At Harvard, for example, scientists have developed an evaporative-cooling-based system that also uses water instead of refrigerants. Its multi-chambered ceramic heat exchange unit is coated with a proprietary material that isolates moisture from air as it is cooled, reducing the temperature without adding humidity to the air.
But no matter how groundbreaking a technology, its success still hinges on people and their willingness to give it a shot.
As we all know, habits are hard to break. For years, the National Environment Agency has recommended that 25°C is the optimal temperature for air-conditioning here, yet it is not uncommon to encounter freezing offices, malls and so on.
Last year, a new Go 25 Movement was launched by the Singapore Green Building Council and the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment to urge home, business and building owners to turn up their thermostats.
One can only imagine how much more it will take to convince building owners to incorporate passive cooling designs or innovative cooling systems in their buildings. We will also need the buy-in of stakeholders, such as tenants and residents, who choose to embrace new technologies because they believe in sustainability.
It will not be easy. Novel technologies will also come with their own teething issues, as we have seen in Tengah where some residents complained of problems including condensation and leaks. These have been overcome and user feedback is now generally positive.
To expect people to give up air-conditioning in a warming world is unrealistic. This means that we must find better ways to cool, such that turning on the air-conditioning does not warm the planet further.
Khoo Teng Chye is a Practice Professor with the College of Design and Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Senior Advisor of NUS Cities. He was formerly Chief Executive Officer and Chief Planner of the Urban Redevelopment Authority.
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BREAKING THE STATUS QUO
But no matter how groundbreaking a technology, its success still hinges on people and their willingness to give it a shot.
As we all know, habits are hard to break. For years, the National Environment Agency has recommended that 25°C is the optimal temperature for air-conditioning here, yet it is not uncommon to encounter freezing offices, malls and so on.
Last year, a new Go 25 Movement was launched by the Singapore Green Building Council and the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment to urge home, business and building owners to turn up their thermostats.
One can only imagine how much more it will take to convince building owners to incorporate passive cooling designs or innovative cooling systems in their buildings. We will also need the buy-in of stakeholders, such as tenants and residents, who choose to embrace new technologies because they believe in sustainability.
It will not be easy. Novel technologies will also come with their own teething issues, as we have seen in Tengah where some residents complained of problems including condensation and leaks. These have been overcome and user feedback is now generally positive.
To expect people to give up air-conditioning in a warming world is unrealistic. This means that we must find better ways to cool, such that turning on the air-conditioning does not warm the planet further.
Khoo Teng Chye is a Practice Professor with the College of Design and Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Senior Advisor of NUS Cities. He was formerly Chief Executive Officer and Chief Planner of the Urban Redevelopment Authority.
Continue reading...