Go 25: Why Singapore Is Asking You to Set Your Air-Con to 25°C

It’s a small change, but setting your air-con to 25°C could make a big difference for the planet—and your electricity bill.

AI Image: OpenAI

Singapore’s new Go 25 movement is encouraging people to do one simple thing: set their air-conditioning to 25°C. It might not sound like much, but this is part of a bigger push under the Go Green SG 2025 initiative to help tackle climate change.

Why the focus on air-conditioning?

AI Image: OpenAI

Buildings make up over 20 percent of Singapore’s carbon emissions, and cooling is one of the biggest energy users. Many spaces are kept cooler than needed, which drives up electricity use and adds to global warming. The heat from these buildings even makes our city hotter—a problem called the urban heat island effect. That extra heat means we turn up the cooling even more, creating a cycle that’s hard to break.

The Science Behind 25°C

Research shows that raising your air-con temperature by just 1°C can cut energy use by around 3 to 5 percent. That’s a big deal when multiplied across homes, offices, and buildings islandwide.

Experts also say that 25°C hits the sweet spot. It keeps most people comfortable while still saving energy. International standards—like ASHRAE Standard 55, which guides thermal comfort—recommend a range of about 23.5°C to 25.5°C. So 25°C isn’t just a random number; it is based on studies and real-world testing.

So, Why Not 24 or 26°C?

While 24°C may feel cooler, it uses more energy. And 26°C, though more efficient, might feel a little too warm for most people—especially in humid Singapore. 25°C is the middle ground that balances comfort and sustainability. That’s why it's the number Singapore is championing.

Go 25: A New Habit for a Hotter World

AI Image: OpenAI

Go 25 is about changing habits in Singapore, not just temperatures. By making 25°C the norm, Singapore hopes to reduce its energy use, lower emissions, and slow down the warming of the city.

It is also a reminder that everyone has a role to play. From families at home to big commercial buildings, choosing to cool smarter can lead to real, lasting impact. When paired with better building design and less reliance on air-con, the benefits go even further.

In short, Go 25 isn’t about sacrificing comfort. It’s about redefining comfort for a changing climate.