Going Green
The construction and design of sustainable buildings using green technology has been gaining momentum in Malaysia. In 21 May 2009, the Green Building Index (GBI) Malaysia was launched to encourage developers to adopt this method. GBI sets a benchmark to developers on green buildings within the Malaysian context. These buildings are constructed to provide energy efficiency, water efficiency, healthier indoor environment, better connectivity to public transport, innovation and the adoption of recycling and greenery for their projects.
According to Ar Dr Tan Loke Mun, Chairman of Malaysian Institute of Architects Sustainability Committee responsible for the development of the GBI and also a pro-tem member of the Malaysian Green Building Council (MGBC), so far the take up and buy-in rate from Malaysian developers has been very high. Since the launch more than 150 projects have already applied for certification.
Commercial buildings that are certified as green buildings in Kuala Lumpur are G Tower, Ken Bangsar, 1st Avenue, Challis Damansara, Menara Binjai, Menara Worldwide and DiGi Technology Centre. Residential developments that have adopted the green technology are 3 Harmoni, S11 House, Ken Rimba Legian, The Light Point, Sime Darby Idea House and The Light Linear. Towards developing sustainable townships Putrajaya and Cyberjaya have been designated as flagship green townships for other suburban areas to be modeled after.
The Government is proactively taking steps to drive the green technology initiative by reinforcing all government buildings to be built and designed to meet green standards. The Prime Ministers' office complex in Putrajaya has been upgraded to meet the Gold Standard Green Rating. The following are the main incentives allocated by the government to promote green technology:
• Building owners obtaining GBI Certificates from 24 October 2009 until 31 December 2014 be given income tax exemption equivalent to the additional capital expenditure in obtaining such Certificates; and
• Buyers purchasing buildings with GBI Certificates from developers will be given stamp duty exemption. The exemption amount is equivalent to the additional cost incurred in obtaining the GBI Certificates.
The components encompassing the construction of green buildings are building orientation, facade selection, rain water harvesting, natural lighting, air change effectiveness, design, recycled content materials and construction waste management. Although the cost of constructing green buildings is higher, the cost of maintaining these buildings in the long run is relatively lower.
Increased sensitivity towards environmental conservation and rising fuel prices have prompted many Malaysian homebuyers to opt for sustainable townships. MNCs also prefer to set up offices in green buildings to adhere to their organisation's corporate social responsibility initiative.
Source: www.greenbuildingindex.org
6 Characteristics of Green Townships
1. Reduce or eliminate fossil-fuel use
2. Adopt sustainable building practices
3. Promote green-space and clean air quality
4. Implement energy-efficient and widely available public transportation
5. Create walkable city (pedestrian-friendly) designs
6. Develop well-organised mixed-use neighborhoods that combine living, working and shopping
Source: http://www.gnpm.org/conf/confParallelC.htm
Photo Caption: Walking the talk. Ar Dr Tan Loke Mun's residence in Petaling Jaya is Malaysia's first platinum-rated GBI residence. He aims to inspire more residential houses to incorporate green concepts from inception to completion.
By S.Sulocana
Source: Real Estate Malaysia, July 2011, Malaysia Property Incorporated
(www.malaysiapropertyinc.com)
