Estate Asia, will be a 40-storey Grade A, ultra modern and green office tower when completed in the fourth quarter of 2014. Designed by internationally-acclaimed and 2013 Pritzker Prize winner Toyo Ito, founder of Toyo Ito & Associates, Architects, the design concept of CapitaGreen is a conceptual expansion of the earth’s surface through the building’s functional and aesthetic features. With the inclusion and integration of numerous energy-saving features in the building’s design, CapitaGreen achieved BCA Green Mark Platinum, the highest accolade in recognising environmentally-friendly buildings in 2012.

In 2013, CapitaGreen was awarded the Universal Design Mark GoldPlus by BCA.  This is in view of the barrier-free and friendly accessibility design within the building which has a net lettable area of 700,000 square feet. These features will be evident even before one enters the building through intuitive way-finding signs such as the use of sculptures as landmark to identify one’s location in the building. Seamless designs for the hearing, visual and mobility-impaired are consulted with the relevant user groups for implementation to enhance ease of movement within the building. At the concierge counter, the height of the counter is lower to cater for wheelchair users and a Hearing Induction Loop System for conversations between the concierge and the customer. Lift car doors will have longer hold duration and audio message on lift car allocation after tapping one’s card reader at the turnstile.

Other examples of Universal Design features include barrier-free access to and within the building, clear and visually-captivating way-finding signs through the use of sculptures, colours, surface textures/ patterns and English Braille/ tactile indicators at start and end of stairs to the Underground Pedestrian Network. Other must-haves include family-friendly features such as nursing rooms and changing stations in male and female washrooms, and elder-friendly facilities such as grab bars at relevant spaces will also be installed.

d’Leedon, Singapore (Universal Design Mark GoldPlus – Design)

Each tower of the d’Leedon residential development is designed like a flower with different number of “petals” to provide instant recognition on the ground level. The large site is also organised into five distinct landscape bands inspired by elements of mountainous ecosystems: Rock, Mountain, Forest, Water, Foothills and Meadow. Each landscape band features different varieties of plants, offering distinct visual and spatial experiences as one passes through from one band to the next. This also contributes to clarity of location and ease of pedestrian circulation.

Residents of d’Leedon have a choice of two clubhouses with multiple facilities catering to individual and family needs. Each clubhouse has its own lap pool as well as leisure pools, complemented with a central gymnasium which comes with water-based equipment for users with different physical needs.  Another key feature is the clustering of outdoor facilities such as the BBQ pits, resting pavilions and play areas – each cluster is well distributed throughout the site to facilitate multi-age as well as multi-generational interaction.

About 18% of the units in the development facilitate ageing-in-place. These are different unit types spread over five blocks at different levels with specific features catering to different age groups, needs and lifestyle preferences. Examples are an additional eye viewer at the main door for wheelchair users and children, a wider internal passageway of 1.2 metres as well as call for help buttons in the master bedroom and all bathrooms.

The ageing-in-place units in the three premium blocks are further enhanced with step-less entrances, call for help buttons in all bedrooms as well as retractable hanging rods and adjustable shelves for all the wardrobes. 

The Interlace, Singapore (Universal Design Mark GoldPlus – Design)

The concept for The Interlace’s environmental deck (E-deck) was to integrate it as part of the nine-kilometre green belt in which the development is located. Its unique building form of a hexagonal arrangement enables the creation of generous green areas which are spread evenly throughout the eight hectare site through eight communal courtyards, nine communal sky terraces and numerous private roof gardens to cater to the varying spatial needs of all the residents. Lifts and ramps are used extensively where the terrain or structure results in differences in levels to allow everyone ease of access to all these facilities. 

All courtyards and sky terraces are designed with individual themes and are evenly distributed throughout the site, which puts them in close proximity to all residents. All eight themed courtyards and activity clusters comprising communal facilities are placed evenly on the E-Deck and linked by a one-kilometre long by four-metre wide jogging track. This provision of ample activity areas strengthens community bonding among residents. Starting from the basement, larger handicap and family parking lots are provided for the convenience of wheelchair users and families with prams. Bicycle lots and pedestrian walkways are harmonised with the basement layout. Careful planning and signage will help users of the 1,000 plus-lot carpark navigate confidently.

The E-deck and basement car park clearly separates the pedestrian and vehicular circulation. Certain apartment units are designed with aging-in-place provisions such as step-less bathrooms and wider passage ways. As the site is a sprawling eight hectares, features such as a prominent Y-Axis pathway that sweeps through the site helps to orientate residents on the ground. A large central water feature that is easily visible from various locations in the development enhances navigation. Distinct landscape features and sculptures give each space a unique identity, making the scale of the spaces more palatable to residents and visitors.

