ESR RESM achieves sustainability excellence at Suntec City, securing top Real Estate Asia Awards

The company was recognised in the Sustainable Development of the Year - Singapore and Open Space Development of the Year - Singapore categories.

ESR Real Estate Services Management Pte. Ltd. (ESR RESM) demonstrated its industry dominance at the Real Estate Asia Awards 2025 for its sustainability initiatives at Suntec City by earning two prestigious accolades: Sustainable Development of the Year - Singapore and Open Space Development of the Year - Singapore.

ESR RESM, formerly APM Property Management, is a pioneer provider in commercial real estate and retail mall management services. It manages over two million square feet of prime properties in Singapore, including the iconic Suntec City Office Towers and Retail Mall. These awards underscore the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability and innovative urban development.

Overcoming legacy challenges with strategic investment

Suntec City, a nearly 30-year-old landmark, presented unique sustainability enhancement opportunities due to its ageing infrastructure. Prioritising operational streamlining and efficiencies, ESR RESM embarked on a journey to leverage strategically on its technical expertise and not just equipment upgrading. Through the changes, the company generated significant electricity bill savings, which were then reinvested into capital-intensive initiatives which drove further improvements in energy performance.

This innovative approach, coupled with the implementation of maintenance best practices, prolonged equipment lifespans and allowed for the strategic phasing out of ageing assets, promoting both environmental and financial sustainability.

The holistic approach to integrate sustainability into daily operations, strategic planning, and implementation has earned the Suntec City Office Towers and Retail Mall Green Mark Platinum and Gold certifications, respectively. It has also significantly enhanced the asset's overall ESG performance and future-proofed its long-term viability.

Tangible sustainability achievements

ESR RESM's dedication to sustainability has yielded impressive, measurable results.

Air handling units in the office towers were replaced with energy-efficient EC fans, and the company installed LED lights with motion sensors in stairwells and washrooms. Lifts were equipped with energy-efficient features such as sleep mode and regenerative motor drives. As a result, common area annual energy consumption fell by 26% in 2024 against 2019, achieving savings of $4.4m.

ESR RESM's participation in the District Cooling initiative since May 2024 presents a forecast of carbon emissions reduction by at least 10,400 tonnes over 30 years, equivalent to removing over 315 cars from roads annually.

An EV hub featuring 28 charging ports—the largest in a central business district mall—was also installed to support electric vehicle owners in reducing their carbon footprint. The 120kW chargers can power EVs from 0% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes.

A rainwater harvesting system, combined with the use of treated reclaimed wastewater (Newater from PUB), now contributes a remarkable 57% of common area water consumption. The Office Towers and Retail Mall were also awarded the PUB Water Efficient Building certification for their efforts in installing PUB-certified water-efficient fittings.

Enhancing resilience, the office towers were fitted with touchless facial recognition access control systems, reducing the need for access cards and physical contact with surfaces, thereby enhancing the area’s pandemic resilience.

A Greener Urban Oasis

Beyond operational improvements, ESR RESM has also reimagined the public walkway along Nicoll Highway, transforming it into a 519.18-square-meter green space. This vibrant corridor boasts a rich variety of plants and trees, supported by sustainable infrastructure designed to elevate the urban experience and enhance environmental resilience.

“Our goal was to create more than just a green space—we wanted to build a living, breathing extension of the city that invites people to slow down, connect, and enjoy their surroundings,” stated Ivan Koh, CEO of ESR RESM. “This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainable urban development and community-centric design.”

In collaboration with DP Architects to develop the design concept, the project significantly enhances pedestrian connectivity and mobility, provides natural shade, and contributes to improved air quality, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment for both visitors and the local community.

The Real Estate Asia Awards celebrate excellence, honouring outstanding projects, developments, and companies across Asia that are redefining industry standards. ESR RESM's achievements at Suntec City stand as a testament to their leadership in sustainable real estate.

The Real Estate Asia Awards is presented by Real Estate Asia Magazine. To view the full list of winners, click here. If you want to join the 2026 awards programme and be acclaimed for your company's exceptional projects or initiatives in the Real Estate industry, please contact Julie Anne Nuñez at [email protected].