Green move for F1 suite

Jessica Cheam, Straits Times 27 Sep 08;

WHILE Formula One is not exactly known for its environmental qualities, one company here has taken the step to prove that eco-friendliness has a place alongside high-revving race cars.

The Singapore FreePort company has installed an 86 sq m solar canopy on top of its skylounge hospitality suite at the Fullerton Hotel - believed to be the only one of its kind erected for this weekend's race.

Mr Christophe Inglin, managing director of Singapore-based Phoenix Solar, said the solar panels his firm installed will offset more than half the carbon emissions used by the suite this weekend. They will also generate about 250 kilowatt-hours of electricity over a seven-day period.

'This is enough to power the equivalent use of a typical bungalow in Singapore over the three-day event, avoiding 125kg of carbon emissions,' said Mr Inglin.

Singapore FreePort president Alain Vandenborre said the suite's eco-theme was in keeping with the $60 million Free-Port facility now being built.

The ultra-high security space for storage, display and trading of high-priced collections of art and antiques and other valuables will also be a green building, boasting solar power, water recycling and energy-efficient features, he said.

Contemporary French designer Jean de Piepape transformed the firm's hospitality suite for the race into an 'Eco Art Home' by fusing luxury, ecology and technology.

About 250 race guests will be entertained in the suite, which is on the eighth floor of the Fullerton - a prime viewing spot for the track - and will be a 'showcase' for Singapore's environmental initiatives, added Mr Vandenborre.

The Singapore FreePort will donate the solar installation to a local educational institution after the race, he said.

FreePort shareholders include the Singapore National Arts Council and the National Heritage Board.

The facility is modelled on the Swiss FreePort.