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Business Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
Prefabrication could help green Singapore's data centre industry
THE biggest contributor to a data centre's carbon footprint is electricity consumption, and businesses and government have been rightly examining how to cut this down. Yet, companies should consider the cost of construction too. This is especially as more jurisdictions promote or require the reporting of Scope 3 emissions, which include embodied carbon from construction. One possible solution: prefabricated modular data centres. Broader studies of modularised, off-site construction have shown emissions reductions of up to 45 per cent versus traditional construction methods. Prefabrication is already being widely used across Singapore's buildings, and there is greater room for it to be adopted in the construction of data centres here. While results will vary with the approach, and modularised prefabrication may not be suitable for all scenarios, careful consideration of construction methods can help data centre developers, owners and operators reduce their carbon footprints. BT in your inbox Start and end each day with the latest news stories and analyses delivered straight to your inbox. Sign Up Sign Up Embodied carbon: Oft-forgotten contributor According to the World Green Building Council, buildings are responsible for 39 per cent of global energy-related carbon emissions: 28 per cent of emissions come from the energy needed to heat, cool and power buildings, and 11 per cent can be attributed to materials and construction. For data centres, embodied carbon may be a slightly lower proportion because these buildings are energy-intensive. One analysis puts the figure at 6 per cent, counting materials such as concrete, steel, glass, wood, plastics, composites, thermal and moisture protection, openings and glazing, and finishes. Our own modelling of a data centre's emissions, which includes the cost of capital equipment, suggests the core and shell of the data centre building could represent 6.6 per cent of Scope 3 emissions before power is turned on. Concrete represents 85 per cent of the embodied carbon in the core and shell, while finishes and flooring represent the second-largest portion of the pie at 11 per cent. Considering the environmental impact of concrete alone, which is not just energy-intensive but water-intensive, a prefabricated modularised data centre built of steel offers significant savings in embodied carbon. More analysis is needed to calculate the exact reductions in embodied carbon from the use of prefabricated solutions, but we are confident that the results will be positive. The prefabricated data centre A prefabricated modular data centre is a data centre that has its systems (hardware and software) preassembled, integrated and tested in a factory environment. These systems may be mounted on a structure – called a skid – or installed within some kind of enclosure. Since they are built in controlled environments, prefabricated data centres have high quality and consistency. Our analysis shows prefabricated modules can also be deployed 40 per cent faster than a traditional build with the same infrastructure. On top of saving time, prefabrication saves on resources. There is little wastage of materials. Also, capacity can be added as needed rather than being built in right from the start. This approach is particularly beneficial for companies experiencing rapid growth or fluctuating workloads driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and edge computing. We have also found energy savings of 20 per cent from prefabricated modules, as the pre-engineered design of the modules allows for better integration of power and cooling system controls. Prefabricated data centre modules can also be used in existing buildings, making them suitable for anyone looking to repurpose an existing building for data centre use. As Singapore's economy adapts to the AI movement, prefabrication technology is one way to upgrade existing space. Innovating at the edge Singapore's data centre market is set to grow from US$1.3 billion in 2023 to an estimated US$3 billion by 2032. The nation's digital economy is booming, driving increased demand for infrastructure capable of supporting advanced AI applications and cloud services. The country's urban density presents unique challenges for data centre development, though. Large-scale, traditional data centres can take up valuable real estate and are not at all feasible in some areas. Prefabricated modular data centres, however, can occupy smaller footprints while still delivering high performance. In highly connected Singapore, where multinational corporations want low latency and reliable connectivity, prefabricated data centres can bring computing power closer to users and enhance overall system performance. As AI continues to drive exponential growth and edge computing gains prominence, the ability to rapidly deploy reliable data centres will become a key competitive differentiator. Companies that embrace modular solutions will enjoy more than just smaller carbon footprints. They may look forward to faster go-to-market timelines, improved operational efficiencies, and a future-ready infrastructure that aligns with Singapore's ambitions as a global digital hub. The writer is business vice-president, secure power, Singapore and Brunei cluster, at Schneider Electric
Arab News
