AHU fans

There is broad agreement among scientists worldwide that, to mitigate the most severe effects of climate change, global human-induced carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions must decrease by approximately 45% compared to 2010 levels by 2030, ultimately reaching net-zero by 2050. The rise in global temperatures is directly tied to the total amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere, meaning that as long as emissions remain above zero, the planet will continue to warm. Consequently, the harmful impacts of climate change will keep intensifying as long as emissions persist.

Utilising energy-saving technology such as ebm‑papst's EC fans in buildings can be one of the possible strategies to employ to reduce carbon emissions, which contributes towards this global goal.

Source: Netzeroclimate.org

To reduce energy consumption and enhance a building's overall energy efficiency, it's crucial to first examine how energy is utilized throughout the structure. A 2018 study by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) highlighted that major contributors to a building's energy use include mechanical systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and vertical transportation systems. Among these, cooling systems alone can consume as much as 60% of a building's total energy, while ventilation can account for approximately 10%

HVAC systems are powered by various types of equipment, including pumps and fans. Notably, fans can represent up to 35% of the energy consumption within the HVAC system

As a result, optimizing the energy usage of HVAC systems is a key strategy for lowering a building's overall energy consumption.

Systems like air handling units (AHUs), condensers, cooling towers, fan coil units, and others operate together to maintain cooling and ventilation in a building. A common feature across all these systems is the use of fans to circulate air throughout the space. In older buildings in Singapore, many of these fans are powered by Alternating Current (AC) motors, which were the standard in the past. A highly effective method to reduce energy use in these systems is to replace the traditional AC fans with more efficient, modern technology such as Electronically Commutated (EC) fans.

Sources: BCA and NCCS

There is a clear shift towards green building policies in the region. Hence, by utilizing EC fans in your build, there is a higher likelihood of meeting the requirements set out by the local government. Here are some examples in the Southeast Asia region:

Singapore: Singapore Green Building Masterplan, MEI Regime, Energy Conservation Act
Malaysia: Green Technology Masterplan 2017 - 2030
Thailand: Thailand Energy Efficiency Development Plan 2015-2036
Indonesia: Indonesia launches National Roadmap for Green Building Implementation
Vietnam: National Energy Efficiency Programme 2019 - 2030
Philippines: Republic Act 11285

Compared to older and more conventional systems, our integrated EC fan system ensures that less energy is wasted. This implies less heat is emitted, which often contributes to wear and tear. This results in a longer product lifespan.

Not only does this mean lower operational costs, products with a long lifespan are generally considered better for the environment because they reduce the need for frequent replacements.

Sustainability is becoming a top priority for companies seeking office space, alongside traditional factors like location and talent. Businesses are increasingly looking for low-carbon, high-quality buildings, even in a slow leasing market, and are often willing to pay a premium for sustainable spaces. JLL research reveals a “green premium” of 7.1% in North America, 9.9% in Asia Pacific, and 11.6% in London. Kirsty Draper from JLL emphasizes that office buildings contribute to a company's emissions, making sustainability a key focus for real estate strategies, as companies aim to meet targets and showcase their environmental commitments.

Source: JLL