Environmental
Mass Media
Biodiversity Portal
Sustainability Portal
Eco-Business.com
Biodiversity
Alternative Mosquito Control Method
Heritage Tree Garden
Protected/Restored Habitats
Materials
Closed Loop Food Cycle
(Organic Waste)
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Womery
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Aquaculture
Recycling
(Inorganic Waste)
Spring Water Usage
Water Saving Appliances
Water Saving Policies
Water Awareness
Rooftop Garden
Tree Preservation & Planting
Efficient Building Design
Energy-Efficient Technology
Open Space
Energy Efficient Technology
Solar PV System
Rooftop Garden
Trees
Environment/ Nature
Waste
Water
Energy
Emissions
Compliance
Environmental Initiatives
Environmental Outreach
Press Releases/ Blog/ Student Reports
Environmental Outreach
Eco Tours
SBR has developed the biodiversity.sg website which has gained strong support from leading organisations in the field, both locally and internationally.
Program supported by:
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United Nations
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Conservation International
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World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
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National University of Singapore
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Singapore Science Centre
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Singapore Institute of Biology
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Singapore Environment Council
Singapore National Parks board has published a book highlighting endangered species in Singapore.
SBR has a copy of this book for its reference and information can also be obtained from the following website:
http://www.nparks.gov.sg/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=146&Itemid=128
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Number of IUCN red list species potentially affected: 2
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According to the Singapore Red List, both these species are present on Sentosa and thus, could potentially be affected by our operations:
- Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis)
Status: Near Threatened
- Oriental Magpie -Robin (Copsychus saularis)
Status: Least Concern
We are also concerned about these issues and we provide a range of information on species including links to endangered species in Singapore from our biodiversity site .
Total Number of IUCN Red List Species & National Conservation List Species
With Habitats in Area Affected by Operations, By Level of Extinction Risk
SBR is regularly featured in press releases as well as students and companies reports to highlight its sustainable initiatives.
We use the resort and its environmental aspects as a case-study for the environmentally sustainable business model. The aim is to create awareness of environmental issues and help to develop more compassion for the environment.
The eco tours have taken place for the last 3 years. The aim is to showcase and share the sustainability achievements at the hotel with various stakeholders in order to inspire others to embark on the same path. This program has been very successful and to date, more than 12,000 people ranging from university students to even Fortune 100 companies top executives have attended the tours.
Purpose
Duration
1.5 to 2+ hours, followed by 15 minutes for Q&A.
Duration
Who
The Eco Journey is targeted towards company groups and students, however, we offer it to anyone who is interested in environmental sustainability. This includes stakeholders like our guests, partners, and suppliers. Our tours have attracted many primary, secondary and polytechnic students. We are able to tailor the program to include more educational levels.
The Programme
The introduction explains the purpose of the tour, the general eco-concept, and the guidelines for constructing the resort
#1 Introduction
The Eco Journey has 9 major “stations” or areas of interest all around the resort.
#2 Villa Wing
This area aims to showcase how the resort blends leisure with nature by incorporating trees into the design of buildings, making each villa unique.
#4 Sustainable Farming
Learn more about the healthy vegetables that are grown on our rooftop.
#3 Green Sanctuary
In this sanctuary, our own gardening staff grow plants and herbs for use around the Resort.
#5 Rooftop Garden
Behold our 100m long self-maintenance rooftop garden, with a breathtaking view of the South China Sea.
#6 Landscape Pool
A unique swimming pool that is better for both people and the environment.
#7 Wormery
Learn how our earthworms turn food waste into organic compost fertilizer for our plants.
#8 Natural Filtration Pond
Learn how our springwater undergoes sand, vegetation and animal filtration. Learn the importance of the Tilapia fish in our food waste recycling program
#9 Al Fresco Cafe
Learn about how we apply the 4Rs (Respect, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) in our cafe.
Cost
The tour is free as it is one of our CSR initiatives to promote compassion for the environment and to educate our participants about various environmental challenges that our world is facing right now. There is a small fee to enter Sentosa Island but entrance is free if you walk in through the boardwalk
Educational Initiatives
Eco Panels
There are numerous panels describing the resorts environmental initiatives are displayed throughout the hotel.
Eco Huts
A total of 7 huts throughout the resort display extensive information messages each hut on one key environmental topic.
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There are 7 eco huts:
•The climate change hut
•The biodiversity hut
•The water hut
•The sustainable development hut
•The resources hut
•The population hut
•The pollution hut
Biodiversity Picture Exhibit
Our café biodiversity exhibit showcases pictures of wildlife taken within the resort as well as general text on biodiversity.
Eco Games
SBR has developed board games on the thematic on Climate Change and Biodiversity for its guests.
