Bosch named second runner-up in ASEAN Energy Awards 2011

• Bosch recognized for innovative application of state-of-the-art green technology for its Southeast Asia headquarters in Singapore
• Energy consumption of the Bosch building is 32 percent less than of comparable industrial buildings

Singapore, 21 September 2011 – During a gala dinner of the ASEAN Energy Ministers held in Brunei Darussalam on 20 September 2011, the Southeast Asia regional headquarters of Bosch – a leading global supplier of technology and services in the areas of automotive and industrial technology, consumer goods and building technology, software and systems solutions – has been named second runner-up in the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Best Practices Competition.

“Bosch develops innovative technologies that are energy efficient, conserve resources and protect the environment. Our Southeast Asia headquarters in Singapore showcases our development of feasible and scalable green building technologies that support the reduction of our global carbon
footprint,” commented Martin Hayes, President and Managing Director of Robert Bosch (South East Asia) Pte Ltd.

Third ‘green’ award for environmentally-friendly building

The building, which is located in Singapore, received the ASEAN Energy Award in the “New and Existing Buildings” category of the annual competition organized by the ASEAN Center for Energy.

Before its official opening last year, the Bosch Southeast Asia headquarters has already been recognized with the Platinum Green Mark by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore for its innovative use of technology to achieve optimal energy efficiency, while maintaining a conducive office environment.

In addition to the ASEAN Energy Awards 2011, the environmentally-friendly and energy-efficient building was one of the recipients of the Solar Pioneer Award awarded by the Economic Development Board in 2010.

Green features of the building

The building incorporates the use of intelligent building management systems to control various environmentally-friendly features.

The photovoltaic system, located on the rooftop, is a key feature of the Bosch building. Spanning an area of some 700 square meters and comprising three different types of solar cells, the panels harness the rays of the sun while keeping the roof cool. In this way, less energy is required to lower the building’s internal temperature due to the use of solar panels.

The solar panels generate approximately 102 MWH a year, which is enough electricity to power 22 units of four-room apartments for an entire year, based on the average monthly usage for a 100-square meter household. The energy produced by the panels equals three percent of Bosch’s monthly energy use. Due to the use of the intelligent building management system, the Bosch Southeast Asia headquarters uses 32 percent less energy than comparable industrial buildings.

Bosch also collects data on the performance and energy efficiency levels of the solar panels from a live test-bed to monitor the effectiveness of various types of solar cells in a tropical climate.

Besides the solar panels, a fully automated external sun shading system and double glazing on the windows shields the building from direct penetration of sun rays, keeping the interior cool and reducing the amount of energy required to air condition the building.

In addition, an efficient water-cooled air-conditioning system delivers significant benefits in energy conservation. The building also incorporates green features such as the strategic placement of artificial lighting, sensors for ventilation and motion detectors to minimise energy usage during offpeak hours.

Commenting on the cutting-edge energy saving features of the building, Mr Hayes said, “About 45 percent of our total R&D budget worldwide is devoted to the development of products and solutions that help protect the environment and conserve natural resources. This focus has contributed to sustainable economic success and a leading market position for Bosch in all its global business areas.”

The Bosch Southeast Asia headquarters was officially opened in Singapore on 12 May 2010. Situated on 11 Bishan Street 21 and occupying an area of about 9,800 square meters and a total gross floor area of some 21,000 square meters, the Bosch building comprises two basement car parks and seven stories of office space.