The cooling system plays an important role in our daily lives, providing comfort in buildings and maintaining necessary temperatures for critical infrastructure. However, these technologies have a significant impact on the environment, with the heating, cooling, and lighting of buildings accounting for a large portion of global carbon emissions. The World Green Building Council estimates that this accounts for around 28% of worldwide CO2 emissions. In Singapore, buildings alone are responsible for over 20% of carbon emissions. As such, it is important that we prioritize energy-efficient and sustainable cooling solutions to mitigate the impact of these systems on the environment.
As we become aware of the impact of carbon emissions on the environment, countries are taking action to reduce their footprint. Malaysia has pledged to reduce its emissions intensity by 45% of its GDP by 2030 and become carbon neutral by 2050. Meanwhile, India is targeting net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. Such targets represent significant commitments towards sustainability and highlight the need to address climate change.
Meeting our cooling needs while minimizing our impact on the environment will be a significant challenge in the coming decades. As demand for cooling continues to grow, particularly in Asia, building owners must prioritize sustainable solutions that promote energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. By investing in smart cooling technologies and embracing green building standards, we can work towards a more sustainable future that meets our needs without compromising our planet.
Cost and inefficiencies in traditional cooling models
The financial and logistical challenges associated with traditional cooling models, such as district cooling systems or centralized cooling systems, have made it difficult for building owners to keep up with demand. The process of engaging multiple contractors and consultants can be expensive and time-consuming, leading to high upfront costs and ongoing operational expenses. Additionally, traditional cooling systems can become less efficient over time, resulting in increased energy consumption and higher costs. As such, we need more cost-effective and sustainable cooling solutions.
The complex nature of traditional cooling systems has led to a lack of accountability among suppliers and operators. With multiple parties involved in the design, installation, and maintenance of equipment, it can be challenging to identify responsibility when issues arise. This can lead to a lack of coordination and inefficiencies in the cooling system’s overall performance.
Implementing Sustainable Cooling Solutions through Cooling as a Service
The Cooling as a Service (CaaS) model represents a significant departure from traditional cooling models. Instead of purchasing, installing, and maintaining cooling systems themselves, building owners can simply subscribe to air-conditioning as a service. This approach can unlock investments in more efficient and cleaner technologies while reducing operational costs for building owners.
The Cooling as a Service (CaaS) model allows building owners to shift upfront investment and project performance risk from themselves to the service provider. This approach enables building owners to focus on their core business while leaving the responsibility of selecting the ideal technology for sustainability to the service provider.
Cooling as a Service (CaaS) deploys advanced technology such as big data, analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to maximize the efficiency of cooling systems. Service providers can monitor and control the system in real-time to optimize functions using data and AI, resulting in improved energy efficiency, reduced energy wastage, and better indoor experiences.
Elpro Business Park & Elpro City Square is a leading example of sustainable cooling with its implementation of the CaaS model. The mixed-use development in Pune, India, provides cooling to various spaces, including a retail centre, offices, schools and community spaces, using an AI-powered chilled water system that runs entirely on solar energy. With a surplus of clean energy, the system can power over 200 Indian households a year, making it an eco-friendly solution for cooling needs.
The INSEAD Asia campus in Singapore is a prime example of the benefits of implementing the CaaS model. With its water-cooled chiller plant system, the campus was able to achieve the highest level of recognition from the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), the Green Mark Platinum award. Not only is the system consistently performing at an optimal level, but it is also outperforming the BCA Green Mark criteria by 25%. The result is a 4.8% savings in total building energy consumption, highlighting the cost-saving benefits of this sustainable cooling model.
Final thoughts
The increasing demand for cooling and the corresponding increase in electricity demand has significant environmental implications. Clean and efficient cooling is a necessity to reduce carbon emissions and prevent further damage to the planet. Governments and businesses need to prioritize sustainable cooling solutions to mitigate the impact on the environment.
The rise of Cooling as a Service (CaaS) is a game-changer for the cooling industry, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional cooling models that are often energy-intensive and costly. By providing access to advanced cooling solutions through a subscription-based service, CaaS enables businesses and individuals to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying optimal indoor temperatures.
