The M&E models can be combined with mechanical, structural and architectural models to make a complete “virtual” building.

By reducing the need for carbon feedstock by reusing captured CO. 2. , we will make progress toward a carbon neutral synthesis of industrial plastics..In line with this, other chemicals, such as methanol and methane, can be replaced by bio-methanol and bio-methane, which are synthesised from biomass and wastewater sources.

Using sustainable methods to produce bio-methane and bio-methanol in place of fossil fuel derived versions, helps reduce the total amount of fossil fuels circulating in the industrial plastics industry and, therefore, the extent to which emissions are generated.. A study by Gabrielli et al, investigating the benefits of carbon capture, used the visual below to show how each system works and how the captured carbon is being reused (Figure 1)..Figure 1: via Gabrielli et al: illustrating a comparison of ‘business as usual’ chemical production against CCS and CCU via direct air capture with carbon storage (DACCS) techniques.Also illustrated is a biomass-based option.. 4.

Difficulties with Carbon Capture.There are limitations with these carbon capture methods, however, as CCS by itself isn’t enough to bring us to the designated targets for the industry.

CCU is the better of the two methods to take meaningful steps towards carbon neutrality, as it puts the carbon to use straight away with less risk of it escaping.

The issue with these methods is that there is still work to be done on the technology and estimations for using the captured carbon in directly transforming it into hydrocarbons.. A good measure to show how close a technology is to being used is the technology readiness level (TRL).This is starting to change with the government and private sector looking at other DfMA solutions such as panelised lightweight construction and CLT (cross-laminated timber), both of which have been successfully used in Singapore.

However, local industry discussion of DfMA remains dominated by the idea of standardised PPVC modules being stacked up to form finished buildings..The ongoing struggle to deliver PPVC cost-effectively in Singapore has an increasing degree of urgency.

The disproportionate impact of COVID-19 in Singapore’s foreign workforce shows the need to drive greater productivity while reducing over-reliance on foreign labour is more urgent than ever before.But the big question is, ‘What next?’.