Cooling tower fans

Scientific consensus suggests that to counter the most severe effects of climate change, global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions caused by human activities need to be reduced by around 45% from 2010 levels by 2030, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. The global temperature increase is closely linked to the cumulative amount of CO2 released into the atmosphere. Therefore, as long as emissions remain above zero, the planet will keep warming. As a result, the adverse impacts of climate change will continue to worsen as long as emissions persist.

One potential strategy to help reduce carbon emissions and support this global objective is the use of energy-saving technology like ebm‑papst's EC fans in buildings.

Source: Netzeroclimate.org

To enhance a building's energy efficiency and reduce overall consumption, it is vital to assess how energy is distributed throughout the structure. According to a 2018 study by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), key contributors to a building's energy use include mechanical systems such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and vertical transportation systems. Notably, cooling systems can account for up to 60% of a building's total energy consumption, while ventilation typically makes up around 10%.

HVAC systems utilize various types of equipment, including pumps and fans. Fans alone can consume up to 35% of the energy used within the HVAC system. Therefore, enhancing the energy efficiency of HVAC systems is essential for reducing a building’s total energy consumption.

Building systems like air handling units (AHUs), condensers, cooling towers, and fan coil units work together to maintain cooling and ventilation. A common element in these systems is the use of fans for air circulation. In older buildings in Singapore, many of these fans operate with Alternating Current (AC) motors, which were previously the industry standard. A highly effective strategy to reduce energy usage in these systems is to replace traditional AC fans with more efficient 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 traditional systems, our integrated EC fan system is designed to minimize energy waste. This means that less heat is generated, which often leads to reduced wear and tear, ultimately extending the product's lifespan.

This translates to lower operational costs. Additionally, products with a longer lifespan are generally seen as more environmentally friendly because they require fewer replacements.

The significance of sustainability is rising for companies in the market for office space, taking precedence alongside traditional considerations like location and talent. Increasingly, businesses seek low-carbon, high-quality buildings and are often willing to pay more for these sustainable spaces, even in a sluggish leasing market. According to JLL research, the "green premium" is 7.1% in North America, 9.9% in the Asia Pacific, and 11.6% in London. Kirsty Draper from JLL points out that office buildings contribute to a company's emissions. Consequently, sustainability is now a crucial aspect of real estate strategies as companies strive to meet targets and demonstrate their environmental commitments.

Source: JLL