Actis Acquires Barghest Building Performance to Enhance Energy Efficiency in Asia

On July 22, 2025, Actis, a prominent investor specializing in sustainable infrastructure in growth markets, announced its acquisition of a 100% stake in Barghest Building Performance (bbp), a leading provider of Energy-Savings-as-a-Service (ESaaS) solutions for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems across Asia. This strategic move is expected to significantly bolster the energy efficiency sector in the region, particularly as businesses face pressure to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

Founded in 2015, bbp has emerged as a key player in the energy efficiency landscape, leveraging innovative technology to deliver substantial energy savings. According to Boon Chye Hoe, CEO of bbp, the company’s solutions can unlock energy savings of up to 40% through a combination of patented software, proprietary know-how, sensors, and advanced controllers. bbp’s platform utilizes machine learning and artificial intelligence, drawing on real data from over 400,000 Refrigeration Tons (RT) of cooling systems optimized across nine Asian markets.

The acquisition by Actis is designed to enable bbp to undertake larger projects that would accelerate its growth trajectory. The firm's services cater to a diverse range of operations, including semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing, data centers, district cooling plants, hospitals, and commercial buildings. Notably, bbp serves three of the world’s top ten semiconductor manufacturers and several Fortune 500 companies, along with a selection of Asia’s top commercial real estate firms. Since its inception, bbp has reportedly helped its clients avoid approximately 312 million kilograms of CO2 emissions while saving around $92 million.

Asanka Rodrigo, Partner in Energy Infrastructure at Actis, emphasized the importance of energy efficiency in today’s market, stating, "Cooling systems can be very energy-intensive, and bbp’s Energy-Savings-as-a-Service offering has a key role to play in helping businesses reduce their costs and carbon emissions." He further noted that as industries face increasing regulatory requirements, such as Singapore’s Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) for chilled water systems, the demand for innovative solutions like bbp’s is expected to escalate.

Singapore’s National Environment Agency has mandated that energy-intensive facilities, particularly those in semiconductor manufacturing, comply with MEES by December 2025, while other industrial facilities in the pharmaceuticals sector must meet the standards by December 2029. This regulatory framework aims to enhance energy efficiency across various sectors, driving the need for advanced solutions like those provided by bbp.

In light of this acquisition, expert opinions reflect optimism regarding the future of energy efficiency in Southeast Asia. Dr. Emily Turner, an environmental economist at Stanford University, remarked, "Investments in energy efficiency not only contribute to lower operational costs for businesses but also play a crucial role in mitigating climate change. The acquisition of bbp by Actis aligns with global efforts to transition toward sustainable practices and reduce carbon footprints."

Furthermore, Professor Mark Robinson, a leading authority on sustainable infrastructure at the University of Cambridge, highlighted that with increasing urbanization and industrialization in Asia, energy-efficient technologies are essential for sustainable development. He stated, "As cities expand and industries grow, the pressure on energy resources intensifies. Investments in companies like bbp will be critical in addressing these challenges while fostering economic growth."

The implications of this acquisition extend beyond immediate financial returns, suggesting a transformative potential within the energy sector. As global attention shifts towards sustainability and carbon neutrality, the integration of advanced energy-saving technologies will likely become a cornerstone of industrial strategy in Asia. Actis’ investment in bbp is indicative of a broader trend where private capital is increasingly directed toward sustainable infrastructure solutions, positioning firms to capitalize on emerging market opportunities.

In conclusion, the acquisition of Barghest Building Performance by Actis not only signifies a strategic investment in the energy efficiency sector but also highlights the critical role of innovative solutions in addressing the pressing challenges of energy consumption and climate change in Asia. As regulations tighten and market demands evolve, the future of energy efficiency looks promising, paving the way for sustainable growth and development across the region.