Active Promotion of Eco Leisure Activites
We also promote Sentosa Island Eco Trails at the resort as well as eco tourisms activities in Singapore in general (nature reserves etc.) to our guests.
Environment Mascots
Prof Monitor
Squirzy
SBR mascots helps to convey key environmental messages throughout the resort in a fun way.
In-House Eco TV Channels
SBR Eco Channels are available in all our 180+ guests rooms and are a very effective way to outreach on these issues to a broad audience transiting through the hotel.
Dinosaur Bones Exhibit
Opening of Lee Kong Chian Museum
We were very pleased to see the opening of the National History Museum this year. As the first donor to have come onboard nearly 4 years ago, it is a very satisfying feeling to see that the full dinosaur bones now feel the space of the Museum.
At SBR we have recently become very involved
with dinosaurs in the most unusual way. Siloso Beach Resort is proud to showcase real dinosaur bones on its premises.
The display of these bones is a joint venture between Siloso Beach Resort (SBR) and the National University of Singapore (NUS).
It all started with the close collaboration that SBR has with the Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research in NUS. SBR has been in close contact with this reputable institution since SBR started the development of the Biodiversity Portal which is one of its numerous CSR programs.
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Following this SBR has been actively involved with some of the Museum activities. Recently it came to our attention that the RMBR intended to expend into a new National History Museum for Singapore. One of the main attractions the upcoming Museum was looking forward to was to have a unique display of complete and real dinosaur skeletons.
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In order to make this a reality, the RMBR embarked on an ambitious fund raising exercise to raise enough money to purchase 3 unique and almost complete dinosaur skeletons (believed to be from the same family), a world first! SBR immediately responded to this by gifting a significant amount of money for this unique and most worthy cause. SBR was the first donor to put money on the table which sparked other donors to come on board as well. Since then, the necessary funds of 12 million have been collected from various donors (including SBR) and the dinosaurs skeletons are now under way to Singapore!
In appreciation of our move in initiating this much needed funding exercise, the RMBR has accepted to collaborate with us in mounting this preliminary dinosaur exhibit which intends to inform the guests passing by the hotel and various stakeholders on the importance of dinosaurs, biodiversity preservation and to promote the upcoming National History Museum where the full skeletons have already been displayed since 2014.
Environmental Initiatives
Evironment/Nature
Biodiversity
At SBR, biodiversity has a very special significance. Indeed, because the location of the resort is on pristine forested terrain, biodiversity is relatively high especially when compared to other parts of Singapore.
Operational Sites Owned, Leased, Managed In, or Adjacent To Protected Areas
& Areas of high biodivesity value outside protected areas
The location of SBR is on a forested mountain hill. Around and behind the resort lies protected terrains which hold many trees and a relatively rich inhabiting biodiversity.
SBR was constructed with minimal digging, does not own any underground area.
The property of SBR is not listed as protected status nor considered as protected by any organization.
Location
We can see from the satellite image that SBR is surrounded by forested terrain. While large parts of Sentosa island have been allocated for development of the built environment, only a patch of greenery remains in the central part of the island around the resort. SBR is conscious of this, and has taken strong measures to ensure the preservation of wildlife not only on its site but also insuring that its operations have very limited impacts on the surrounding.
Size of land owned: 15,449.0 m2
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Description of Significant Impacts of Activities, Products & Services on Biodiversity
In protected areas & areas of high biodivesity value outside protected areas
As the site surrounding SBR is a forested terrain, SBR’s activities do have certain impacts on biodiversity:
Significant Impacts on Biodiversity
• Noise: Despite that noise levels are kept at reasonable levels, some disturbances on biodiversity resources do occur.
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• Built environment: As building structures have been developed on site, some disturbance on biodiversity have occurred during the construction phase. It is however important to highlight that extraordinary measures to preserve the original terrain and minimize the impacts on biodiversity have been taken. Measures taken at SBR to preserve the natural terrain are unique and exemplary.
• Gardening (e.g. cutting down branches): Occasional maintenance work in order to insure guests safety are carried regularly. These activities mostly include cutting down tree branches which may cause slight disturbances to wildlife.
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• Mosquito control (spraying of chemicals on plants) : In order to meet government standards and insure guests comfort and safety (dengue control), mosquito treatment do have to be carried on site. SBR has in the past used the traditional fumigation treatment. However, since the last few years, a new treatment using less impactful chemicals is under trial.
Habitat Protected or Restored
• Overall resort environment: Despite the built environment, a significant portion of the land has been preserved.
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• All trees: All grown trees on site have been preserved.
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• Ponds: Many ponds around the resort have been preserved in order to maintain their rich inhabiting biodiversity. Furthermore, many other man made ponds have been added throughout the resort.
