Honouring innovation in energy efficiency
From advanced cooling systems to biomass steam projects, this year’s honourable mentions show how diverse strategies and strong collaboration are driving sustainable outcomes
Excellence in Energy, Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Management (Honourable Mentions)
RF360 Singapore
“The most persistent and complex challenge was achieving significant energy and water savings without compromising production throughput or system reliability. This was overcome using a strategy combining infrastructure upgrades, smart controls, and cross-functional collaboration. A high-efficiency system was deployed to reduce baseline consumption without affecting performance, while real-time monitoring and control of facility systems allowed for dynamic adjustments based on load and usage patterns. Cross-functional collaboration between production and facilities departments also enabled changes to be made without material impact on production and quality issues.” David Kam, facilities director and energy manager, and Charlie Wang, senior facilities manager and energy manager
STMicroelectronics
“At STMicroelectronics, sustainability is a core part of our global operations. We are dedicated to making a positive environmental impact by improving energy efficiency, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and conserving essential resources. For example, at our Ang Mo Kio TechnoPark facility, we use advanced technologies like perfluorocarbon (PFC) abatement systems and Singapore’s largest industrial district cooling system. These innovations help us significantly reduce our carbon footprint and optimize energy use. Together with our global strategy of operational excellence and continuous improvement, these efforts are driving us toward our goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2027. Through these actions, we are reducing our environmental impact while supporting the sustainability goals of the communities and countries where we operate.” Eugene Lee, group vice-president and general manager, front-end manufacturing Asia operations
TotalEnergies Marketing Asia-Pacific Middle East
“The key to sustaining both efficiency and growth has been our commitment to data-driven decision-making. By closely monitoring energy usage patterns and integrating smart automation into our operations, we’ve been able to identify and eliminate inefficiencies without compromising output. Our team’s proactive mindset and cross-functional collaboration have also played a vital role in driving continuous improvement.” Samuel Chong, production engineer lead
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GE Aerospace Component Repair Singapore
“At GE Aerospace Component Repair Singapore, operating 24/7 demands energy-efficient solutions. Guided by FLIGHT DECK, GE Aerospace’s proprietary lean operating model, our energy-efficiency upgrades – such as rooftop solar panels, LED lighting conversions, and system optimisations with variable frequency drives – not only reduce carbon emissions but also enhance operational performance. These measures have lowered costs, improved equipment reliability, and streamlined processes, resulting in faster turnaround times and higher productivity.” Iain Rodger, managing director, GE Aerospace Component Repair Singapore
Outstanding Energy, GHG Manager (Honourable Mention)
Charlie Wang, RF360 Singapore
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“I have actively fostered a culture of sustainability through awareness campaigns, training, and collaborative projects. One notable example was an effort to increase the awareness of energy consumption dashboards with TV displays in the main lobby; it helps employees visualise their impact and encourage collective responsibility. I also worked closely with system engineers and energy users to co-develop and implement energy-saving measures. For example, the replacement of ageing process vacuum pumps with high-efficiency models required extensive coordination with system engineers and operation teams to ensure seamless integration and operational reliability while achieving measurable energy savings.” Charlie Wang, senior facilities manager and energy manager
Best Practices (Honourable Mentions)
Nestle Singapore
Project title: Evaporator with EE Mechanical Vapor Re-compressor (MVR) installed to existing Multiple Effect Evaporator with TVR
“At Nestle, our commitment to sustainability drives every decision we make. The adoption of MVR technology reflects our proactive approach to reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency. MVR uses electricity to compress and recycle vapour within the evaporator, eliminating the need for boiler-generated steam powered by natural gas. This latest operational shift directly reduces Scope 1 emissions from our facilities and contributes towards our long-term goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. While the initial investment is higher, the environmental and operational benefits make MVR a strategic and future-ready solution.” Xolile White, executive director, technical and production, Nestle MYSG
Evonik Methionine SEA
Project title: Crystalliser Vacuum System Optimisation
“In well-established processes, proposing changes often meets resistance. For the vacuum system optimisation project, our technical teams had to demonstrate that modifying the process line-up would not compromise operability. This required deep process knowledge and a clear understanding of the levers available for optimisation. Collaboration was key. Evonik’s corporate experts worked closely with site operations and external equipment providers to co-develop a fit-for-purpose system. The result was a more efficient set-up that delivered sustainable energy savings for the site.” Leonard Teo, sustainability and energy manager
Abbott Manufacturing Singapore
Project title: Biomass steam project
“At Abbott, we believe a sustainable future starts with health. That belief drives our commitment to protect a healthy environment while advancing the health and well-being of the communities we serve. The decision to transition to biomass steam also was guided by our 2030 sustainability goal to reduce carbon emissions by 30 per cent from our 2018 baseline. As a manufacturer of nutritional products, reliability is paramount. To ensure uninterrupted steam supply, we’ve also built in a resilient system: a standby boiler is ready to activate instantly as a back-up steam source if there’s any drop in pressure or supply. It’s one example of how Abbott integrates sustainability into the heart of our operations – without compromising performance or product integrity.” Yik Yin Fun, site director for Abbott’s manufacturing facility in Singapore
Schneider Electric
Project title: Achieving zero-energy status for a 30-year building
“One of the most significant hurdles faced in this project was working within the constraints of existing systems while pursuing ambitious targets. The optimising of the central chilled water system, for example, was crucial as it accounted for a large chunk of the building’s energy consumption. To reconfigure this core system in an efficient way, we integrated smart technologies with continuous on-the-ground feedback from our facilities team. This continuous learning loop not only delivered up to 55 per cent energy savings but also enhanced occupant well-being.” Yoon Young Kim, cluster president of Singapore and Brunei
MSD International GmbH (Singapore Branch)
Project Title: Compressed Air System Optimization
“Through the strategic lowering of compressed air setpoints and the rightsizing of our compressors, we have achieved significant and measurable improvements in our operational performance. The system now operates with enhanced stability, effectively reducing unnecessary energy consumption without compromising production requirements. We have observed fewer pressure fluctuations, resulting in more consistent equipment performance and a marked decrease in unplanned downtime. The streamlined configuration has simplified maintenance procedures, thereby improving overall reliability and enabling the reallocation of resources to other critical areas.” Frank Walley, associate vice-president, MSD Manufacturing Division, Singapore
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