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The Singapore government has set a target to green 80% of Singapore’s buildings by 2030 and have 80% of new developments to be Super Low Energy (SLE) buildings from 2030 onwards. Given the long lifecycle of buildings, the Building Construction Authority (BCA) launched the latest edition of the Green Mark Scheme, GM 2021, where new and existing buildings will have to achieve higher standards of energy performance under this revision as Singapore raises our national climate commitments. To encourage building owners and developers to strive towards best-in-class energy standards, this commitment is supported by incentives such as

 

About U-Build

 

UOB is the first bank in Asia to provide an integrated green building financing platform for the Real Estate ecosystem. The U-Build Program offers green and sustainability linked loans for new developments and asset enhancement initiatives, leveraging on UOB’s U-Series program to optimize building operating expenses. It provides sustainable financing solutions for the real estate ecosystem from building owners, developers, contractors, and suppliers to tenants. With this platform, businesses can also easily connect with our Real Estate Advisory Partner (REAP) for beyond banking solutions and finance their projects through the program’s different sustainable financing options

U-Build and its REAPs help fast-track your decarbonization journey with their deep expertise in the Real Estate sector across commercial and industrial buildings.

Why Green Buildings?

Higher Rental Premium

Higher Rental Premium

4-9% rental premium for green certified offices in SingaporeSource: Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL)

Singapore Green Building Masterplan

Singapore Green Building Masterplan

Green 80% of Singapore’s buildings by 2030 and raised environmental sustainability standards for new and existing buildings undergoing major retrofit

Operational Cost Savings

Operational Cost Savings

Up to 30% operational cost savings in the form of energy savings in the long run, offsetting initial capital outlays

Supported building types

  • Data Centre
  • Hotel
  • Industrial
  • Mixed Development
  • Office
  • Hospital
  • Retail
  • Residential

Benefits

Future-proof your assets

Future-proof your assets

Upkeep sustainability standards in line with increasingly stringent regulations and policies

Low or zero upfront payment for retrofit projects

Low or zero upfront payment for retrofit projects

With different types of financing options available, you can achieve your sustainability goals at a low or zero upfront cos

Integrated end-to-end platform

Integrated end-to-end platform

U-Build offers sustainable financing solutions for the real estate ecosystem from developers, contractors, building material suppliers and connects you with leading industry experts

Trusted partners with extensive industry experience

Trusted partners with extensive industry experience

REAPs will provide advisory, execution and management of your sustainability project according to your sustainability needs

Enhanced Asset Valuation

Enhanced Asset Valuation

Uplift net property income and asset valuation through asset enhancement initiatives

Start your sustainability journey

Start your sustainability journey

Seize new opportunities that come with being recognized as a sustainable business

Building Performance Calculator

 

^For building types that are not included in the dropdown above, please contact UOB U-Build partners for a detailed evaluation.

Click here for Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) definition of gross floor area.


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Results

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Well done! You appear to be in the top 90 percentile of energy efficient buildings, but there is always room for improvement! U-Build can help you make the changes needed to enjoy greater savings and create a more positive environmental impact.

Connect with U-Build partners to find out how.

Enjoy savings and create a greater positive environmental impact with U-Build. Enhancing your building to the top 10% in energy performance will bring about savings up to:

S$ 32,334

Energy bill savings per year

34%

Saving from original energy bill

53 ton

CO2 avoided per year

12

Passenger vehicles driven for 1 year

887

Tree seedlings grown for 10 years

Connect with U-Build partners to find out how.

Results are calculated based on the assumption that these enhancements would bring your building to the top 10% of the energy usage intensity range as detailed in Singapore’s Building Construction Authority (BCA) Building Energy Benchmarking Report (Statistics and Figures) 2021. All results shown are estimates and for illustration purposes only. Actual figures may vary, depending on prevailing site conditions, energy usage behaviour, asset type and/or the replacement costs of the energy efficiency project undertaken.


Try out our U-Build Home Assessment to find out how energy efficient your home is.

