
People working in air-conditioned spaces prefer 24 deg C and warmer: Poll
The results of the survey - dubbed the Indoor Comfort Quiz - were revealed on July 9 at the International Green Building Conference 2025 at Raffles City Convention Centre, in a summary report titled Go 25 Indoor Comfort Snapshot.
The report surveyed individuals working in air-conditioned environments across various industries and offers data-driven insights to help business owners, building managers and workplace experience teams make informed decisions about temperature settings in commercial spaces. Its goal is to encourage the adoption of sustainable cooling measures without compromising comfort levels.
These measures include adopting hybrid cooling alternatives, such as setting the air-conditioning at 25 deg C and coupling it with ceiling fans, as well as encouraging employees to dress lightly.
This comes as Singapore rolled out the Go 25 movement in May, which encourages residents to set the indoor air-conditioning temperature in their homes, offices and buildings to 25 deg C.
The campaign is an initiative housed under Go Green SG 2025.
According to SGBC president Allen Ang, buildings account for more than 20 per cent of Singapore's carbon emissions, with air-conditioning being a key contributor to building energy consumption.
SGBC also noted that the overcooling in commercial buildings here accounts for as much as 50 per cent of the total energy required for cooling. This results in unnecessary energy usage and contributes to environmental impact.
Overcooling refers to the cooling of interiors with air-conditioning beyond the comfort range.
This, in turn, creates a vicious circle where hotter cities demand more cooling, which generates more emissions and heat, further raising ambient temperatures.
The quiz consisted of five multiple-choice questions on personal air-conditioning habits and preferences, such as preferred temperature settings and how respondents would respond if it became too cold.
It was built upon earlier research that found 25 deg C to be the ideal temperature for balancing human comfort and energy efficiency.
One such study, commissioned by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and SGBC, was conducted between January and April by Ngee Ann Polytechnic's (NP) Centre for Environmental Sustainability.
The study showed energy savings of up to 12 per cent for each degree raised in air-conditioning temperature from 23 deg C to 25 deg C in offices, with no reported increase in occupant discomfort.
Questions in the quiz, adapted from established thermal comfort research globally, were packaged as a personality quiz, where respondents received one of six personality profiles with Singaporean food themes.
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, who opened the conference, said: "When the air-con temperature is increased above 25 deg C and combined with hybrid cooling methods like fans, it can feel as cool as 23 deg C - while using much less energy."
Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu speaking at the International Green Building Conference 2025 on July 9. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO
Referencing the study done by NP, she noted that raising the air-conditioning temperature to 24 deg C or 25 deg C in a typical 3,000 sq m office - about the size of 30 four-room Housing Board flats - can achieve annual savings of around $6,400 in electricity costs.
In addition to air-conditioning temperatures, the state of the building infrastructure and the need for upgrading outdated air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems also play important roles in achieving sustainable cooling.
In a dialogue with SGBC chief executive Yvonne Soh at the conference, Ms Fu highlighted issues caused by improper installation of ventilation systems.
These create uneven airflow in air-conditioned areas, leaving some spaces stuffy. To address the lack of air circulation, building owners resort to lowering the temperature, which then leads to individuals working near the air-con feeling excessively cold.
Another resource, the Go 25 Industry Guide For Building Operations, was also introduced at the conference.
This industry guide provides a detailed overview of actionable strategies that support building managers, engineers and operators in implementing the Go 25 initiative.
It draws on industry data and best practices to offer recommendations for increasing indoor temperatures in air-conditioned environments without compromising comfort or productivity.
Some of these recommendations include ensuring proper placement of air vents and encouraging employees to dress comfortably for work.
The Go 25 Industry Guide is designed to assist managers of smaller buildings who may lack the knowledge or expertise to carry out the required adjustments.
It provides them with the background, outlines the benefits and includes a checklist to guide them through a phased implementation, SGBC said.
"Rethinking the way we cool our spaces isn't just a good-to-have, it's essential for meeting our climate goals... With these tools, we are empowering every stakeholder in the built environment to take meaningful, measurable steps towards a low-carbon future," SGBC's Mr Ang said.
