Green Building in Malaysia
Green building is a popular topic in the construction industry, and Malaysia is no exception. With the increasing awareness on environmental issues, green building developments have gained significant traction in recent years.
What is a green building?
A green building enhances resource efficiency (energy, water, materials) and minimises environmental and health impacts through improved sighting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal. Its goal is to reduce the built environment's overall impact.
Green Building Certification in Malaysia
Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) has increasingly focused on sustainable architecture, leading to the creation of the Green Building Index (GBI) in 2008 as green building rating systems in Malaysia to meet the demand for environmentally friendly buildings.
The PAM Council formed the Sustainability Committee to develop the GBI and establish a certification process. Greenbuildingindex Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of PAM and ACEM, was incorporated in 2009 to manage GBI accreditation and training.
GBI accreditation is structured into three levels: the GBI Accreditation Panel, GBI Certifiers, and GBI Facilitators, each playing a role in ensuring buildings meet GBI standards. The process involves several key steps to ensure that buildings meet rigorous standards.
- Application & Registration: To complete the process, submit the GBI Application Form with your details and documents to Greenbuildingindex Sdn Bhd (GSB), pay the registration fee based on your project's size, and receive a GBI registration number. Both parties will sign the GBI Terms and Conditions, and a GBI Certifier will be assigned to your project.
- Design Assessment (DA): Submit the project for GBI Design Assessment (DA) directly or via a GBI Facilitator when key design criteria are finalised, ideally before construction. The GBI Certifier conducts the assessment, possibly involving a presentation, and then presents the report to the GBIAP for registration and certification. A provisional GBI Design Assessment certification and a scoresheet will be issued.
- Completion & Verification Assessment (CVA): After project completion, submit for the Completion and Verification Assessment (CVA) within 12 months or at 50% occupancy. The final GBI award, Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Certified, follows the CVA. Buildings must be reassessed every three years to maintain their rating.
Green Building Characteristics
Green buildings have a variety of characteristics that make them stand out from traditional buildings.
Energy Efficiency
Sustainable buildings utilise renewable energy sources, like solar panels, to reduce fossil fuel reliance and greenhouse gas emissions. These sustainable development practices lower carbon footprints and energy costs, supporting environmental sustainability.
Other renewable energy sources, such as wind, geothermal, and biomass, can also be integrated based on location and design.
Water Conservation
Green buildings utilise rainwater harvesting systems for non-potable uses like irrigation and toilet flushing, reducing water demand and managing stormwater run-off. These systems include rooftop catchments, gutters, and storage tanks.
Additionally, water-efficient landscaping with native plants and smart irrigation systems helps decrease water consumption and enhance sustainability.
Sustainable Materials
Green buildings use recycled, reclaimed, and locally sourced materials to minimise environmental impact. Recycled materials like wood, steel, and concrete reduce raw material demand and landfill waste.
Locally sourced materials lower transportation emissions, support local economies, and ensure regional suitability, enhancing overall sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint.
Indoor Environment Quality
Natural lighting is crucial in green building design, reducing the need for artificial lighting and lowering energy consumption. Efficient window placements, light shelves, and skylights maximise daylight while minimising glare and heat gain.
High-performance glazing and reflective coatings optimise light use without compromising insulation. Thermal comfort is also essential, achieved through passive design strategies and advanced insulation, enhancing occupant comfort.
Waste Reduction
Efficient waste management in green buildings is vital for reducing environmental impact. During construction, practices like waste segregation, recycling, and using prefabricated components minimise landfill waste.
In the operational phase, buildings often feature waste management systems for recycling and composting. A comprehensive waste reduction plan supports a circular economy, preserves resources, cuts costs, and enhances sustainability.
Ajinomoto Malaysia's Smart Green Factory
AMB is pleased to share that our new eco-friendly, state-of-the-art plant in Bandar Enstek Halal Hub, Negeri Sembilan, is fully operational as of December 2022. This facility is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and innovation.
With advanced solar panels, the plant cuts our TNB electricity use by 25%. Additionally, a rainwater harvesting system collects water for landscaping and cleaning, reducing city water use.
In recognition of our green initiatives and sustainable building practices, our new green factory has proudly earned the Green Building Index (GBI) Silver Provisional Certification. With these advancements, we aim to set new standards in eco-friendly production.