Sky Habitat, Singapore (Universal Design Mark Gold – Design)

Sky Habitat consists of a comprehensive range of communal facilities located from the landscape deck to the 14th, 26th and 38th floors. Facilities like the gymnasium, function room, party room, business centre, reading room and karaoke room are located on the 14th and 26th floors bringing them closer to the residents and encouraging social interaction in this high-rise development. Step-less approach to these facilities mean easy accessibility for all.

Strong visual reference points aid users in orientation and the distinctive sky bridges serve as visual reference points for way-finding. Each sky bridge has its unique garden design themes featuring different combinations of colours, surface patterns and landscape planting for easy identification.

The sheltered drop-off is located on the same level as the car park entrance. This area is below the landscape deck and clearly separates pedestrian and vehicular circulation, ensuring safety for all users.

Other user-friendly features include well located, integrated and generous seating areas, clear signages and a seamless footpath network on the landscape deck. Unlike most residential developments, every lift at Sky Habitat is designed for use by both the able-bodied and wheelchair users.

The Nassim, Singapore (Universal Design Mark Gold – Design)

Responding to the elevated topography, the apartment blocks and ancillary common spaces at The Nassim are segregated from vehicular traffic to create a safe and exclusive enclave for residents. This means that the elevated environmental deck (E-deck) is barrier-free and the facilities area is generally flat for wheelchairs and prams to move around freely.

Distinct architectural articulation of the apartment blocks and their simple, intuitive arrangement around the E-deck provide clear orientation and aids way-finding. The units are each designed to capture the essence of the colonial period “black and white” bungalow. Additional features like different floor surface textures to demarcate changes in levels and courtyards with large trees that grow from the basement level enhances way-finding.

Apartments at The Nassim complement the varied lifestyles of the modern family with a myriad of apartment choices. A unique feature of the plan allows one to slip discreetly from the private lift lobby directly into the family room and private zone, bypassing the social areas. The duality of social and private is a unique universal design feature of The Nassim. Home-automation and dual height eye-viewers cater to children and wheelchair users.

Lavish landscaping is thoughtfully crafted into the architecture, complemented by generous shading created for the comfort of residents through thoughtful placement of architectural spaces. Even in the basement, large open-to-sky courtyards with water features serve as visual reference points as well as draw in daylight and fresh air. There are many seats in the common areas that come in varying heights and with grab bars to provide additional support for the elderly. 

Green Mark

Singapore projects

Capital Tower, Singapore (Green Mark Platinum)

Set in a landscaped plaza with a prominent water feature, Capital Tower optimises energy efficiency throughout the building. Capital Tower, one of the first office buildings in Singapore to be certified Green Mark Gold upon the launch of the BCA Green Mark in 2005, has been upgraded to the highest Green Mark Platinum rating. Areas of improvement leading to its Green Mark Platinum include enhanced energy and water efficiency, sustainable operation and maintenance, and improved quality of indoor environment.

Through the upgrading of the chiller plant with an optimisation system, energy efficiency is estimated to improve by more than 26%. In 2007, Capital Tower won the Water Efficient Building Certification awarded by PUB (Singapore’s national water agency) through its use of NEWater for cooling towers and water features constituting 34% of the building’s total water consumption. Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide sensors are installed at relevant areas to monitor air quality.

Its efforts also include the sharing of Green Mark Office Interior and Green tips with tenants and ensuring certified Singapore Green Building Products are being used.

Estimated energy savings: 3,016,800 kWh/yr; Estimated water savings: 7,500 m3/yr.

Marine Parade Condominium Development, Singapore (Green Mark GoldPlus)

The Marine Parade Condominium Development comprises two blocks of 16-17 storey residential towers, one block of strata terraces and communal facilities designed with sustainability as a primary objective for residents in its 124 units.

Complex Computational Fluid Dynamic studies were undertaken throughout the design process to facilitate planning for unit layouts that optimise natural ventiliation. Use of interior finishings that minimise off-gassing will ensure that indoor air quality is not compromised.

Integrated architectural green walls and additional planter boxes at each apartment contribute to overall site greenery, and ‘pre-cleans’ the air that enters the apartments. These green structures also provide additional shading of the façade to the North West and South East, reducing peak and annual solar gains, therefore reducing energy consumption. External shading is also aided by deep overhangs to the North East and South West and well as upper balconies providing shading to lower façades on all orientations.

A building user guide has been produced and will be distributed prior to the operations of the building. This is to ensure the design intent is conveyed and that the building will be operated at optimum efficiency.

The design also includes provision for a comprehensive list of sustainable materials. The plan is for all the materials to carry a Singapore Green Building Product certification.

