Sustainability Research and Innovation

Creating Sustainable Solutions and Competencies for Singapore

Sustainability is being integrated across our research programmes. We support Singapore’s national priorities by creating innovative solutions that are aligned to the Singapore Green Plan 2030 and the broader UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

We work closely with industry and community to develop sustainability competencies including sustainability measurement and management.

SIT’s strategic translational research programmes and technology enablers.

Developing Sustainability Solutions

A Cooler Alternative

Engineering faculty Associate Professors Steve Kardinal Jusuf, Aung Myat, An Hui, and Victor Wang teamed up with Er Neo Poh Hong from Shinhan Tech-Engineering Pte Ltd to develop an innovative cooling system. Unlike traditional methods, the Passive Displacement Cooling (PDC) system uses natural convection instead of fans. It relies on the human body’s heat to circulate cool air, resulting in more energy-efficient and localised cooling.

The project received a grant from BCA's Green Buildings Innovation Cluster (GBIC) programme. It is now in use at the Singapore Management University and Nanyang Technological University and will be implemented in our upcoming SIT Punggol Campus.

Read more about this green air-conditioning innovation here.

A/Prof Steve Kardinal Jusuf and his team setting up the Passive Displacement Cooling (PDC) system at the BCA (Building and Construction Authority) SkyLab. (Photo: Steve Kardinal Jusuf)

Supporting our SMEs in their Energy Efficiency Initiatives

The Energy Efficiency Technology Centre (EETC), in partnership with the National Environment Agency (NEA), focuses on helping local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) use energy more efficiently. It does so by promoting the adoption of new technologies and the development of energy efficiency capabilities through the Energy Efficiency Upskilling Programme (EEUP).

To date, EETC has helped over 28 companies in their energy assessment journey through better understanding, measuring and managing of their energy use. Helming the Centre is Professor Lock Kai Sang, who was recently elected Chairman of the Washington Accord. He is also the 2021 Co-Laureate of the WFEO Medal for Excellence in Engineering Education by the World Federation of Engineering Organizations.

Find out more about EETC, their programmes and how they help SMEs here.

(From left) EETC team members Abid Ali, Nur Umairah Binte Omar and Prof Lock analysing data collected from an ultrasonic flowmeter. (SIT Photo: Keng Photography/Tan Eng Keng)

Working with Industry to Co-Develop Sustainability Competencies

Future Foods

SIT and the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) have secured funding from the Industry Alignment Fund to create a first-in-Asia testbed platform for research in plant-based proteins.

The project aims to offer the F&B industry a one-stop plant-based ingredient characterisation platform that can reduce the industry’s turnaround time in creating new plant-based food products. It also supports Singapore’s ‘30 by 30’ goal to enhance national food security.

Beyond investigating alternative sources of plant-based proteins, the research team will also examine broader concerns. These include assessing sustainability throughout a product’s entire life cycle, finding ways to create a circular economy and using the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) in food processing to make food production sustainable, cost-effective and safe.

Project Person-In-Charge: A/Prof Du Juan

Breaking New Ground with Alternative Proteins

At FoodPlant, its focus lies in prioritising food sustainability. It provides food companies with affordable access to various equipment and industrial expertise. This helps them to be more innovative and to bring their products to market faster. This shared production facility also helps companies minimise costs when creating and testing new food innovations.

FoodPlant is committed to helping companies address sustainability challenges, including the development of new products containing alternative proteins. The companies can benefit from training courses designed to enhance their expertise in food processing techniques.

Explore opportunities for collaboration and partnership with FoodPlant here.

Twin screw extruder uses High Moisture Extrusion Technology (HMET) to give plant-based protein a meat-like texture, making it suitable for creating alternative meat products