Supported by

Environment Building

The Environment (ENV) building has a gross floor area of 49,021 m². It consists of 2 basement car parks and 25 stories of offices. It is operational since 1986. The ENV building has implemented various water conservation initiatives and is certified as Water Efficient Building and Smart Office. It also received the Green Mark Gold Plus Award in May 2007.

Management Commitment

In order to ensure sustainable energy and water efficiency, a total management framework that includes management participation, user participation, audit or benchmark, operation management, continuous improvement and design is adopted.

The management establishes a close relationship with the facilities and operations level and believes that an open communication network can foster a sustainable energy and water conservation culture throughout all levels. The facilities and operations gather feedback from the security, tenants, cleaners, managing agent and mechanical and electrical contractors. before passing to the management level. Through a total approach, it ensures that everyone in the building is actively participating in water conservation.

Regular Monitoring

To facilitate monitoring and reviewing of water consumption, private sub-meters are installed at the major water usage areas, such as at the makeup line of the cooling tower, rainwater collection tank, pipeline to the common toilets, etc. Private sub-meters are also used to monitor water usage for each cleaning activity.

A schematic diagram of the locations of water meters being installed

Private sub-meters at the makeup line of the cooling tower and at the rainwater collection tank.

Meter readings at the respective private sub-meters are taken 2 to 3 times / day

Private sub-meters are used and usage of water is recorded by cleaners for each cleaning activity

Monthly water consumption figures are then recorded and compared to monitor for any abnormal increase in water consumption. When they detect any abnormal peak in water consumption, immediate investigation and rectification is carried out.

The Building Management System (BMS) is installed to monitor the tank water levels of Potable Water, NEWater and rainwater to ensure there is no overflow from the tanks.

Building Management System (BMS)

The 3Rs Aproach - Reduce, Replace and Reuse

Water management in the building can be classified using the 3Rs approach - Reduce, Replace and Reuse.

(i) Reduce

With the installation of constant flow regulators (CFRs), all taps in the toilets are reduced to water efficient flow rates of 2 litres/min. Flush volume for the urinals are also adjusted to 1.5 litres, 1 litre and 0.5 litre for large, medium and small size urinals respectively. Water efficient fittings such as dual flush low capacity flushing cisterns and waterless urinals were installed in toilets during the recent renovation.

To avoid any drift loss, drift eliminators are installed in the cooling towers.

(ii) Replace

Rainwater is collected and is used for irrigation for the landscape around the building. NEWater is used as a back up if rainwater collection is not sufficient. Rainwater sensor is also installed to shut the irrigation system during raining days.

Rain sensor location at the top of the building

The rainwater collection tank

NEWater replaces potable water as make up water for the cooling towers.

(iii) Reuse

The Condensate water from the AHUs is collected and stored in a water recycling tank. The water recyling tank is a common tank that stores the condensate water and NEWater. The condensate is reused as make up water for cooling towers.

Condensate water from AHUs is reused as make-up water for cooling towers

 

The Regent Singapore

The Regent Singapore offers 439 rooms, houses 7 dining outlets, 14 function rooms and a ballroom and has a gross floor area of 42,483m². Awarded Gold Plus under the BCA's Green Mark Scheme in May 2008, the Hotel is also certified by PUB as a Water Efficient Building in October 2008.

The Regent Singapore enjoys water saving of up to about 16%, reflecting the success of implementing various water conservation measures in 2008.

The Regent Singapore is committed actively conserve natural resources including water and energy in the Hotel without compromising on the Hotel's safety and operational standards.

Environmental Management Committee

Senior management is very supportive of environmental issues. An environmental committee comprising of different representatives from different departments is tasked to look into water conservation matters in addition to other environmental issues. Monthly meetings are held and talks and briefings are organised to create awareness among employees to conserve water at all times. Articles concerning water and environmental issues are also posted on a notice board for the staff to read.

A notice board is set up to create environmental awareness

Regular Monitoring

Private water meters are installed at essential areas such as cooling towers, production kitchen, laundry and swimming pool for monitoring purposes. Meter readings are taken regularly to observe any abnormal increase of water consumption. This promptly detects and effectively tackles unsatisfactory water consumption in any of these areas.

The Building Management System (BMS) also monitors the water level of the water tanks, chiller pumps, etc.

Private water meter installed at the balancing tank of the swimming pool

Private water meter installed at the NEWater make-up line to cooling tower

Private water meter is installed at the Laundry Facility

Regular monitoring of the water consumption

The 3Rs Approach - Reduce, Replace and Reuse

The approach to water conservation and sustainability ensured by the environmental committee can be classified into 3Rs - reduce, replace and reuse.

Reduce

Apart from installing pressure reducing valves (PRVs) to reduce the pressure at the water reticulation system, the flow rates of all the basin taps in the guest and staff rooms are reduced to a water efficient rates of 4 litres / min and 2 litres/min respectively. The flow rate of showerheads in all the guest rooms is also reduced to 9 litres / min. In addition, vegetables are washed in a sink filled with water in the Hotel's kitchens.

A rain sensor system is installed to turn off the irrigation system during rainy days.

Variable Speed Drive (VSD) system is installed for secondary chilled water pumps at the cooling towers, which enables savings of energy and water.

Water efficient flowrates at fittings in guest rooms

Washing vegetables in a sink of water

Rain sensor system

Replace

NEWater instead of potable water is used for cooling towers, irrigation use, as well as the water feature.

NEWater is used for irrigation and water feature

Reuse

Chilled water from the chiller plant is reused to cool the refrigeration units of cold rooms in the production kitchens.