Additional features such as hybrid vehicle charging stations, lighting motion sensors, self cleaning façade systems, water-efficient fittings, daylighting to common areas, low energy LED lighting, efficient vertical transport, sub-metering, and an energy-efficient car parking ventilation system have also been included in the design of this development.

Estimated energy savings: 377,500 kWh/yr; Estimated water savings: 7,900 m3/yr.

Mixed Development at 15 Cairnhill Road (Residential component), Singapore (Green Mark GoldPlus)

The vision for the Mixed Development at 15 Cairnhill Road is to create a premium space for people to rest, live and play. CapitaLand has set its sights on developing an environment friendly building while applying superior value engineering. When completed, the premier residential development will comprise some 270 units.

Environment friendly products will be used extensively throughout the development such as low volatile organic compound (VOC) paint, environment friendly adhesives and products with recycled content such as wooden doors, ceiling boards and drainage mats as part of efforts in reducing the impact on the environment.

The development also conserves potable water with its rainwater harvesting design for irrigation purposes. Water-efficient fittings will be used throughout the development to reduce water wastage and separate meters will be installed to monitor water usage in swimming pools, for landscape irrigation and in the car parks. Any spikes in water usage pattern can be easily investigated to isolate causes like leakage or other malfunction of water handling equipment.

Energy-efficient features incorporated include high efficiency air-conditioning system and vertical transportation system, efficient ductless mechanical ventilation system with carbon monoxide control for car parks, high performance glass with low thermal conductivity and sun pipes to supplement the artificial lighting for the amenities room on the environmental-deck. Other innovative features such as green roofs, pneumatic waste collection system, use of non-chemical termite treatment system and siphonic rainwater discharge system will also be integrated in the residential building.

Estimated energy savings: 1,617,800 kWh/yr; Estimated water savings: 5,200 m³/yr.

Bukit Panjang Plaza (Green Mark Gold)

Bukit Panjang Plaza is a four-storey mall located in the heart of Bukit Panjang housing estate, close to the bus interchange and accessible by the Bukit Panjang Light Rapid Transit (LRT).

The mall has been re-certified and awarded Green Mark Gold by BCA, an improved rating from Green Mark Certified.

The mall uses an energy management system to ensure that its energy consumption levels meet targets.  To achieve this, the mall incorporates several energy-efficient features, and the key ones include the air conditioning system, air distribution system and lightings. The air conditioner uses an auto tube cleaning system, which helps to further cut down energy consumption. 

In addition, recycling bins are provided in the mall’s lift lobbies and corridors to encourage tenants and shoppers to take part in recycling. Green products are used to clean the floors.

Bukit Panjang Plaza also uses an intelligent parking guidance system in its car park to help drivers find their parking spaces quickly, thus reducing carbon emissions.

Estimated energy savings: 177,700 kWh/yr.

Sembawang Shopping Centre (Green Mark Gold)

Sembawang Shopping Centre is a one-stop shopping, dining and entertainment destination located near the Yishun and Sembawang MRT stations.

The mall has retained its Green Mark Gold rating upon re-certification by BCA.

Energy-efficient features at the mall include its air-conditioning system and lighting system. Notably, it taps on renewable energy through the photovoltaic solar panels installed on its rooftop, which helps to harness energy from the sun.

The mall has obtained the Public Utilities Board Water-Efficient Building Certification for its choice of water-efficient fittings. To further cut down on water usage, the mall uses condensate water from the air handling units, and harvested rainwater for irrigation.  Additional efforts to monitor water consumption have also been implemented by installing water sub-meters for the cooling towers and the toilets. 

In addition, recycling bins are placed conveniently around the compound to encourage tenants and shoppers to recycle.  Adding greenery to the mall is the outdoor children’s playground on Level 3 which features landscaping.  Environmentally-friendly organic compost is used to fertilise the landscape areas.

Estimated energy savings: 11,400 kWh/yr; Estimated water savings: 38 m3/yr

Overseas projects
Riverside Ville, Foshan, China (Green Mark Certified)

Riverside Ville is located in the heart of Foshan new city and enjoys 850 metres of beautiful Dongping River scenery, exquisite surrounding environment and amenities such as a bus station for convenient transportation.

The buildings are south facing with every unit having windows on south or north side to reduce radiant heat gain and enhance natural ventilation. Significant energy-saving effect is achieved by using light color façade material, light grey glass as well as double glazed frontage windows.

This development has 35% green space such as landscaping, swimming pools and fountains to reduce heat island effect.

To reduce energy consumption, basement parking, public staircase and landscape area are installed with energy-saving lighting; carbon monoxide sensors are used to regulate the demand for mechanical ventilation in the car park, and as well as elevators with AC variable voltage and variable frequency (VVVF) motor drive, sleep mode features and energy recovery unit.