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Straits Times
11-07-2025
- Straits Times
New list of technologies that reduce carbon footprint of buildings to be ready by Q1 2026
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat announced the Built Environment Decarbonisation Technology Roadmap at the Singapore Green Building Council Gala Dinner on July 11. SINGAPORE – A new list of technologies and best practices that will guide building owners and developers on reducing the carbon footprint of their buildings is set to be ready by early 2026. Called the Built Environment Decarbonisation Technology Roadmap, the initiative was announced by National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat on July 11, and serves as an update to the 2018 Super Low Energy Building Technology Roadmap that compiled emerging technologies for low-energy buildings. Speaking at the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) gala dinner at Orchard Hotel Singapore, Mr Chee said that the updated road map includes more than 50 technologies and strategies to reduce operational and embodied carbon of buildings. Embodied carbon refers to the carbon emissions associated with the materials and construction of a building, and typically make up about 30 per cent of a building's emissions, while the remaining 70 per cent is referred to as operational carbon – emissions from the day-to-day running of the building. The draft of the new road map currently comprises 54 technologies and strategies, and Mr Chee cited examples such as maximising natural ventilation, adopting alternative cooling technologies, and rolling out artificial intelligence-controlled building energy optimisation systems. It is being put together by SGBC, which is a non-profit organisation that was set up in 2009 and focuses on making Singapore's built environment sustainable, as well as the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and A*Star. BCA deputy chief executive for industry development Tan Chee Kiat said that the new road map addresses embodied carbon – an aspect not covered in the 2018 guide. This means the new road map takes a more holistic approach, he said, by looking at the whole life cycle of the building, including the emissions incurred by building materials. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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The council and BCA aim to finalise the road map by the first quarter of 2026. The road map is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at lowering the carbon footprint of Singapore's buildings, which account for more than 20 per cent of the country's carbon emissions. In 2005, the BCA launched its Green Mark certification scheme – a rating system used to evaluate a building's environmental impact and performance – while in 2021, the Singapore Green Building Masterplan was launched under the Singapore Green Plan 2030 – a wide-ranging set of strategies to make the country more environmentally sustainable by that year. BCA said in a press statement that as at March, 2,590 buildings have been Green Mark-certified. Mr Chee noted that each year, these buildings collectively save $1.3 billion in energy costs, and 4.2 billion kilowatt-hours of energy – enough to power one million four-room Housing Board flats for an entire year. He also acknowledged nine public- and private-sector developers that have supported the Green Mark scheme, as well as 11 buildings that have consistently scored well under the scheme over the past 20 years. Among the developers recognised was City Developments Limited (CDL), which has received 129 Green Mark certifications across its suite of properties thus far. CDL group chief executive Sherman Kwek said that beyond upgrading its buildings, the firm has also engaged its tenants to adopt sustainable practices within their office spaces. For instance, in July 2024, it piloted a programme for Republic Plaza tenants, giving those who achieved a reduction of at least 10 per cent in their annual power usage rebates on utility fees. 'We will continue to invest in innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency, transform our value chain, and support our nation's decarbonisation efforts,' said Mr Kwek. Also receiving plaudits was the National University of Singapore (NUS), which has 64 Green Mark-certified buildings, including SDE 4 – Singapore's first purpose-built net-zero energy building – which serves faculties under the university's School of Design and Environment. Mr Koh Yan Leng, NUS vice-president for campus infrastructure, said greening the university's buildings – such as by providing ample greenery, natural daylight and more natural ventilation – has created a conducive environment for learning and working. He added that setting ambitious energy efficiency targets for its buildings – such as SDE 4 – has allowed students to use the buildings as case studies, and for experiential learning. 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New Paper
10-07-2025
- New Paper
People working in air-conditioned spaces prefer 24 deg C and warmer: Poll
