A Balanced Sustainable World

  As climate change intensifies, the Facility Management (FM) sector in Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore, faces increasing challenges that threaten the health, safety, and productivity of its workforce. With rising temperatures, increased rainfall, and a surge in vector-borne diseases, the region’s FM workforce—responsible for maintaining buildings and facilities—must become more resilient to ensure business continuity and worker well-being. This article explores key climate-related risks and introduces innovative trends that can help strengthen the FM sector’s ability to cope with emerging challenges. Heat-Related Hazards and Solutions Climate change is driving a rise in temperatures across Southeast Asia, with average temperatures in Singapore projected to increase by 1.5 to 2.0 degrees Celsius by 2050 (SkillsFuture SG, 2020). FM workers, particularly those involved in outdoor maintenance and repair activities, are at heightened risk of heat-related illnesses and accidents....

  Facility management is a critical discipline that ensures the smooth functioning of infrastructure, the safety of its occupants, and the efficient use of resources. When facilities are mismanaged, the consequences can be catastrophic, ranging from operational inefficiencies to loss of life and significant financial repercussions. This article examines high-profile cases of facility mismanagement from around the world, with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region, and highlights the role that international standards, such as ISO 55000 and ISO 41000 , play in mitigating these risks and improving facility management outcomes. 1. Grenfell Tower Fire (2017, London) The Grenfell Tower fire in London serves as a tragic reminder of the consequences of inadequate facility management. The building’s combustible cladding and lack of proper fire safety measures were key factors in the rapid spread of the fire, which resulted in 72 deaths. Investigations revealed systemic failures in f...

Unmasking Corporate Sustainability: The Deceptive Practices of Greenwashing and Their Regulatory Implications Greenwashing, the deceptive practice of presenting a company or product as more environmentally sustainable than it truly is, has become increasingly pervasive in various industries. As consumer demand for eco-friendly products rises, many corporations have sought to capitalize on this trend, often without making substantive changes to their operations. This paper explores the concept of greenwashing, highlighting high-profile examples from industries such as automotive, fossil fuels, food and beverage, and fashion. Through these case studies, we examine how companies use misleading marketing, packaging, and PR stunts to create a false impression of environmental responsibility. Furthermore, this paper discusses the regulatory landscape that has emerged in response to these practices, focusing on recent efforts by the European Union and other governing bodies to combat greenwas...

  Triple Threat: Climate Change Challenges and Singapore's Path to Sustainable Resilience Singapore faces a "Triple Threat" from climate change: rising sea levels, more frequent extreme weather events, and higher temperatures. Each of these threats poses significant risks to the nation’s infrastructure, economy, and public health. They are also closely tied to global efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article explores these threats in detail, supported by Singapore-specific statistics, projected trends, and a broader analysis that includes economic, technological, social, and governance perspectives. Together, these views highlight the urgency of action and the potential for Singapore to lead in climate resilience and sustainability. Rising Sea Levels As a low-lying island nation, Singapore is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels caused by global warming. With much of its land less than five meters above sea level, the...

  The Paradox of AI: Balancing Technological Advancement with Sustainability Introduction:   Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as both a beacon of hope and a point of contention within the sustainability discussion. This deep dive into AI's environmental footprint and its capacity for driving sustainable development aims to explore the multi-dimensional role of AI in fostering a greener future. As AI advances, we must understand its environmental impact and consider sustainable solutions. One concept particularly relevant in this discussion is Jevons Paradox . It occurs when technological advancements increase the efficiency of resource use, but this increased efficiency leads to higher overall consumption. The reduced cost and increased availability make the resource more attractive, leading to greater demand. In this blog, we will delve into how this paradox applies to large language models, the sustainability challenges they pose, and potential solutions for the futu...

  Taming the CAPEX Monster: Mastering Sustainable Investments for a 2050 Vision Introduction The challenge of capital expenditure (CAPEX) in building sustainability can feel like facing a CAPEX Monster—overwhelming, unpredictable, and demanding significant upfront resources. But with the right strategies, this Monster can be tamed, controlled, and even turned into a powerful ally. This article blends technological foresight with strategic CAPEX management, exploring how to make smarter investment decisions in the building sector over the next 20 to 30 years, with the goal of mastering the CAPEX Monster and driving sustainable transformation. The CAPEX Monster in Renewable Energy Sources 1. Solar Technology: A Phased Approach to Feeding the Monster Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology promises significant efficiency improvements, with forecasts suggesting efficiency could rise from the current 20-22% to 30-40% by 2050. For tropical countries with abundant sunlight, this creates an opp...