Singapore’s building sector is pivoting toward alternative cooling technologies to reduce a reliance on air conditioning that accounts for up to 60 per cent of energy consumption in some buildings. While 99 per cent of private residences in the city state currently use traditional cooling units, the government is backing new methods like active chilled beams and radiant cooling to meet a national target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Reducing energy use with active chilled beams
Buildings like the eight-storey Paya Lebar Green in eastern Singapore are replacing conventional systems with active chilled beams. The technology uses perforated ceiling panels equipped with cooling coils. A chiller plant on the roof cools water to 9 degrees Celsius, pumping it into the coils while jets of air create a low-pressure zone. This process draws warm room air over the chilled coils to cool it before recirculation.
According to DP Architects, the firm behind the building’s design, this system reduced energy consumption by more than 30 per cent compared to traditional air conditioning. Users, including office workers at the site, have reported the system is both seamless and noticeably quieter than the mechanical hum of standard cooling units.
Implementing passive and radiant cooling methods
Beyond chilled beams, other facilities are testing different approaches to manage heat. The Singapore ports authority maintenance building at Tuas harbour utilizes passive displacement cooling. This method relies on natural airflow, where ceiling coils chill the air, causing it to sink and then rise again as it warms, creating a continuous, low-noise cycle that minimizes the use of mechanical fans.
Radiant cooling serves as another alternative, circulating water chilled between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius through panels or pipes. This system absorbs heat directly from people and objects in a space to lower the ambient temperature without relying entirely on chilled air circulation.
Scaling alternative technologies in Singapore
Government data from 2024 identifies these alternative cooling technologies (ACTs) as a primary strategy to lower the city’s energy demand, with studies suggesting they could save up to 48 per cent in energy. As of mid-2026, 33 public buildings and 14 private properties have adopted these systems.
Despite these efficiency gains, widespread adoption faces hurdles. “Everybody’s more used to having air-conditioned office spaces, so for them to suddenly accept 26 degrees, I think the mindset shift has not reached a threshold where it’s generally accepted yet,” said Chua Zi Jun, director at DP Architects.
Addressing efficiency limits and future controls
While ACTs offer significant energy savings, they remain more expensive to install than conventional systems. Experts also note that the fundamental physics of cooling remains a challenge. “The technologies are a step in the right direction and should eventually incorporate more sophisticated controls, including predictive systems that adjust temperatures before rooms become too hot or cold,” said Wan Man Pun, a cooling tech expert at Nanyang Technological University.
Wan noted that while these new methods are effective, “we still haven’t found any alternative cooling methods that have a higher coefficient of performance, or efficiency, than vapour compression.”
Questions regarding Singapore’s cooling shift
Why does Singapore have such high air conditioning demand?
The city state experiences year-round daytime temperatures between 31 and 33 degrees Celsius. This climate, combined with high humidity, has led to a reliance on mechanical cooling, with 99 per cent of private residences currently equipped with air conditioning units.
How does hybrid cooling work as an intermediate step?
Hybrid cooling involves setting traditional air conditioners to a higher temperature—typically between 25.5 and 27 degrees—and using fans to maintain user comfort. This method is currently more popular than installing new specialized technology because it requires less of a behavioral shift from building occupants.
What is the environmental impact of current cooling systems?
Traditional vapour-compression systems contribute to emissions in two ways: they consume significant amounts of electricity, often generated by fossil fuels, and their compressor units release hot air directly into the urban environment. The building sector in Singapore is responsible for one-fifth of the country’s total carbon emissions.
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