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• Rooftop garden: SBR’s extensive roof top gardens not only has energy efficiency attributes, but they also allow additional greenery coverage including the plantation of various species that attract insects.
At this time, SBR is not working with any other organizations to protect or restore habitat, however this may be a consideration for future CSR initiatives. We are are actively using the Biodiversity Potal website to promote parties that protect natural habitat.
Biodiversity On Site
Alternative Mosquito Control Method
By preserving the trees and areas of forested terrain, SBR has managed to maintain a higher degree of biodiversity on its premises.
Numerous self-sustaining ponds have been implemented throughout the resort. In addition to providing habitats for a diversity of species, these ponds are also growing grounds for fish that eat mosquito larvae as well as dragonflies which effectively serve as a natural mosquito control agent.
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In addition, SBR is using an alternative mosquito control
treatment (instead of traditional fogging) using a bacterial based
solution instead of conventional fogging. This treatment allows much less impact to the variety of species on site (insects, reptiles etc.) thus, it is more environmentally friendly.
Using a bacterial based solution instead of petroleum derivative chemicals is much better for the surrounding environment.
Heritage Tree Garden
In partnership with Nparks, SBR has embarked on a project to showcase the heritage trees of Singapore. About 10 different species have been planted surrounding our pool area. We intend to educate our guests on the original nature flora and fauna of Singapore.
Protected/ Restored Habitats
SBR is fully compliant with national regulations and goes above and beyond regulations for preserving trees and biodiversity.
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Since its construction stage, very significant consideration has been taken to preserve the biodiversity on site. Biodiversity preservation and education remain to date one of the main guidance of SBR.
During the initial development stage very special care and measures have been applied to preserve as much as possible the biodiversity on site.
One of the strongest decisions was to preserve all the trees. This was a very serious commitment which required a lot of special attention and extra efforts:
SBR conducted an environmental site assessment of the trees affected by construction. More than 200 fully grown trees have been preserved on site. In order to achieve this, special construction techniques had to be applied. This included the use of micro bore pilling techniques. This pilling technique using lighter equipment bores a hole instead of compacting the earth, which allows to significantly reduce the amount of vibrations near the tree roots and to preserve the trees (the use of conventional pilling techniques would have killed most of the trees).
Such decision to preserve the trees was very unusual at the time of construction in Singapore and therefore required extra attention during construction. Indeed, constant training and supervision of the worker’s teams was required to make sure that no toxic spills or other common practices were going to affect the trees.
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Because there were so many trees to preserve, buildings had to be built around these trees. This was a particular challenge and each tree required an average of 10 consultants to make sure that both the trees and the surrounding structures would co-exist well.
Anyone coming to SBR will quickly notice the extent of the efforts which have been made to preserve the trees and incorporate them within the structure.
• Different innovative construction techniques were applied to incorporate the trees.
• In some parts, buildings have been built around trees.
• In some parts, trees literally go through the structure.
• In other parts, trees are in close proximity of buildings.
Going beyond just preserving the trees, one other important initial guidance in the development of SBR was to preserve the terrain. In order to do this, a minimum of built surface area has been allocated while the vast majority of the resort remains open terrain, much of it with its original vegetal coverage.
In order to preserve the terrain, the resort was built making use of original shape of the land. For instance, the swimming pool was just placed where an old dirt road used to be. The same concept was applied in many other locations such as the villa wing where villas emplacements were chosen according to the less impactful locations for the trees and surrounding vegetal coverage.
In a later phase of development of SBR, further targets were developed to enhance biodiversity. In particular, 450 additional trees were planted, and numerous man-made ponds have been placed in various locations of the resort. These self-maintained ecosystems, attract a variety of wildlife including frogs, dragonflies and many others.
Pushing the concept, SBR has been using new solutions of mosquito control (which is usually done by fumigation) that would be less impactful to biodiversity. A new control mechanisms using BTI technology is currently under trial. These treatments are meant to be more focused on certain species (mosquitoes) and therefore known to have lesser impacts on other species inhabiting the premises.
A future objective would be to better understand and monitor the biodiversity of the area by establishing a photo database to record the various species and sightings.
Having done so many efforts to preserve the biodiversity on site, SBR is very active at promoting not only the preservation of species on site but also educating on the concept of biodiversity on a large scale. Indeed, SBR has implemented various educational programs on this topic.
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Materials
Since its conception, SBR has always made use of a very significant amount of reused and recycled materials within its facilities. The concept has overtime been implemented into operational standards and management guidelines.
The below highlights some of the elements:
•Many of the stairways at SBR have made use of unwanted old train tracts wood from Australia. SBR has a permanent wood workshop and all the wood coming into SBR is from reused or recycled sources.