While many commercial buildings in Singapore are cooled to between 21 deg C and 22 deg C, a survey of 5,000 respondents commissioned by the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) found that more than half of the respondents preferred maintaining indoor temperatures at 24 deg C or warmer. The results of the survey - dubbed the Indoor Comfort Quiz - were revealed on July 9 at the International Green Building Conference 2025 at Raffles City Convention Centre, in a summary report titled Go 25 Indoor Comfort Snapshot. The report surveyed individuals working in air-conditioned environments across various industries and offers data-driven insights to help business owners, building managers and workplace experience teams make informed decisions about temperature settings in commercial spaces. Its goal is to encourage the adoption of sustainable cooling measures without compromising comfort levels. These measures include adopting hybrid cooling alternatives, such as setting the air-conditioning at 25 deg C and coupling it with ceiling fans, as well as encouraging employees to dress lightly. This comes as Singapore rolled out the Go 25 movement in May, which encourages residents to set the indoor air-conditioning temperature in their homes, offices and buildings to 25 deg C. The campaign is an initiative housed under Go Green SG 2025. According to SGBC president Allen Ang, buildings account for more than 20 per cent of Singapore's carbon emissions, with air-conditioning being a key contributor to building energy consumption. SGBC also noted that the overcooling in commercial buildings here accounts for as much as 50 per cent of the total energy required for cooling. This results in unnecessary energy usage and contributes to environmental impact. Overcooling refers to the cooling of interiors with air-conditioning beyond the comfort range. This, in turn, creates a vicious circle where hotter cities demand more cooling, which generates more emissions and heat, further raising ambient temperatures. The quiz consisted of five multiple-choice questions on personal air-conditioning habits and preferences, such as preferred temperature settings and how respondents would respond if it became too cold. It was built upon earlier research that found 25 deg C to be the ideal temperature for balancing human comfort and energy efficiency. One such study, commissioned by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment and SGBC, was conducted between January and April by Ngee Ann Polytechnic's (NP) Centre for Environmental Sustainability. The study showed energy savings of up to 12 per cent for each degree raised in air-conditioning temperature from 23 deg C to 25 deg C in offices, with no reported increase in occupant discomfort. Questions in the quiz, adapted from established thermal comfort research globally, were packaged as a personality quiz, where respondents received one of six personality profiles with Singaporean food themes. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, who opened the conference, said: "When the air-con temperature is increased above 25 deg C and combined with hybrid cooling methods like fans, it can feel as cool as 23 deg C - while using much less energy." Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu speaking at the International Green Building Conference 2025 on July 9. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO Referencing the study done by NP, she noted that raising the air-conditioning temperature to 24 deg C or 25 deg C in a typical 3,000 sq m office - about the size of 30 four-room Housing Board flats - can achieve annual savings of around $6,400 in electricity costs. In addition to air-conditioning temperatures, the state of the building infrastructure and the need for upgrading outdated air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems also play important roles in achieving sustainable cooling. In a dialogue with SGBC chief executive Yvonne Soh at the conference, Ms Fu highlighted issues caused by improper installation of ventilation systems. These create uneven airflow in air-conditioned areas, leaving some spaces stuffy. To address the lack of air circulation, building owners resort to lowering the temperature, which then leads to individuals working near the air-con feeling excessively cold. Another resource, the Go 25 Industry Guide For Building Operations, was also introduced at the conference. This industry guide provides a detailed overview of actionable strategies that support building managers, engineers and operators in implementing the Go 25 initiative. It draws on industry data and best practices to offer recommendations for increasing indoor temperatures in air-conditioned environments without compromising comfort or productivity. Some of these recommendations include ensuring proper placement of air vents and encouraging employees to dress comfortably for work. The Go 25 Industry Guide is designed to assist managers of smaller buildings who may lack the knowledge or expertise to carry out the required adjustments. It provides them with the background, outlines the benefits and includes a checklist to guide them through a phased implementation, SGBC said. "Rethinking the way we cool our spaces isn't just a good-to-have, it's essential for meeting our climate goals... With these tools, we are empowering every stakeholder in the built environment to take meaningful, measurable steps towards a low-carbon future," SGBC's Mr Ang said.

