Launched in October 2001, the BCA Energy Efficient Building Award aims to promote energy efficiency in buildings and to accord recognition to building owners, architects, engineers, energy consultants and energy service companies which have integrated energy efficiency into their building design, operation and maintenance. A total of 21 nominations were received by BCA with only six organisations receiving awards.

The hospital's environmental initiatives included the effective use of sun shading devices and naturally ventilated skylight to optimise ventilation and lighting indoors. Adjustments were also made to the air-conditioning system to lower energy consumption without compromising on comfort. The thermostats in the wards are clearly marked to help nurses set and maintain the room temperature between 23¡C and 24¡C. To reduce leakage of cooled air, manual doors were replaced with automatic ones in areas separating the air-conditioned and non air-conditioned areas. Other energy saving features include motion sensor lights, taps and energy saving light bulbs.

"We are looking into a heat recovery system and a chiller optimisation programme. This will yield potential savings of another $145,000. We expect the investment to pay off in another two years, said Mr Udairam.

The hospital is continuously looking at ways to care for the environment. It received the ISO 14001 certification, an international standard for its environmental management system on 13 November 1998. The hospital was also conferred the first Environmental Achievement Award by the Singapore Environmental Council in 1999.

 

"We planned and designed the hospital building to increase energy efficiency. Our efforts have paid off and we saved $455,000 a year through more efficient use of water and energy. Savings derived are channelled towards improving patient care and services," said Mr T K Udairam, Chief Executive Officer.

BCA Energy Efficient Building Awards 2002

A) NEW AND EXISTING BUILDING CATEGORY
1st prize - Changi General Hospital
2nd prize - Ministry of Education Building
3rd prize - United World College Of South East Asia

This category refers to buildings that have not undergone major improvements.

B) RETROFITTED BUILDING CATEGORY
1st prize - Shangri-La Hotel
2nd prize - Alexandra Hospital

This category refers to buildings that have undergone major changes and further improvements to energy efficiency.

C) SPECIAL FEATURES CATEGORY
1st prize - Changi Naval Base (Indirect Seawater Cooling & Thermal Storage System)

This category refers to special projects (in buildings) that apply or develop advanced technologies, which result in significant energy savings.