U-Build Partners

UOB has partnered with these real estate advisory partners to support your sustainable green building journey across these asset types:

 

Office

Office

Hotel

Hotel

Hotel

Residential

Hotel

Hospital

Industrial

Industrial

Retail

Retail

Mixed Development

Mixed

Data Centre

Data Centre

Click here to connect with U-Build partners

ARUP

Data Centre HotelHospital Industrial OfficeMixed DevelopmentResidential Retail

 

Arup is the creative force at the heart of many of the world’s most prominent projects in the built environment. Together we turn exciting ideas into tangible reality as we strive to find a better way and shape a better world. With our in depth technical knowledge, the Building Advisory team works very closely with our clients to increase Asset Yield whilst meeting their Net Zero and Sustainability Targets.

 

Project 1
Project type Portfolio
Description of Project Whole life carbon assessment of Residential, Retail & Commercial Assets in Singapore for the client to understand how their assets stand in relation to relevant benchmarks both in relation to embodied and operational carbon.
Results / Outcome / Savings The outcome of the project would be to first understand where the client's assets in reference to the applicable benchmarks.

The next step is to identify areas of improvment both in relation to the upfront embodied carbon and operational carbon. Through the process the client will then be able to focus on specfic areas of focus for both new and existing develomenmts.

The study provided insights on the maximum potential to reduce an asset carbon emisison through their entire lifecycle.
GFA (sqm) >350,000m2
Project 2
Project type Portfolio
Description of Project The first part of the study was to undertake a Sustainabilty Asseesment for the client with assets across the Apac region. Through this process. the was able to understand the both the client's and investor's understanding and needs around Sustainability.

Following on from the study, the client has engaged Arup to carry out a more detailed study across their portfolio of assets to identify "stranded" assets, their value and stranding year and what is the potential for these assets to improve their carbon emissions. Adopting the CRISP platform that was developed by Arup, the team identified stranded assets.
Results / Outcome / Savings Through this study Arup carried out a gap analysis on the identified stranded assets to provide strategies for the client to priorities based on their carbon emissions, operational energy intensity and asset value.

Using this information the team has been working with the client to further review the various options taking into consideration the potential energy/ cost savings and ROI for each of the proposed options.

For a single building we are now carrying out a more detailed gap analysis to identify how the asset can achieve Super Low Energy status.
GFA (sqm) >400,000m2
Project 3
Project type Portfolio
Description of Project Arup was engaged to review the client's portfolio of existing residential assets in Japan. The purpose of this study was to review the green house emissions from their existing assets and to then propose options that could be implemented progressively.
Results / Outcome / Savings Through this project Arup reviewed current materials used in the construction of the assets and the key energy consuming equipment across the assets.

Based on our understanding of the exsiting conditions, the team then carried out a detailed feasibility study on the various options for reducing the green house gas emissions including the common and tenanted areas.
GFA (sqm) >400,000m2
CBRE

Data Centre HotelHospital Industrial OfficeMixed DevelopmentResidential Retail

 

We take our leadership role in the real estate industry to heart. So we've made responsible practices the foundation of our global operations. We help organisations to create real estate strategies that drive superior business outcomes, identify optimisation opportunities that reduce costs and carbon emissions and demonstrate market leading approaches to ESG.

 

Project 1
Project type Portfolio
Description of Project Sustainability was a key factor for this multinational financial services company. Targeting a carbon reduction of 10% over 6 years, we looked to support them in the reduction in emissions and identification of energy saving opportunities.
Results / Outcome / Savings We were able to support in the implementation of a number of key reduction opportunities to reduce energy usage intensity by 30%, water use intensity by 55% and waste intensity by 24%. Resulting in an expected USD16M savings over 5 years. Opportunities:

