Redefining urban cooling

Pharmacy alumnus Louis Chan recognised an overlooked but important gap in Singapore’s sustainability landscape: the urgent need to address energy-guzzling heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) solutions. This insight ultimately led him to establish Greenbix, a clean technology venture offering a more cost effective and energy-efficient solution to cooling buildings in a warming world. In our conversation with him, we find out what keeps his entrepreneurial convictions burning, the challenges that sharpen his resolve and the aspirations shaping where he hopes to take his work next.

You graduated with a degree in pharmacy. What motivated you to embark on a career in sustainability and clean technology?

While my foundation in Pharmacy instilled a rigorous, analytical mindset and a collaborative approach to problem-solving, I was drawn to sustainability for its broader impact on both the environment and society. Much like healthcare, sustainability requires engagement with diverse stakeholders, from regulators to technology partners, making it a dynamic field. The evolving regulatory landscape and the need for cross-disciplinary solutions provided an opportunity to apply my curiosity and adaptability in a rapidly growing sector. Entrepreneurship in clean technology also exposes me to strategic investment decisions, risk management and stakeholder engagement – skills that complement my scientific background.

What was the genesis of Greenbix?

With a background in commercial evaluation and sustainable investment, I recognised a significant opportunity in the energy consumption profile of Singapore’s built environment. Air conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) systems typically represent over 50% of a building’s energy consumption. As carbon taxes escalate – currently S$25/tonne and rising to S$50 – 80/tonne by 2030 – energy inefficiency becomes a financial liability as well as an environmental concern.

The regulatory trajectory and cost pressures highlighted a clear market gap. Through comprehensive stakeholder interviews, we validated the demand for innovative HVAC solutions. Our passive displacement cooling coils, optimised for efficiency and speed, emerged from this convergence of market-driven pain points and regulatory imperatives.

What are the pain points that you are setting out to address with Greenbix?

Greenbix targets the high energy intensity of HVAC systems, directly enabling building owners to unlock operational savings and mitigate exposure to rising carbon taxes. Our retrofittable, scalable solutions are well aligned with investment strategies seeking regulatory compliance and future-proofing assets. We support Singapore’s Green Plan 2030, facilitating the achievement of green certifications and contributing to improved tenant retention and asset valuation. For architects and urban planners, our system’s compact footprint allows design flexibility and supports achieving LEED Platinum – boosting financial returns for asset owners.

What is the technology behind Greenbix’s patented displacement cooling coils?  

Our patented technology leverages passive displacement cooling, utilising natural convection to optimise energy use and indoor comfort. Chilled water pipes induce cooled air to settle and flow across occupied spaces, eliminating the need for energy-intensive.

We are actively exploring integration with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven analytics for predictive maintenance and real-time optimisation -advancements that will enhance lifecycle asset management and yield better returns for investors.

What differentiates Greenbix? 

Our technology is designed with both sustainability and financial performance in mind. Greenbix’s cooling coils deliver a faster cooling rate and are more compact than standard market offerings. Our proprietary fin design and use of the Coanda nozzle allow us to reduce material usage, increase efficiency and minimise spatial footprint – key metrics for real estate investors and asset managers seeking value engineering and high-performance solutions.

Where do you envision Greenbix to be in the years ahead?  

In the near term, we aim to expand our client portfolio and consolidate Greenbix’s leadership in Singapore’s HVAC innovation landscape. Strategic research collaborations and pilot integrations are a priority. Over the next 2 – 3 years, our goals include market expansion into at least one additional Asia-Pacific country and launching a fundraising round to support this growth.

What advice would you offer to students or young graduates who aspire to be entrepreneurs?

The key is to balance strategic planning with decisive action. The most successful entrepreneurs maintain flexibility, rapidly iterate and learn from each endeavour. In volatile markets, those who act – whether launching a pilot, initiating a partnership or testing novel concepts – gain both insight and resilience. Connect with industry leaders, seek out partnerships and stay proactive; agility is your best competitive moat.

More at Greenbix – NUS Enterprise