Ngee Ann poly uses innovative energy solutions

THE second winner from the public sector in the organisation category, Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) champions new initiatives using innovative energy solutions as a part of its energy policy. It has taken steps to push for energy conservation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, it combined two or more buildings to share a chiller plant system, introduced more naturally ventilated spaces and adopted the use of solar panels.

"To strengthen our energy efficiency knowledge and competency, we also invested in the training of our staff," Alan Thng, director of Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Estate, Eco & Safety (EES) Office tells The Business Times in an interview.

The EES team, which drives the various energy efficiency initiatives, has attained certifications such as SCEM (Singapore Certified Energy Manager), GMAP (Green Mark Accredited Professional) and even a Specialist Diploma in Energy Management & Sustainable Design. In addition, it regularly engages with NP's facilities team and collaborates with various stakeholders to review and implement new technologies and ideas.

"We are honoured to receive the national award and are inspired to do even better in future in our energy efficiency initiatives. The award is a recognition of our mission to advocate environmental stewardship and drive environmental sustainability," says Thng. "It also validates our vision to build a green and sustainable campus through harnessing smart technology, actively driving sustainable solutions and adopting innovative strategies."

Throughout the pandemic, the mindset and commitment to its energy policies have never changed. NP plans to continue to introduce more naturally ventilated spaces, for instance, by converting part of the current air-conditioned spaces in the Convention Centre to non-air-conditioned spaces using high volume, low speed energy saving fans.

"We will source for more energy efficient equipment and devices when we carry out any building retrofitting. For instance, all our new air-con installations will need to satisfy the four-tick rating considered the most energy efficient rating by the National Environment Agency (NEA)," says Thng.

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In setting up smart classrooms, NP is using sensors to monitor things like human presence and CO2 levels to improve the operational efficiency and optimise the performance of the lighting, mechanical and air-con systems within the facilities.

"Singapore has no natural resources and depends heavily on imported fossil fuels for our energy needs. Hence, we are vulnerable to rising energy costs that can affect our economic competitiveness. It is crucial that we take steps to improve our energy efficiency to be more resilient.

"Improving energy efficiency reduces the greenhouse effect and global warming, which helps to combat climate change. Our daily energy demand generates primary greenhouse gas which can be reduced if we use energy more efficiently."

He says NP's energy efficiency (EE) initiatives have reduced the environmental impact and helped bring down operating costs drastically. Ever since it started EE initiatives in 2013, it has reduced energy consumption by approximately 30 per cent as of 2019, which exceeds the national target of 15 per cent. At the same time, carbon emission has also been reduced by 10 per cent after the adoption of solar panels.

NP's energy efficiency measures include mini cooling districts where one chiller plant is used to cool multiple buildings. This not only brings down operating costs, but also reduces the initial infrastructure set-up cost and periodical maintenance cost. It has also installed solar panels on top of 16 of its buildings for its own energy consumption, thereby lowering the energy demand from the power vendor.

While planning for development work, NP says that it consciously introduced naturally ventilated spaces for the study areas. This eliminates the need for installing air-conditioning systems, which are the biggest source of energy consumption. Where possible, room bookings at night or on weekends are scheduled at locations with standalone air-con units, so that chiller plant operation hours are minimised. During term breaks, part of the library and all common study spaces are shut down to save energy on lights and air-con usage. Air-con speed and temperature are also tuned down for offices with few occupants.

Thng says NP is currently studying the possibility of installing solar panels on more buildings so that it can harness more energy to further reduce its carbon footprint. NP is conducting a feasibility study with the aim to achieve Green Mark Platinum certification for NP's Convention Centre, ECO Office certification for 27 offices, and Green Mark certification for 40 buildings in NP by the end of 2022.

NP encourages ground up initiatives to drive its sustainability goals. As an environmentally responsible educational institution advocating environmental stewardship, NP recognises staff who find creative productivity solutions to shape a green campus. This is done through its organisation-led Smarter Perks Programme which encourages and rewards the sharing of innovative ideas which have an impact on the campus.

"We have set ourselves goals in line with the public sector targets. Using the average EUI (kWh/m2) over the period 2018 to 2020 as a baseline, our goal is to achieve a 10 per cent reduction in energy consumption and a 5 per cent reduction in carbon emission by 2030. With a list of energy saving projects in the pipeline, we are confident that we can meet our targets."

Started in 1963, Ngee Ann Polytechnic is today one of Singapore's leading institutions of higher learning with over 13,000 enrolled students and an alumni network of more than 160,000. It offers close to 40 full time courses through its nine academic schools.