- BMS logic changes

- Simplified control algorithms

- Recommended simple retrofits

- PPM enhancement

- Power factor improvement

- High efficiency chiller upgrades
GFA (sqm) 8,800,000
Project 2
Project type Portfolio
Description of Project Our client desired an increase in sustainability performance in order to make its APAC operations a pocket of best practice. We were approached to support them in outlining a concrete roadmap of decarbonisation action, supporting them in undertaking relevant steps and support them in their ESG journey.
Results / Outcome / Savings By utilising out Sustainability Assessment Tool on four of the clients largest APAC sites, we were able to identify improvement opportunities and how they could be more aligned to best practice. We then supported in the development of their decarbonisation roadmap, benchmarking the performance of their portfolio and identifying energy, carbon and cost savings. In total it was estimated that 10-30% energy savings could be achieved from the implementation of identified opportunities.
GFA (sqm) 741,000
Project 3
Project type Individual Buildings
Description of Project We were engaged to complete the Green Mark recertification and energy audit for a premier mix-development commercial building in Singapore. Alongside the recertification of the building, the client wanted to understand and investigate energy saving opportunities and how to improve the buildings sustainability goals and policies.
Results / Outcome / Savings We completed a Green Mark Gold Plus recertification, identified 6% annual energy savings and detailed no and low cost energy saving measures for implementation
GFA (sqm) 64,562
JLL

Data Centre HotelHospital Industrial OfficeMixed DevelopmentResidential Retail

 

For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500® company with annual revenue of $20.9 billion and operations in over 80 countries around the world, our more than 105,000 employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. For further information, visit jll.com

 

Project 1: Trifecta
Project type Individual Buildings
Description of Project Nestled in the heart of Singapore Orchard Somerset, Trifecta is Asia’s first Immersive Ski, Surf and Skate Sports Facility, nestled in the heart of Singapore Orchard Somerset. A greenfield project a total site area of 49,610sqft and a built up of 20,817sqft consisting of 3 key blocks namely Ski, Surf and Skate; Retail and F&B experiences; and Roof Garden and experiential ground scape spaces, Trifecta is positioned to be in line with Singapore Government’s long-term vision to transform Orchard Road precinct into a must-visit lifestyle destination with diverse offerings for all visitors, while enhancing the appeal and youthful vibe of the Somerset area.
Results / Outcome / Savings This project build is a first for JLL Singapore working on a sports facility, a tourism focus experiential facility and base building project management in the city centre, and is is also JLL’s first project in close collaboration with Singapore Tourism Board. Trifecta offers JLL visibility to the governmental bodies such as Singapore Tourism Board, Urban Redevelopment Authority and Singapore Land Authority further anchors and showcases our ability to execute project of such complexity, nature and scale, not just in Singapore but across the region.
GFA (sqm) 2,000
Project 2: JLL Singapore Office
Project type Portfolio
Description of Project JLL CapitaSpring is the latest JLL office in Singapore, located in the heart of the city state's Central Business District. Designed with sustainability, employee wellness and hybrid work in mind, this next-generation workplace redefines the future of work with a new ‘regenerative’ office. Located on the 35th floor of CapitaSpring, a new Grade A office building constructed with sustainability in mind, the building offers work-live-play amenities, car-lite facilities, and lush greenery with its 35-metre-tall Green Oasis and rooftop garden.
Results / Outcome / Savings The workplace at CapitaSpring demonstrating JLL's vision of a futuristic, well and sustainable office that can improve productivity and collaboration, boosting employee health and wellbeing. Built to Green Mark and Well platinum standards, the workplace experience has wellness and sustainability in mind. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow natural light to enter the workspace, a green moss wall and over 200 plants support our colleagues’ ambitions for sustainable living, automated systems take care of our air quality, lighting and occupancy limits to ensure our day-to-day comfort while a work café, prayer room and nursing room give us opportunities to unwind and cater to colleagues’ need for work-life harmony. The also office houses a first-of-its-kind Media Room equipped with a production suite to facilitate in-house filming, livestreaming as well as the development of multimedia content. To elevate client experiences and enable seamless cross-market collaboration, an all-new state-of-the-art Presentation Suite was built and fitted with large-screen panels that facilitates interactive showcases, virtual site visits, and live streaming of events.
GFA (sqm) 2,190
Project 3: DHL
Project type Individual Buildings
Description of Project A new built DHL advanced regional centre & logistics hub located Tampines Logistic Park, Singapore.
Results / Outcome / Savings We helped DHL realise their vision to create flagship model warehousing with an advanced regional logistics centre over a 14-month project program. The centre offers bespoke solutions to cater to specific industry needs (e.g., clean rooms, customised storage for service parts) and technological enhancements which improves picking efficiency in a much-reduced space compared to conventional warehousing operations. Green Mark Certification Gold level for the project’s energy concept and environmentally-friendly design. 
GFA (sqm) 91,970
Keppel