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• Extensive surfaces of indoor corridor floorings are made from recycled tires (rubber mats)
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• 100% Reused children playground furniture
In addition to active implementation of recycled and reused elements, SBR is active at promoting and practicing the 3 R’s (Reduce, reuse, recycled). In fact, SBR has come up with its own version by adding another R. Indeed, SBR’s policy is first to respect the surrounding environment (especially natural features and its inhabiting biodiversity), and then reduce, reuse and recycle.
Efforts to reduce are very present throughout the resort with practices implemented in areas such as F&B and housekeeping.
Materials Used by Weight or Volume
Various materials have been used in the construction of the resort and its daily operations. Two of the most important materials are wood and paper inputs.
Total weight of paper used for 2010 : 1042.6 KG
Total weight of paper used for 2011 : 1094.6 KG
Total weight of paper used for 2012 : 1070.0 KG
Total weight of paper used for 2013 : 923.0 KG
Total weight of paper used for 2014 : 878.8 KG
Total volume of wood used from 2006 to 2013*:
524 cubic meters
*The amount of wood used in 2012 and 2013 was negligible, as such the data has not changed since the last reporting period.
Plastic Disclosure Project
SBR is committed to reducing its plastic waste, and this year will be disclosing information about its use of plastic through the Plastic Disclosure Project Survey. For more information, visit www.plasticdisclosure.org
Percentage of Materials Used that are Recycled Input Materials
Usage of input materials like paper and wood are a necessity to running our business, which unfortunately can contribute to deforestation, climate change, and loss of biodiversity. For this reason we apply the following guidelines:
• Maximize use of reused wood
• For primary wood, incorporate sustainability (FSC certified) and durability (cheap wood will need to be replaced frequently)
• Use recycled paper for selected printing
• When normal paper is used, ensure it is not wasted and always used on both sides and then recycled.
We actually practice our 4R’s: we believe that we should first Respect nature then Reduce, Reuse and last Recycle.
Waste
Total Number & Volume of Significant Spills
To date, SBR did not have any instances of spills whatsoever.
No spills to date and SBR intends to keep it this way.
Weight of Transported, Imported, Exported or Treated Waste
SBR does not have, produce or use any waste that is considered hazardous under the Basel Convention.
As a hotel environment, hazardous waste are very limited.
Cleaning products used are selected to be environmentally friendly.
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SBR is very conscious that its rejects of various forms should it be liquid waste or solid waste can have adverse effects on the surrounding environment if not managed properly. For this reason extra care has always been a priority and as explained earlier, the precautionary principle is very present especially in waste management. Not only SBR does not reject very significant amounts of waste but the waste that is discharged is very controlled.
Deemed hazardous under the terms of the Basel Convention 2 Annex I, II, III & VIII, and percentage of transported waste shipped internationally
Identity, Size, Protected Statues,& Biodiversity Value of Water Bodies & Related Habitats
Significantly affected by the organization's discharges of water & runoff
No water body is directly affected by SBR’s water runoff.
Water runoff goes to the Sentosa drain which then flows to treatment facilities.
SBR actually has a positive impact in water conservation through two activities.
• SBR has constructed numerous ponds throughout the resort which bring biodiversity back to these areas.
• SBR has set up a main pond nearby its resort where the overflow of the spring goes. This pond has created a natural habitat for various species of insects fish and frogs.
Products & Services
Extent of impact mitigation of environmental impacts
Such initiatives are highlighted throughout the report. The table below summarizes the main initiatives:
Percentage of products sold & their packaging materials that are reclaimed by category
To date SBR does not really sell products. It has plans to open a shop on its premises in the near future. This shop would focus on selling ecological products of various sorts.
Currently the only products sold that involve packaging are F&B items such as cans of soft drinks.
100% of the packages (empty cans) or other packets are sent for recycling.
In-room products (shampoos, soap etc.) are only provided if requested by the guests. By doing so, wastage of packaging and products is significantly reduced.
Wormery
Total Weight of Waste
By type & disposal method
A large portion of the waste at SBR is recycled, especially from the housekeeping and food and beverage departments, which recycle many plastic drinking bottles, tin cans, and cardboard containers. As SBR does not produce any hazardous wastes. 100% of the waste that is not reused or recycled is collected and sent for incineration. We are constantly improving our monitoring systems, and plan to provide more information about the amount of total waste produced in subsequent sustainability reports.
Much of the food waste is also recycled using the natural methods of vermicomposting (using earthworms) or aquaculture (tilapia and other fish). We also recycle some of our cardboard through the vermicomposting process.
New Food Waste Disposal System
We have a new system implemented in 2013 to supplement our vermicomposting system for food waste. This system involves the use of Aquaculture and the local Tilapia Fish. Prior to this system, we disposed our food waste either in the wormery or the machine but the machine was written off in 2012. Thus, we can only dispose the food waste in the general waste or wormery. The only problem is that we are limited to vegetarian waste without any citrus or oils.