05-05-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia makes strides in Vision 2030, workplace safety
Riyadh: Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour Al-Mushaiti has highlighted Saudi Arabia's significant progress toward Vision 2030, with 93 percent of annual indicators met and 85 percent of initiatives either completed or on track. Speaking at the Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference in Riyadh, he emphasized the environment sector's commitment to sustainability and the prioritization of worker safety across all development projects. Al-Mushaiti underscored the Kingdom's focus on human capital, demonstrated by the establishment of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health and the adoption of international best practices. He noted the water sector's achievement of more than 190 million safe work hours and a sub-45-second emergency response time with zero serious incidents during large-scale project implementation, which he attributed to robust safety management systems. The conference, held from May 4-6 under the theme 'The Future of Occupational Safety and Health,' brings together senior officials, experts, and specialists from Saudi Arabia and around the world to explore future directions and challenges in global labor markets. Al-Mushaiti also outlined environmental protection efforts, including a noise and light pollution monitoring program in major cities, citing potential productivity gains of more than 11 percent, according to the World Green Building Council. He highlighted the success of the Saudi Green Initiative, which has led to the planting of more than 141 million trees, the rehabilitation of more than 313,000 hectares of degraded land, and the protection of more than 4 million hectares. These environmental advances enhance worker safety and contribute to safer, more sustainable work environments, Al-Mushaiti said. In agriculture, Al-Mushaiti affirmed the ministry's adoption of Saudi Good Agricultural Practices standards, with 142 facilities accredited for safe practices, advanced pesticide control systems, and smart awareness platforms that have reduced pesticide residues to below 2 percent. The three-day conference features scientific sessions, 60 workshops, 20 dialogue sessions, and the Global Occupational Safety and Health Hackathon, showcasing 30 innovative projects.
Zawya
10-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Armstrong Fluid Technology launches envelopetm digital platform for smarter building systems in the Middle East
Dubai, UAE: Armstrong Fluid Technology, a leading manufacturer of intelligent flow equipment, including pumps, valves, heat exchangers and control solutions, has introduced a new integrated digital platform, named Envelope, that connects components in a mechanical system. Envelope unites Armstrong and partner solutions, delivering optimization through performance mapping, cutting-edge analytics and lifecycle services. A core feature of Envelope is its ability to generate detailed performance profiles of system components, enabling precise sizing and output modulation for maximum efficiency—an essential factor in regions where energy optimization and sustainability are top priorities. Qusai Abuabed, Sales Director for Türkiye, Middle East & Africa at Armstrong, comments: 'The Envelope Platform's strength lies in its ability to optimize systems by seamlessly integrating with partner products and solutions. With this platform, Armstrong and digitally controlled solutions can seamlessly connect and coordinate operations for superior efficiency—critical for the Middle East's rapidly growing commercial, industrial, and residential sectors.' For additional information visit About Armstrong Fluid Technology With manufacturing facilities on four continents, and employees around the world, Armstrong Fluid Technology is known as an innovator in the design, engineering and manufacturing of intelligent fluid flow equipment, control solutions and optimization technologies. In the shift toward digitalization and integration of fluid-flow systems, Armstrong leads the industry. With advanced solutions that leverage edge computing, IoT, machine learning, digital twin technology and demand-based control, Armstrong provides and protects efficiency in building mechanical systems, approaching energy optimization as a whole-building challenge and advancing the practice of full lifecycle management. Focusing on HVAC, Plumbing, Gas Transmission and Fire Safety applications, we provide energy-efficient, cost-effective solutions and performance management services to building and facility professionals around the world. Armstrong Fluid Technology is committed to sustainability. In 2019, Armstrong signed the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Commitment, a program launched by the World Green Building Council. As a signatory to the program, Armstrong has pledged to ensure that all its offices and manufacturing facilities operate at net-zero carbon by the year 2030. In May 2021, in recognition of our leadership in energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction and environmental stewardship, Armstrong Fluid Technology received a Queens Enterprise Award for Sustainability. Armstrong has also been named one of 2023's 50 Best Managed Companies. As a recipient of a 50 Best Managed award for 21 years, Armstrong continues to hold Platinum status in the program. Media Contact Eliane Chalhoub Eliane@
