AN ENERGY EVALUATION OF SUPERMARKETS IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Supermarkets have long been identified as one of the most energy intensive buildings internationally. Although many solutions have been proposed to help them save energy, supermarket operators are either not receptive or hesitant to adopt them. In Singapore, studies on energy performance of supermarkets are limited and backdated. Pilot studies have revealed that as much as 10% of a supermarket's total energy consumption, can be reduced with the right design from the start. In addition, significant cost savings can also be achieved, by targeting at the right system to manage more efficiently. This dissertation thus seeks to give an energy evaluation of supermarkets in Singapore. More specifically, it will discuss and analyse on the major energy consuming systems, namely Refrigeration, Lightings, and Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning. A benchmarking curve will also be derived to help local supermarket operators identify and set achievable targets for themselves to work on. In addition, potential energy savings opportunities will also be identified, quantified and discussed. Through research design and methodologies, the average annual energy use intensity (EUI) for Singapore supermarkets was found to be about 1244.79kWh/m2/year. This is higher than that of the intentional average of 1000 kWh/m2/year, in a study done by ASHARE. It is therefore, imperative to further analyse on the energy performance of Singapore supermarkets. The limitations of this study, is that only two major supermarket chains provided information. Moreover, estimates from past research were also used to establish the energy consumption of certain systems. Nevertheless, due to contacts with one of the supermarket chain’s higher management, vital information were able to be obtained. This gives a better representation of the supermarket industry in Singapore and also provides a sturdier platform for future research to be undertaken.