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After implementation of the new Tilapia Aquaculture system using grey, red and black Tilapia we increased the types of food waste being recycled to some meat items, bread and vegetables but some of the wormery food waste feeding restriction still applies in the aquaculture system located in the Bio filtration pond at the second level.
Closed Loop Cycle (Organic Waste) | Wormery
Worm Composting Data & Progress Indicators
Community & Educational Impact
SBR has donated worm castings to more than 30 schools and community gardens, and conducted training on vermicomposting for more than 10 schools!
Closed Loop Cycle (Organic Waste) | Aquaculture
Tilapia and other fish in our pond eat a wide variety of food items such as bread, vegetables, and meat (as long as no oil is present). The tilapia also produces nutrient-rich water which is then used for watering the plants.
#1 Food Waste
About 25 kg of vegetable and fruit waste is collected daily from our cafe for vermicomposting.
#2 Earthworms
Food waste gets eaten by our ~ 1 million earthworms, and turned into castings.
#3 Vegetables
Castings are excellent fertilizers for our vegetables as they are free of pesticides and chemicals!
#4 Cafe
Vegetables from our farm supply about 15% of our cafe's needs.
Through this closed loop cycle for our organic waste, SBR prides itself for its 0% wastage in organic waste.
Inorganic Waste | Recycling
At SBR, we have a unique approach to promote recycling by linking the end product to the source. Below are some of the panels that we developed and have up on display around the resort:
At SBR, we also make use of waste in any way we can.
Metals
Cardboard
Recycling Bins
Table Made from Recyled Stone
Many items in SBR are actually from 100% recycled origins or simply from unwanted sources.
A few of these items include:
- A large portion of the outdoor steps are from reused timbers from a railway trail in Australia.
- All the corridors and a large portion of walkways are layered with rubber mats which are 100% recycled from car tyres.
- The children playground comprises items which are from an unwanted source.
Waste Wood Workshop
A significant portion of the wood at SBR originates from unwanted wood from construction sites. We then reprocess the wood for maintenance, furniture and so on.
Water
Total Water Withdrawal by Source
The above graphic represents the water consumption of SBR since august 2006. While water consumption has slightly decreased overtime, it has remained quite stable.
It is important to highlight that SBR has very special conditions when it comes to water usage. Indeed, below SBR lies a natural spring reservoir which flows out to the sea. During the construction phase, this underground source was discovered and SBR has since, made good use of the resource.
Because SBR has a continuous natural supply of fresh water that, its tap water consumption remains very low.
SBR makes use of two distinct sources of fresh water: one comes from the spring and the other is tap water from the network.
Spring water is mostly used for the swimming pool and gardening whereas the tap water is used for guests services in rooms (for showering etc.). SBR has a very significant positive impact by allowing the management of Sentosa island to pump water from its spring which is used to water the surrounding areas (for gardening and landscaping purposes).
Most of SBR water consumption originates from an underground spring water reservoir. The water that is taken from this source is of natural origin and if not taken would otherwise flow out to sea. As such, SBR water usage from this source has no impacts on diminishing water reserves within the spring.
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SBR has a very limited consumption of tap water (due to its natural spring source and water saving initiatives).
Water Sources Sigificantly Affected by Withdrawal of Water
SBR water sources are:
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1. Spring Water
2. Tap Water
3. Rain Water
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None of these sources are significantly affected by the withdrawal of water from SBR as usage is well managed and kept to a minimal. Actually, the spring water is not actively pumped from the ground but naturally flows out. As such, if SBR was not making use of it, it would just flow out to sea. Furthermore, the Spring is regularly refilled with rainwater.
No sources of the water used at SBR are from protected areas/areas of biodiversity value or sources of importance to local community.
SBR takes great efforts into managing the source in the most sustainable way possible.
Percentage & Total Volume of Water Recycled & Reused
In addition to its very efficient water consumption practices, SBR also has initiatives in place to recycle and reuse the water.
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Such initiatives include:
• Roof top garden: allows a significant amount of rainwater to be collected if needed
• Swimming pool closed loop system
• Extensive use of groundwater for gardening
• Excess water from the spring goes to a reservoir which is used by Sentosa management to collect and water the entire island
• Spring water excess
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The below graphic highlights the volumes reused/recycled:
Spring Water Usage
One of the unique features at SBR is the natural spring that lies below our resort. This natural source of water which would otherwise naturally flow out to sea is used for various purposes including gardening and to provide water for our landscape swimming pool.
