DIGITALISATION AND INNOVATION – A KEY ENABLER IN CDL’S DECARBONISATION JOURNEY

Innovation has been a key driver in our decarbonisation journey and one of the Group’s top-voted material ESG issues since 2017. As we move towards a low-carbon world, we continue to leverage innovation and digitalisation to support business growth and transformation of the Group.

Enterprise Innovation Committee

At the corporate level, the Company has a dedicated cross-functional committee, established by our Group CEO, Sherman Kwek, in 2018. Chaired by our Group COO, Kwek Eik Sheng, the Enterprise Innovation Committee (EIC) curates and implements customer and digital-centric solutions that create near and long-term business value for the organisation. The EIC aims to identify.

This team complements the EIC by identifying scalable technology to reduce our carbon footprint in the way we design, build and manage our assets. The Company recognises that a circular economy goes hand-in-hand with clean energy solutions to realise a net-zero future. These activities are powered by three mutually reinforcing innovation engines: (1) Innovation Pipeline; (2) People and Culture; and (3) PropTech Investment. For more information on our EIC, see CDL ISR 2022.

INVESTING IN GREENER, SAFER AND SMARTER ASSETS

Innovation Highlights for Safe, Healthy and Smart Buildings

Investing in green assets has become a critical strategy for addressing climate change and driving long-term value creation. Transforming the built environment into a greener one demands deliberate allocation of resources. By prioritising green assets and innovation, we can drive business value while realising our net-zero aspirations. The following initiatives, piloted in 2024, reflect the Group’s commitment in decarbonisation and using digitalisation to strengthen our business operations. These highlights are non-exhaustive.

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Smart lighting for corporate office

  • Implemented smart workspace lighting integrated with a software and data platform at Republic Plaza
  • The smart lighting system provides integrated occupancy and daylight sensing, including automatic daylight responsive control and on-demand lighting control. It also includes a dashboard with data visualisations to provide insights into occupancy for space optimisation
  • Achieved 23% energy savings or 2,444kWh/year or 1,018kgCO2/floor/year from the smart lighting implementation
 Air Handling Units (AHU) sonic filter

  • Completed a trial using sonic filters for three AHU units in Republic Plaza
  • The filters help to improve air filtration efficiency while reducing energy consumption of the AHU fans through reduction in fan speed during air distribution
  • Plan to scale up to more buildings in 2025
Model predictive controls for aircon system

  • Piloted a model predictive control solution at City House
  • Preliminary results showed a 12% reduction in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) energy consumption
 SmartSeal system sealing duct

  • Completed a pilot using duct sealing technology at Level 4 of City Square Mall
  • Achieved reduction of leakage by 73% and a 5% reduction of energy consumption by the AHU
Carbon Storage and Utilisation (CSU) Concrete

  • Completed the arrival drop-off structure at our new residential development, Copen Grand, using ready-mixed concrete
  • Ready-mixed concrete mix utilises about 80% cement replacement and CO2 sequestration
  • It is easy to work with and gains strength quickly, allowing mould to be removed on time
 Virtual TOP (Temporary Occupation Permit)

  • Completed a virtual TOP with BCA for phase 1 of City Square Mall’s asset enhancement initiative in Q1 2024
  • Instead of a conventional physical TOP inspection, the BCA inspector and project team conducted the inspection process virtually, using 3D data compiled through 360-degree photo capture
  • Resulted in savings of more than 400 man-hours, improving productivity and efficiency
Data analytics for foot traffic in retail mall

  • Completed a pilot at Phuket Square Jungceylon Shopping Center using sensors and data analytics
  • The system mapped shoppers’ radio signals, tracked their journey and generated actionable insights to optimise retail operations
 Autonomous vending robot

  • The Company piloted an autonomous vending retail robot at City Square Mall
  • This mobile robot showcases retail products engages with shoppers and features a QR code for seamless wayfinding

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations

The Company has supported the transformation of the local urban mobility scene by providing car park lots with EV chargers since 2010. Our efforts support the Singapore Green Plan 2030, where 60,000 EV charging points will be deployed at public car parks and private premises by 2030.

Over the years, new EV lots have been progressively installed across our assets. The Company takes pride in being the developer with one of the highest density of EV charging stations in Singapore.

SUSTAINABILITY-RELATED INNOVATION AT M&C

Installation of Room Control Unit (RCU) and sensors for hotels in Singapore and Asia
The RCU reduces energy wastage from using key cards as electricity switches, and turns off lighting and airconditioning when the room is vacant. This results in an estimated electricity savings per room of 17.7 kWh per week and cost savings of over S$66,500 per year.

Solar film installation on room windows for M Hotel
Solar film installation on room windows for 415 rooms in M Hotel reduces energy required for cooling, resulting in an estimated energy savings of approximately 1.2%, amounting to around S$25,700 in cost savings.