Previously known as Singapore’s World Trade Centre, HarbourFront Centre has become one of the oldest buildings to receive the Building and Construction Authority (BCA)’s Green Mark Platinum Award.
The Platinum standard is the highest rating under the Green Mark scheme, which was launched in 2005 to enhance the construction industry’s environmental performance.
“We are very pleased that HarbourFront Centre, despite its age, has stood out with its exemplary green achievement. Our support for environmental sustainability not only reaps cost savings but will also benefit our tenants,” said Amy Ng, CEO of Mapletree (Singapore Investments), in a press release.
Owned and managed by Mapletree Investments, the 33-year-old mixed-use development building qualifies under the “existing building” category for retrofitted buildings. It went through renovations in 2004 and 2008, and installed an energy-efficient chiller plant in 2009.
The retrofit of HarbourFront Centre has produced substantial results, which include about 30 percent reduction in electricity costs and 50 percent increase in air-conditioning efficiency.
Aside from energy savings, the company reduced water consumption by 11,000 cubic metres, mainly through more water-efficient cooling towers.
In addition, the provision of recycling bins across the building encourages improved recycling rates from visitors and occupants of the 160 retail and 120 office units.