Pool Treatment Process
At SBR, our swimming pool is truly unique in many ways. Through the way it was built following the natural terrain, to the way it is treated going away from conventional chemical uses to the source of the water which is from an underground reservoir
The diagram below provides a schematic overview of the process:
Swimming Pool Ionization Treatment Systems
Swimming Pool Sand Filtration
Our pool does not use conventional chlorine treatment but various filtration and purification steps.
Water Saving Appliances
SBR has installed water efficient appliances throughout the resort including guests rooms and public areas. These include:
• Water efficient taps (sensors)
• Water control valves
• Water efficient taps and shower heads
• Waterless urinals (in all public toilets)
Water Saving Policies
SBR has put in place specific guidelines for its staff to minimize water consumption which are part of our environmental management guidelines.
Water Awareness
SBR has put in place specific guidelines for its staff to minimize water consumption which are part of our environmental management guidelines.
Rooftop Garden
SBR’s self-sustaining rooftop garden allows water to be harvested and naturally purified. Plants on the rooftop do not need extra watering due to the water retention properties of the rooftop garden.
Energy
Energy Consumption Within Organisation
At SBR, energy management is well taken care of. The uniqueness of our practices is however towards good initial passive design of the structures at the resort. Indeed, the hotel was designed from the very beginning to be energy efficient.
SBR’s electricity consumption is below average for a hotel of this size. The most surprizing aspects of the above graphic is that energy consumption has remained relatively stable over the past few years. This is not due to a lack of actions to reduce our energy consumption, but rather due to the fact that the hotel was designed from the beginning to be energy efficient (mostly through good structural design and energy efficient appliances).
At SBR, energy management has been progressive.
Phase 1 : Good Structural Design
The hotel's unique architecture allows passive and significant energy efficiency.
Once the hotel was built, numerous energy efficient technologies and appliances have been implemented.
Phase 2 : Retrofitting
Phase 3 : Management
Numerous management guidelines were put into place.
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We are now at the stage of sharing what has been done in order to influence others to adopt energy efficient practices especially on aspects of passive design.
Phase 4 : Sharing
Direct Energy Consumption by Primary Energy Source
At SBR the energy source is currently from grid electricity. In Singapore the vast majority of grid electricity is produced through the combustion of natural gas.
We also have on site emergency energy generators which operate on diesel. However, these generators are only used in case of main energy supply cut off.
Indirect Energy Consumption by Primary Energy Source
*As no data is available regarding primary energy consumed to produce indirect energy, we have estimated the amount of primary energy used based on the Singapore data for 2009 provided to the International Energy Agency.
*As the Resort does not produces energy to sell hence the energy sold is inapplicable.
Reduction of Energy Consumption
Energy Saving through Outreach
Energy-Saving Management Guidelines for Staff
The guidelines highlights best practices and limitations that SBR staff must respect and that contribute in reducing our energy usage. These guidelines include aspects such as switching lights and appliances off when not in use.
Messages to Encourage Guests to Save Energy
Our approach at SBR is that we try to involve our guests as much as possible. As an eco resort, we have numerous environment education messages throughout the resort and 2 in-house TV channels dedicated to environmental awareness. One showcases a documentary on current environmental problems, while another is a slide show made by SBR which educates our guests on reducing these impacts (water management, climate change, biodiversity loss etc). We hope that they will spread the message in their home country.
Energy Saving through Technology
• LED & CFL lights throughout the resort,
• Energy efficient pumps,
• Extensive usage of fans instead of air conditioning,
• Balanced wave technology (a technology that re-shapes the incoming electrical current, making it more stable and significantly reducing energy loss through heating),
• Latest 4th generation heat exchange chiller system:
As part of our energy saving initiatives, we have upgraded our 3rd generation to the 4th generation heat exchanger. It works on the same principle as our 3rd generation chiller but the only difference is that it has better heat recovery. The result is that we have lower energy consumption as compared to the top 50th percentile of hotels in Singapore. As more heat waste is being recovered, we decided to construct a hot water pool to increase the utilise these heat waste. The upgraded chiller system and the new hot water pool works together to help us to conserve energy in our resort.
Added in Jan 2015, our hot water pool recycles heat waste from the 4th generation chiller system. At the holding tank, the spring water is heated up by hot water pipes coming from the chiller plant. As the water returning to the chiller has lost much of its heat, this also means that the usage of cooling towers is reduced thereby helping us to save water. The hot water pool was created in order to create efficient use of the increased heat waste recovery in a closed loop system, and for our guests’ enjoyment too. The heated spring water is kept warm at the spa pool. However, as more heat waste is created on hot days, the warmer the weather, the warmer the pool.
Energy Saving through Initial Design
Open concept: All the room corridors have an open concept which serves the purpose of maximizing natural air flow and natural lighting therefore significantly reducing energy consumption for cooling or lighting purposes. At SBR numerous public spaces adopt an open air concept such as our Al Fresco Cafe. It was in fact one of the original guidelines that the built area would be kept to a minimal (built-up environment is only 28%).
