On the path to net zero, architects race to design greener

WHEN office folks need a break from staring at their laptops all day, nipping into the pantry or the nearest cafe may well be the most obvious options.

But imagine being able to step out for fresh air at an outdoor terrace whenever you want, or working with a panoramic view of the city or sea without leaving the building. For future tenants at 8 Shenton Way, that will be a reality when the 63-storey tower is completed in 2028.

The building, designed by American architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), aims to obtain the Building Construction Authority’s (BCA) Green Mark Platinum certification, the highest sustainability certification in the region. For this, the building must have a 55 per cent energy reduction compared to the benchmark.