Straits Times
09-07-2025
- Straits Times
People working in air-conditioned spaces prefer 24 deg C and warmer: Survey
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu speaking at the International Green Building Conference 2025 on July 9. SINGAPORE – While many commercial buildings in Singapore are cooled to between 21 and 22 deg C, a survey of 5,000 respondents commissioned by the Singapore Green Building Council (SGBC) found that more than half of the respondents expressed a preference for maintaining indoor temperatures at 24 deg C or warmer. The results of the survey – dubbed the Indoor Comfort Quiz – were revealed on July 9 at the International Green Building Conference 2025 at Raffles City Convention Centre in a summary report titled Go 25 Indoor Comfort Snapshot. The report surveyed individuals working in air-conditioned environments across various industries , and offers data-driven insights to help business owners, building managers, and workplace experience teams make informed decisions about temperature settings in commercial spaces. Its goal is to encourage the adoption of sustainable cooling measures without compromising comfort levels . These measures include adopting hybrid cooling alternatives, like setting the air-conditioning at 25 deg C and coupling it with ceiling fans, as well as encouraging employees to dress light . This comes as Singapore rolled out the Go 25 movement in May 2025 , which encourages Singapore residents to set the indoor air-conditioning temperature in their homes and offices and buildings at 25 deg C. The campaign is an initiative housed under Go Green SG 2025. According to SGBC president Allen Ang, buildings account for more than 20 per cent of Singapore's carbon emissions, with air-conditioning being a key contributor to building energy consumption. SGBC also noted that the overcooling in commercial buildings here accounts for as much as 50 per cent of the total energy required for cooling. This results in unnecessary energy usage and contributes to environmental impact. Overcooling refers to the cooling of interiors with air-conditioning beyond the comfort range. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. 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The quiz consisted of five multiple -choice questions on personal air-conditioning habits and preferences, such as their preferred temperature settings and how they would respond if it became too cold . It was built upon earlier research that found 25 deg C as the ideal temperature for balancing human comfort and energy efficiency. One such research was commissioned by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) and SGBC, and was conducted between January and April 2025 by Ngee Ann Polytechnic's (NP) Centre for Environmental Sustainability. The study showed energy savings of up to 12 percent for each degree raised in air-conditioning temperature from 23 deg C to 25 deg C in offices, with no reported increase in occupant discomfort. Questions in the quiz, adapted from established thermal comfort research globally, were packaged as a personality quiz , where respondents received one of six personality profiles with Singaporean food themes. 'When the air-con temperature is increased above 25 deg C and combined with hybrid cooling methods like fans, it can feel as cool as 23 deg C – while using much less energy,' said Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu, who opened the conference. Referencing the study done by NP , she noted that raising the air-conditioning temperature to 24 or 25 deg C in a typical 3,000 sq m office – about the size of 30 four-room HDB flats – can achieve annual savings of around $6,400 in electricity costs . In addition to air-conditioning temperatures, the state of the building infrastructure and necessity for upgrading outdated air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems also play important roles in achieving sustainable cooling. In a dialogue with SGBC chief executive officer Yvonne Soh at the conference, Ms Fu highlighted issues caused by improper installation of ventilation systems. These create uneven airflow in air-conditioned areas, leaving some spaces stuffy. To address the lack of air circulation, building owners resort to lowering the temperature, which then leads to individuals working near the air-con feeling excessively cold. Another resource, the Go 25 Industry Guide for Building Operations, was also introduced at the conference. This industry guide provides a detailed overview of actionable strategies that support building managers, engineers and operators in implementing the Go 25 initiative. It draws on industry data and best practices to offer recommendations for increasing indoor temperatures in air-conditioned environments without compromising comfort or productivity. Some of these recommendations include ensuring proper placement of air vents, and encouraging employees to dress comfortably for work. The Go 25 Industry Guide is designed to assist managers of smaller buildings who may lack the knowledge or expertise to carry out the required adjustments. It provides them with the background, outlines the benefits, and includes a checklist t o guide them through a phased implementation, SGBC said. 'Rethinking the way we cool out spaces isn't just a good-to-have, it's essential for meeting our climate goals... With these tools, we are empowering every stakeholder in the built environment to take meaningful, measurable steps toward a low-carbon future,' SGBC's Mr Ang said.