Seagate’s Woodlands facility has been recognised for its efforts in conserving energy, improving the work atmosphere and enhancing Singapore’s green surroundings.

In an age where social and environmental responsibility is becoming increasingly important, Seagate, one of the world’s largest producer of digital storage solutions, is leading the way by taking steps to reduce energy consumption and the carbon footprint of its production plants across the globe. And for its green efforts, its newest hard disk media facility in Singapore, Woodlands 3 (W3) plant, has been presented with a Platinum Green Mark Award this year by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).

Launched in 2005 by BCA, the Green Mark Awards aim to raise awareness of sustainable and environmentally friendly buildings in Singapore by inspiring and encouraging developers, architects and engineers to achieve eco excellence in building safety and quality. The BCA hopes to differentiate the country’s built environment from other cities in order to provide an excellent quality of life in Singapore. The following criteria are used to assess the buildings: energy efficiency, water efficiency, site and project development and management, indoor environmental quality and environmental protection and innovation.

Recipients of the Platinum Award are recognised as exceptional buildings in the country which have incorporated extensive environment-friendly features. These winners are positioned as model “green buildings” for the industry to emulate.

A Green Step Forward
Seagate carries out significant high value-added activities such as hard disk media manufacturing, research and development, as well as corporate functions in Singapore. Given its prominent presence in the Republic, Seagate has constantly invested in new technologies and has always been aware of the way their plants are constructed.

The W3 plant is a good example of this. In order to save electricity, W3 is equipped with a photovoltaic system, which consists of solar electric panels to convert the sun’s energy into electricity. The system is grid-connected to power the LED lights in the building’s ground floor lobby, while light sensors ensure that outdoor lighting is automatically activated when there is insufficient sunlight.

Indoor environmental quality was another issue addressed when W3 was constructed. The building is fitted with UVC emitters – special light fixtures that produce UV light that destroys harmful microbes and eradicates surface and airborne mould, viruses and bacteria.

Water conservation initiatives were implemented, featuring de-ionised water filtration, advanced reverse-osmosis filtration and condensation recovery systems. Rain sensors, which are connected to the facility management system, have also been installed, increasing indoor-ambient temperature on rainy days.

According to Chee Teck Huei, Vice President, Recording Media Operations, Seagate Technology International, “The new Woodlands facility gave us the opportunity to construct a green building from scratch, which is much easier and less costly than retrofitting an older building with green features.”

Responsible Global Citizen
It looks like Seagate’s green efforts have started to pay off. W3’s environment-friendly features have been reported to eliminate the equivalent of 6,000 cars from highways, about the same as planting 14 million trees.

This will definitely not be Seagate’s final effort in doing their part for the environment. Chee adds, “As a responsible global citizen, Seagate is constantly looking to reduce energy use, minimise waste and reduce our carbon footprint and introduce new initiatives as needed.”

The Award is a clear indicator that they are headed in the right direction. He says, “We have received strong support from the Singapore EDB (Economic Development Board) and BCA during this exercise by providing useful guidelines and recommendations. To have this validated by the BCA and NEA (National Environment Agency) is testament to Seagate’s commitment to being a true global citizen.”