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All the buildings are on stilts: It was decided that all the buildings were to be constructed on stilts (main buildings as well as the villas). Having the structures on stilts allows air flow to circulate from below the buildings as well as between buildings which provides a natural cooling effect (only slight cooling is achieved through this mean).
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Rooftop garden: SBR is home to one of the longest rooftop gardens in Singapore which also plays a key role in passive energy efficiency.
Energy Saved Due to Conservation & Efficiency Improvements
While it is difficult to evaluate with precision, SBR is confident in saying that through the combined efforts of the energy efficient technologies, good energy passive design and good management practices, SBR facilities are at least 30-40% more energy efficient than a conventional building would be.
Furthermore, the decision by the management to preserve a vegetal coverage and trees on site contributes to an additional very significant energy saving which we have yet to gain clarifications on. Indeed, trees provide shading, retain humidity and therefore significantly contribute in reducing the building heat load.
Open Space
Our open concept combined with high vegetal coverage and other features such as rooftop gardens already account for very high energy efficiency at SBR.
SBR Central Court, Open Corridor
Open Air Pathways
Open Air Cafe
SBR open air structural concept plays a significant role in passively reducing the energy use around the resort (natural air flow + natural lighting). At SBR, more than 78% of the terrain has remained open space.
Open concept =
Natural lighting + Natural cooling =
Energy efficiency
Energy Efficient Technology
4th Generation Heat Exchange Chiller System
State-of-the-art energy efficient water heater for our kitchen
Energy efficient lighting solutions and appliances (systematic use of LED & CFL lighting) throughout the resort
At SBR, we believe that investing in more energy efficient technology makes both economic and environmental sense.
Heat Exchange Chiller System
Our heat exchange chiller system is very unique and efficient.
The resort has made significant energy savings through the upgrades of its chiller system. The heat generated from the cooling process is recaptured and circulated around the resort. For instance, when people take a shower in our resort, the hot water is actually generated from the cooling system. But since further upgrades, the system became more efficient to the point that even after hot water for the entire resort, we were still left with excess heat. That is when we came up with the idea of dissipating the excess heat to a hot spa (not the entire pool). This spa is heated with the excess heat from the cooling system and therefore does not require additional energy. But more than that, because we are now passing the hot water (which originated from the chiller) through the swimming pool, we are also using the pool as a cooling mechanism. We have now switched off our former cooling tower and this saves the resort a lot of energy.
Usage of lights is carefully planned to procure both a comfortable resort feel and also to limit the usage of energy.
Solar PV System
Newly installed solar panels will be used both for research and for education. We do not really believe in solar PV technology as an efficient solution here in Singapore, mostly due to the weather conditions (high cloud coverage) and high maintenance (high dust content in the air despite an incline setting to facilitate rain wash the panels would still get dusty overtime loosing significant efficiency). On the other hand, by having our own panels we will be able to collect valuable data that will act as a showcase of how much energy can be generated in this particular location through PV.
Rooftop Garden
SBR is home to one of the longest self-maintaining rooftop gardens in Singapore. This helps to significantly increase vegetal coverage and energy efficiency.
There are numerous roof top technologies now available (some more proven than others). The advantage of self-sustained roof top gardens is that they provide a significant advantage for naturally cooling the space below. Furthermore, they increase the vegetation coverage and provide habitats for species.
It is important to consider implementing a rooftop garden from the beginning as they will add significantly more weight on the structure which needs to be accounted for in the construction design.
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A simple yet effective methodology consist of constructing containers on the roof. The containers bottom should have a slight angle and be connected to a drain so that water does not accumulate. The first layer comprises an egg shell substrate (to retain humidity); on top a layer of sand (about 30cm) so that roots will not penetrate the structure; on top soil is finally added.
Trees
Some benefits of preserving trees are (more than 200 trees are preserved at SBR) :
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- Energy gains (through shading)
- Stabilizing the terrains (especially true on a hill side)
- Preserving the water table (trees act as a natural pump keeping the water table close to the surface)
- Preserving biodiversity (trees provide habitats for a great variety of species)
- Fresh air (tree purify the air and release oxygen )
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Emissions
Emissions, Affluents & Waste
SBR takes the consequences faced by global climate change seriously.
Despite that it is aware that its own operations have insignificant impacts on a global scale (and climate change is a global scale issue), it also recognises the fact that any given business including its own has an important role to play in doing the right thing by significantly reducing its Green House Gas Emissions. But most importantly to actively promote, share and showcase how it does so in order to inspire many other businesses to do the same, especially in its own line of business: the hospitality and leisure sector which is a global significant contributor.