Estimated energy savings: 668,600 kWh/yr; Estimated water savings: 8,100 m3/yr.

 East Coast Mall, Kuantan, Malaysia (Green Mark Gold – Provisional)

Strategically located in the heart of Kuantan’s city centre in Pahang, East Coast Mall is a modern family lifestyle mall. It is the second mall in Malaysia to be awarded the Green Mark Gold, after Gurney Plaza in Penang in 2011. Both malls are managed by CapitaMalls Asia.

At East Coast Mall, steps were taken to ensure that the mechanical and electrical system equipment is eco-friendly. For example, the mall uses energy-efficient chillers.  Works are also underway to replace the existing T8 lightings with more energy-efficient T5 lightings. 

In terms of water consumption, utility sub-meter devices are installed to track usage levels and to allow for quick identification in the event of a leak. Water-efficient fittings that meet the recommendations of Singapore’s Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) by PUB are installed to reduce water consumption. A rainwater harvesting system is also in place to further cut down on the use of potable water.

To support the recycling movement, the mall has in place a recycling programme, whereby refuse such as paper, plastic, glass and metal are sorted and sent to the recycling centre. Tenants are encouraged to join in the recycling programme.

Estimated energy savings: 52,300 kWh/yr; Estimated water savings: 18,700 m3/yr.

CapitaMall Xindicheng, Xi’an, China (Green Mark Certified - Provisional)

Located in the Yanta District of Xi’an, China, CapitaMall Xindicheng is an integrated development comprising a six-storey shopping mall, a Grade A office tower, a serviced apartment block and a multi-storey car park. The development boasts extensive use of energy-efficient lightings and water-efficient sanitary ware. To further ensure efficient water usage, water fittings are selected with reference to the standards of  Singapore’s Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme’s (WELS) by PUB . Motion detectors are installed in all the mall’s stairwells, to help avoid energy wastage by automatically switching off the lights when they are not required.

In addition, paints certified to have low levels of volatile organic compound (VOC) were used for all internal walls to minimise the emission of pollutants for better air quality.

During the construction phase, the project development team set and closely monitored targets to reduce water and energy consumption. Environment-friendly materials such as certified flooring, tiles and doors were used.

Estimated energy savings: 1,635,000 kWh/yr; Estimated water savings: 2,100 m3/yr.

CapitaMall Fucheng Phase 2, Mianyang, China (Green Mark Certified - Provisional)

Located in the Fucheng District of Mianyang, China, CapitaMall Fucheng Phase 2 is a one-stop shopping mall comprising six levels above ground and three basement levels. The mall uses a high-efficiency chiller plant, boiler and pumps, which helps to reduce energy consumption.  For the same intent, energy-efficient T5 fluorescent light, and water fittings that meet the recommendations of Singapore’s Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) by PUB are used in the mall.

To improve air quality, paints certified to have low levels of volatile organic compound (VOC) were used for all internal walls to minimise the emission of pollutants.

The mall also uses an intelligent parking guidance system in its basement car park to help drivers find their parking spaces quickly, thus reducing carbon emissions.

Estimated energy savings: 2,135,000 kWh/yr; Estimated water savings: 700 m3/yr.

Ascott Jakarta (Green Mark Certified – Provisional)

The premier Ascott Jakarta is located in the heart of Jakarta’s business and shopping district, the Golden Triangle. Ideal for executives on business trips or relocation, the serviced residence is close to the convention centre, various corporate offices, embassies, attractions and major shopping malls such as Plaza Indonesia Shopping Complex, Grand Indonesia Shopping Town and Jakarta City Centre Shopping Mall with a wide range of entertainment and dining options.

Several green features have been incorporated at Ascott Jakarta to create a sustainable residence that is both comfortable and environment-friendly. These include the use of energy-efficient products such as LED lights and air conditioners with variable refrigerant flow system which significantly reduce the property’s energy consumption. Ascott Jakarta also shuts down half its lifts and reduces the usage of air conditioners along its corridors daily from midnight to 5am when there is less human traffic to conserve energy.

To ensure good indoor air quality, low volatile organic compound (VOC) paints are used at the serviced residence. Water-saving fittings are installed in each apartment to cut down water consumption, while recycling bins are prominently placed in the common areas to encourage staff and residents to recycle plastic, metal drink cans and paper as well as minimise waste.

Ascott Earth Day is held every first Friday of the month at Ascott Jakarta. On this day, all non-essential lightings as well as the fountain pump in the property are turned off for extended hours. Staff and residents are encouraged to dress down while the air-conditioning temperature is increased to conserve energy.

Estimated energy savings: 120,620 KWh/yr; Estimated water savings: 9,500 m3/yr.