The company is exploring further innovations, including using absorption chillers powered by waste heat to replace conventional air conditioning
PROGRESS Galvanizing, a solutions provider for hot-dipped galvanising and sandblasting, has been serving industries from construction to marine and offshore for more than three decades. In recent years, it has committed to embedding energy efficiency at the heart of its operations. This includes setting up an energy management team and aligning its processes to the ISO 50001:2018 framework.
As a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME), Progress initially faced challenges in technology and resources, but overcame them by tapping into external expertise. It worked with the Energy Efficiency Technology Centre and its energy management consultant Nexus Quest, to address challenges such as lack of technological resources, including portable energy meters, and limited competency in conducting Level 3 energy audits and energy reviews.
“Through their guidance, we gained access to the necessary tools, built technical capabilities, and adopted best practices that enabled us to address issues more systematically and implement effective solutions with confidence,” says Joyce Lee, Progress’ operations manager, and also its energy manager.
Progress has since rolled out a series of impactful projects. One key initiative was the replacement of old compressors and dryers with variable frequency drive models, supported by the National Environment Agency’s Energy Efficiency Fund. This move replaced ageing equipment across both its sandblasting department and auto galvanising plant, resulting in annual cost savings of more than S$109,000 and abatement of about 164 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.
The company also tackled waste heat recovery. By installing an economiser in one of its furnaces, Progress was able to capture and reuse heat that would otherwise have been lost through flue gases. This project alone brought annual energy savings of 0.87 terajoule, or S$13,000 in cost savings, along with nearly 99 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent reduction.
The company also embraced digitalisation through the implementation of an energy management information system, giving workers access to real-time data on energy use. The effect on behaviour has been immediate.
“Following the implementation of the energy management information system, workers have become more aware of energy consumption. With real-time data on the energy use of each equipment captured daily in minutes, they are now more mindful in their actions – for example, covering the zinc bath with its lid and switching off idle machines after the shift ends,” explains Lee.
These efforts have not gone unnoticed. At the Energy Efficiency National Partnership (EENP) Awards 2025, Progress was honoured with the Outstanding SME Award for its strong commitment to energy efficiency and greenhouse gas management. This accolade follows earlier accolades; the company was certified to the ISO 50001:2018 standard in 2022, and earned an honourable mention in the Outstanding SME Award category at the EENP Awards 2023.
Looking ahead, the company is exploring further innovations, including using absorption chillers powered by waste heat to replace conventional air conditioning in its dormitory.
“By maximising the recovery of waste heat, we can further reduce electricity consumption, lower operating costs, induce further carbon abatement and strengthen our commitment to sustainability,” says Lee.
Through steady investment, partnerships and the commitment of its employees, Progress is demonstrating how SMEs can advance sustainability while strengthening its competitiveness.
To usher in the new year, our employees were in for a little food treat. Nothing like a fellowship over food to bring cheer to the atmosphere!
Here's wishing everyone a very blessed 2018 ahead!
Best greetings,
Progress Galvanizing Pte Ltd
