ChallengeIn Southeast Asia’s tropical climate, air-conditioning isn’t just a comfort, it’s a necessity. Yet HVAC systems are also among the largest sources of energy waste, accounting for more than 50 percent of a commercial building’s electricity use. For many businesses, outdated equipment and inefficient controls mean spiraling energy bills, shortened equipment lifespans, and mounting carbon footprint. While the need for efficiency is urgent, conventional retrofits are often expensive, disruptive, and out of reach, especially for smaller enterprises. As a result, many buildings remain locked into decades of inefficient, carbon-intensive cooling becoming a structural barrier to achieving national and regional net-zero goals. The buildings that most need energy efficiency upgrades are often least able to afford them. Without solutions that are affordable, scalable, and adaptable, the region risks locking itself into decades of carbon-intensive cooling.     SolutionSusten set out to break this cycle with its Cloud Energy Optimization and Management System, designed for commercial and industrial buildings. By combining IoT-based controls, predictive analytics, and custom-engineered chillers, the system acts as the “brain” of HVAC networks, continuously monitoring and providing predictive analytics to deliver real-time efficiency data.  Unlike generic systems, Susten designs both hardware and software in-house, tailoring every project to local conditions. Adoption is flexible: clients can begin with the cloud platform, then expand to hardware upgrades, lowering upfront investments and accelerating payback periods. Equally important, Susten deploys performance-based business models such as Energy Performance Contracts (EPCs) and Cooling-as-a-Service (CaaS). Instead of heavy capital expenditure, clients pay only from verified savings, with Susten taking on the performance risk. This makes energy optimisation accessible to organisations of all sizes, aligning sustainability goals with financial prudence.  In September 2024, one project reduced monthly energy consumption from over 1 million kWh to 545,709 kWh, avoiding 370,176 kg of CO₂ emissions — the equivalent of planting 16,826 trees in a single month. ImpactBeyond environmental gains, the system lowered operational costs, proving that sustainability can also strengthen the bottom line.  For clients, this means: Lower energy bills and operational costsExtended equipment lifespan through smarter operationsFewer site visits thanks to remote access featuresBeyond direct savings, Susten’s projects support Malaysia’s net-zero 2050 commitment, while giving businesses a competitive edge by reducing exposure to volatile energy prices and strengthening resilience. This impact ripples outward, Facility managers gain real-time control, businesses build resilience against rising energy costs, and communities enjoy cleaner air with fewer emissions. It shows how innovation can unite sustainability stewardship with commercial value.   Future outlookBuilding on this momentum, Susten plans to scale its impact regionally. By 2026, all new projects will integrate AI-powered control systems and a live monitoring app to give clients real-time transparency on energy and carbon savings. Looking further ahead, Susten aims to expand into two high-tariff ASEAN markets and deploy solutions in at least 100 facilities by 2030.  At every stage, the principle is the same: measurable results, shared value, and long-term resilience. By rethinking how cooling is delivered and managed, Susten is proving that one of the world’s most energy-hungry systems can become a driver of climate action rather than a drag on it.