Numerous efforts have been done at SBR to cut down atmospheric emissions. Some related to energy management while others are more towards a passive approach.
The section below provides an evaluation of SBR’s emissions based on energy use at the resort.
Energy Indirect Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions (Scope 2)
In Singapore 1kwh corresponds to 0.5233 kg of CO2 (equivalent) (source NEA)
SBR monthly average electricity consumption is 181,554 KWh
Therefore SBR monthly carbon emission is 0.5233 x 181,554 = 95007.2 kg CO2e
And for one year: 95007.2 X 12 = 1,140,086 kg CO2e
SBR annual estimated carbon footprint: 1,140 tonne of CO2e
(This value is only an estimate based on electricity consumption; it does include external operations, supply chains and transport)
Furthermore, the above amount should be significantly reduced once taken into account the trees present on site.
Due to its extent of vegetal coverage, SBR benefits from an excellent air quality environment.
Other Indirect Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions (Scope 3)
The main source of GHG emissions at SBR is primarily from electricity consumption which originated from the combustion of natural gas.
In addition to this primary consumption, several smaller and irregular activities are also contributing but to a much smaller extent. While aware of these sources, SBR is still in the process of gaining a more precise understanding of the emissions involved from these sources.
Other indirect GHG sources:
Gardening activities: May involve from time to time the usage of machineries which burn fuel, these include:
- Land-mowers
- Chainsaws
- Various cutting machines
- Emergency generator
Fumigating (mosquito control): The chemicals are sprayed through a blowing machine which consumes fuel.
Transport: SBR operates two small buses to transport its guests to and from the resort. The trips involved are however short (about 4 km) and therefore the emissions involved through this means is relatively small.
SBR 12-seater van
SBR 15-seater van
Reduction of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
• Tree Preservation & Planting (passive approach): preserving trees on site, has also in the process significantly contributed to offset emissions on site. Indeed, preserving the trees also preserves the carbon stored within the trees as well as the carbon dioxide removal potential of these trees. While it is very difficult to evaluate how much carbon emissions is saved through this means, it is significant. SBR has preserved over 200 trees on its site and additionally planted another 450.
• Efficient Building Design (passive approach):Due to the energy efficient design of the buildings, SBR energy use is significantly reduced which translates to significant reduction in atmospheric emissions.
• Active Approach: SBR has numerous initiatives to reduce its energy consumption through the use of new energy efficient technologies. The reduction in energy usage translates to reduction in atmospheric emissions.
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Emissions of Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS)
SBR has a policy in place to avoid the usage of ozone depleting substances. As such, very few if any are actually used on site. These substances may only be contained in:
•Coolants in fridges
•Sprays of various sorts
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SBR is free of any CFCs.
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HCFCs are present in small amounts and within government regulations.
Emissions by weight: insignificant
NOX, SOX & Other Significant Air Emmisions
The only SBR related activities that involve some of these substances are transportation and gardening.
Values have not been directly measured but are very low considering the amount of transport and gardening requiring machineries involved.
Total Water Discharge by Quality & Destination
Total amount of water discharge for 2013: 28,930 cubic meters (based on estimates from employee and guest water usage).
All of our discharged water comes from the public water supply, and goes back to the public water treatment. Almost all of the water used is discharged through guest activities like showering and flushing of toilets. A very small percentage (less then 1%) of our water withdrawn is consumed as drinking water by our guests or used by our housekeeping staff for general cleaning and evaporates.
Our other sources of water, such as spring water and rain water, are not discharged, but rather the excess is used for gardening purposes by SBR and Sentosa.
Compliance
SBR has always been compliant with national regulations and has not received any fines for misconduct.
SBR will continue to apply most stringent practices when it comes to meeting regulatory requirements.
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In fact ,many of the initiatives carried at SBR go far beyond the legal requirements. This includes aspects such as energy efficient design, water management, energy management, waste management and more.
SBR has a holistic approach to sustainable management and believes in test-bedding new practices and technologies in order to continuously improve. Having done this for many years now, it has also put SBR a significant step ahead of government regulations.
Monetary Value of Significant Fines & Total Number of Non-Monetary Sanctions for Non-Compliance with Environmental Laws & Regulations
To date, SBR has never endured any fines or non-monetary sanctions of any kind for noncompliance with environmental laws and regulations. Monetary value is 0.
SBR is a very responsible business and takes great care in applying the precautionary principle.
Monetary Value of Significant Fines & Total Number of Non-Monetary Sanctions for Non-Compliance with Environmental Laws & Regulations
As usual, the resort has spent significantly on upgrades to environmental systems.
While most of the expenses have been focused on upgrades to the energy chiller systems, significant investments have also occured in water management systems such as the swimming pool main pumps as well as waste treatment.
