Greening the built environment through technology and innovation
As a Schneider Electric EcoXpert, Automated Lab harnesses cutting-edge technologies to implement sustainable energy management solutions tailored to meet client needs.
Imagine a campus where teachers deftly weave sustainability concepts into lessons, making the learning experience fun and educational. An eye-catching dashboard displays the school’s real-time energy usage, sparking student participation by linking consumption to the energy value of everyday items like hamburgers and bubble tea.
This vision was brought to life at Dulwich College Singapore by Automated Lab, a specialist in custom automation systems for offices. The company implemented a digital twin monitoring system that captures, monitors and analyses environmental data in real-time, optimising decision-making and facility management at the school.
Strategically placed in high-traffic areas, the tool not only enhances understanding of energy conservation through gamification, but also keeps students informed about key sustainability metrics, including campus temperature and building energy efficiency rankings.
“The smart and visually stimulating dashboard aids Dulwich College Singapore in achieving its green goals and offers an engaging interface that fosters a culture of sustainability in an accessible manner,” said Ms Esther Wong, project director of Automated Lab.
WORKING IN TANDEM TO DELIVER POSITIVE OUTCOMES
This creative approach to sustainable energy management is powered by global energy management systems specialist Schneider Electric’s array of solutions. As a trained and certified EcoXpert partner since 2016, Automated Lab is part of Schneider Electric’s network of providers that delivers advanced automation and digital solutions to customers.
“With its best-in-class technologies and strong sustainability focus, Schneider Electric’s offerings align with Dulwich College Singapore’s net-zero, green market and sustainability objectives,” said Ms Wong. “Teaming up with Schneider Electric ensures our solutions adhere to strict quality benchmarks and are executed by trained and certified individuals, which is key to delivering trust and growth.”
At Dulwich College Singapore, solar panels offset 40 per cent of the school’s annual energy consumption. As a result of its collective efforts, Dulwich College Singapore was recognised as the country’s first net-zero international school campus and awarded the Building and Construction Authority’s Platinum Green Mark certification.
GREENING BUILDINGS, DATA CENTRES AND MINDSETS
Outside the academic realm, Automated Lab is implementing Schneider Electric’s solutions in various sectors, including banking and data centres. These institutions require highly reliable environmental management of their critical facilities, while ensuring the security of their IT systems.
“When we implement energy and facilities management systems that enable remote monitoring and control of essential elements such as air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation, we ensure the architecture mitigates cybersecurity threats and meets clients’ stringent IT requirements,” shared Ms Wong.
In line with Singapore Green Plan 2030, more offices are doubling down on their sustainability efforts, she noted. Some are seeking solutions that extend beyond tracking and conserving energy usage, similar to the approach taken by Dulwich College Singapore. For example, office management company Jones Lang Lasalle (JLL) Singapore specified that its energy management system deactivate lights in meeting rooms after just five minutes of vacancy.
“This grace period is relatively short – it’s possible for one to stay still, such as using a mobile phone while seated, for more than five minutes,” said Ms Wong. “JLL Singapore’s mandate was intentional, with the organisation envisioning the inconvenience as a catalyst for kickstarting green conversations among staff and achieving a mindset shift on energy usage.”
Following the greening of its office, JLL Singapore has achieved a 30 per cent reduction in energy usage, leading to a 30 per cent reduction in operational costs compared to pre-retrofit benchmarks.
At Microsoft, the company’s engineers were able to add features to the system Automated Lab had installed, such as display panels indicating the availability of meeting rooms on every floor. This enhancement was facilitated by Schneider Electric’s technologies, which enables the integration of third-party Internet of Things solutions. These include sensors that monitor room occupancy to manage systems such as lighting, blinds and room bookings.
Ms Wong highlighted that as a systems integrator looking to deploy its IT expertise effectively and efficiently, Automated Lab leverages the EcoXpert partnership to attain the required level of proficiency in built environment solutions. The collaboration provides valuable knowledge through practical training sessions and access to a diverse range of sustainability case studies.
“The insights shared by Schneider Electric go beyond the Singapore market, offering a global perspective. In our six years as an EcoXpert partner, we are proud to have contributed our own case studies to these international examples,” said Ms Wong.
Learn more about becoming a Schneider Electric EcoXpert.