ENERGY EFFICIENCY FOR RETAIL MALLS IN SINGAPORE - A MANAGEMENT APPROACH

Abstract

Rising prices of non-renewable fossil fuel like crude oil would be a challenge for a resource constraint country like Singapore. Energy efficiency is thus critical in ensuring that Singapore becomes a “smart energy economy” whilst maintaining a low carbon footprint.

A key contribution of this study is the focus on commercial building energy efficiency. In particular, the study focuses on retail malls in Singapore by examining various energy efficiency parameters through both systems and management approaches. The aim is to develop a comprehensive guideline in assisting operation managers in achieving higher energy efficiency standards.

To have a through understanding on practical energy efficiency approaches, interviews with the operation managers of Liang Court and Achorpoint Shopping Centers were carried out to develop two in-depth case studies. Both retails malls were awarded Singapore’s inaugural Energy Smart Retail Mall Label in 2009. Key challenges faced, experience gained and advice for future improvements were identified.

Besides the interview process, a second research method was conducted to gain insights on industry-wide energy efficiency practices. A survey of 21 retail malls revealed that total building energy efficiency has a strong positive correlation with the frequency of generating management report. The survey also confirmed that better systems approach like the utilization of more efficient chillers contributed to the total building efficiency.

The literature review, case study interviews and survey provided useful information in generating a guideline that could be used by operation managers to achieve higher energy efficiency standards. The guideline focused on both systems (air conditioning and lighting system) and management approaches. Overall, in additional to an effective systems approach, strong management leadership plays a critical role for retail malls in Singapore to achieve higher energy efficiency standards.