The Leader - January/February 2009 - (Page 55)

I NDUS T RY p Ro f Il e : a Sc e ND a S SUSTaINabIlITY DefINeS The aSceNDaS bRoaD Scope of pRacTIceS Green Workspace Green architecture and development is a growing demand and many companies, in particular multinational corporations, have established corporate requirements to set up shop only in green buildings. As a business space provider, this is an area where Ascendas can play an active role to ensure our business spaces are energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly, starting from design through to building maintenance and operations. For example, The Kendall at the Singapore Science Park is designed to feature a “green” screen comprising creeper plants to reduce heat penetration through its glass facades. Extensive green features such as sky gardens in pockets of the building’s façade, a naturally ventilated high-ceiling podium with lush landscaping and water features were also incorporated in the design of Icon@IBP, which received recognition and commendation at the Cityscape Asia Real Estate Awards. Ascendas’ green buildings such as The Galen at Singapore Science Park, Neuros & Immunos at one-north, and 138 Depot Road have also received the Green Mark recognition by Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority. In addition to green design, upgrades to existing buildings can also improve the energy efficiency and environmental sustainability of these properties. Ascendas conducts periodic energy audits of its existing properties and carries out improvements in the heating, ventilation, air-conditioning systems and chiller (HVAC) plant operations. In 2007/08, Ascendas achieved an annual saving of 3.5m kilowatt-hour of electricity and reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 1,537 tons through such improvements carried out at 20 buildings. The growing demand for green workspace also calls for innovative solutions that efficiently utilize and in some cases, recycle energy required for business. For instance, the co-generation power plant in International Tech Park Bangalore, enables heat generated from the power plant to be recovered to drive absorption chillers for the generation of chilled water for the ACMV system. India’s Silicon Valley and the model for other IT parks in India. The clustering of companies in similar or related industries in a central hub provided unmatched accessibility to technology, research and expertise that are key to the development of the business and industry. Through regular interaction and networking, businesses in these parks developed a symbiosis relationship that enabled companies to grow together in a conducive business eco-system. While developers of cluster parks enjoy economies of scale in the provision of infrastructure catering to these companies, it also assures the tenant companies of a hassle-free infrastructure set-up for business. Following Ascendas’ success in India, the concept is now being extended to IT parks and integrated developments in China, such as Dalian Ascendas IT Park and the SingaporeHangzhou Science & Technology Park. Intelligent Workspace Businesses today are looking beyond having four walls and a roof to creative business space solutions that enable a shorter set-up time to capitalize on market opportunities. Intelligent plug-and-play solutions that enable quick start-up at minimal cost and hassle are in higher demand, particularly for companies in knowledge-intensive industries such as research and development, IT, call centers and BPO operations. The plug-and-play concept has also extended beyond IT infrastructure to business space that facilitates cost-efficient global communications, such as VOIP phone networks and teleconferencing facilities. flexible Workspace The Internet has been a key communication and empowerment tool. It has also brought about a growing trend for businesses to accept and adopt alternative work arrangements. With wireless or any form of internet connection, employees can now be as productive at home, at a café or even overseas as if they were in the office. It has also created new business opportunities for business space providers who can innovate on their offerings to provide business space that addresses the demand for flexible workspace. These would include business space solutions such as business center suites and services, or even provide hot-desking solutions as part of the package offered to customers in developing their regional offices. business eco-System Ascendas’ experience in India has highlighted a unique trend in “new age” business space. In 1994, Ascendas partnered with the Karnataka Industrial Development Board (KIADB) to develop the International Tech Park Bangalore (ITPB), India’s first IT park with a work-live-play concept. The iconic ITPB delivered an envied business lifestyle that attracted multinationals and India’s best IT professionals. In doing so, ITPB catalysed the development of India’s Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) industry. Today, ITPB has become the icon of 2 0 0 9 Th e le aDeR 55 jaNUaRY / febRUaRY

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of The Leader - January/February 2009

The Leader - January/February 2009 Contents Leadership Message from the CEO Real Estate in the News Mergers and Aquisitions Assessing Green Building Performance Measuring Space You Actually Use Global Trends in Sustainable Real Estate Whirlpool’s Lee Utke Northmarq’s Kevin Farrell Plastics: Hoping for Resiliency in Resins Regional Profile: Heartland Holding Strong Industry Profile: Ascendas Brings New Age Business Space to Asia-Pac Industry Tracker From the Applied Research Center Discovery Forum Findings Capital Corner Career Development Young Leader Economic Development in the News Learning Spotlight Connect With CoreNet Global Index of Advertisers A Look Ahead In our Next Issue Calendar of Seminars

The Leader - January/February 2009

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