Data CentreHotelHospital Industrial OfficeMixed DevelopmentResidential Retail

 

Keppel Limited is a global asset manager and operator with strong expertise in sustainability-related solutions spanning the areas of infrastructure, real estate and connectivity. Headquartered in Singapore, Keppel operates in more than 20 countries worldwide, providing critical infrastructure and services for renewables, clean energy, decarbonisation, sustainable urban renewal and digital connectivity.

 

Project 1: Keppel Bay Tower (KBT) (Commercial)
Project type Individual Buildings
Description of Project KBT comprises of a Grade A 18-storey office tower and 6-storey podium block. It is Singapore’s first and only commercial development certified Green Mark Platinum Zero Energy (2020) by BCA, utilising renewable energy to power all its operations, including tenant spaces.
Results / Outcome / Savings Five new and emerging energy-efficient technologies were piloted at KBT, including a high-efficiency air distribution system, an innovative cooling tower water management system, integrated sensor technology to optimise fresh air intake, smart LED lighting solutions, and an intelligent building control system. In addition, an assembly of photovoltaic (PV) panels was installed. These efforts led to a 30% energy improvement from KBT's 2017 Green Mark Platinum baseline. The building is currently operating at around 40% more energy-efficient level than average Singapore large office buildings.
GFA (sqm) 36,000
Project 2: Keppel South Central (KSC) (Commercial)
Project type Individual Buildings
Description of Project KSC is a next-generation smart and BCA Green Mark Super Low Energy building with innovative, flexible and customer-centric urban space solutions. This includes Grade A offices, flexible workspaces, retail, event spaces, indoor and outdoor amenities, a social kitchen and round-the-clock facilities.
Results / Outcome / Savings When completed, KSC’s EUI is expected to be 110 kWh/m2 per year, which is energy savings of over 40% or 6.2 million kWh/year compared to a code-compliant building. This is approximately $1.8 million/ year in cost savings. Annual water savings is approximated at 26,000m3.
GFA (sqm) 60,500
Project 3 : i12 Katong (Retail)
Project type Individual Buildings
Description of Project After over two years of re-design and development, the new i12 Katong is the future of retail re-imagined, and a living laboratory for a variety of novel retail concepts and curated experiences built around the consumer and empowered by technology and sustainable practices. It was awarded the BCA Green Mark Platinum Award.
Results / Outcome / Savings Several energy-efficient, sustainable and smart features improve building operations, efficiency and experience: LED lighting, water-efficient fixtures, waste recycling system, electric vehicle chargers, food digestor, vertical urban farm, 5G connectivity and the "phygital" F&B Bistro Bytes.
GFA (sqm) 19,500

 

*Savings indicated are estimates and for illustration purposes only. Actual savings may vary, depending on prevailing site conditions, energy usage behavior and asset type. For more details on these projects, please consult with the respective U-Build partner.

Click here to connect with U-Build partners


If you are interested in becoming a U-Build partner, contact us here.

FAQ

What is U-Build about?
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U-Build is Asia’s first integrated green building financing platform across UOB’s key Asian markets. It provides financing solutions to attract building owners & developers, contractors, and suppliers, supporting the ‘green’ agenda of homeowners, businesses, and regional governments, in building a sustainable ecosystem and partnership. Through U-Build, businesses can easily connect with our advisory partners and tap on their expertise best suited for their sustainable projects.

With U-Build, the upfront investment required for your sustainable projects is reduced with UOB’s energy-as-a-service and direct purchase contracting models.

By appointing and working with our U-Build partners, there will be no additional costs or charges associated with the programme.

You are recommended to choose from our list of partners for your sustainable projects. By combining UOB’s real estate green financing solutions with our industry expert advice, we can better support you to optimise your capital investment and uplift your net property income and asset valuation.

Embark on your sustainable journey with UOB today. Find out how to get in touch with our U-Build partners.