Malaysia’s Green Building Index For Tropical Structures
By Daniel Chandranayagam
In August 2008, PAM (Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia or Malaysian Institute of Architects) Council endorsed and approved the formation of the new Sustainability Committee, tasked primarily to develop and establish the Green Building Index Malaysia. A target deadline of April/May 2009 was set to launch this Green rating.
The Green Building Index (GBI) is Malaysia’s industry recognised green rating tool for buildings to promote sustainability in the built environment and raise awareness among Developers, Architects, Engineers, Planners, Designers, Contractors and the Public about environmental issues and our responsibility to the future generations.
In February 2009, Greenbuildingindex Sdn Bhd was incorporated, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PAM and the Association of Certified Engineers of (ACEM), to administrate GBI accreditation and training of GBI Facilitators and Certifiers.
The GBI rating tool provides an opportunity for developers and building owners to design and construct green, sustainable buildings that can provide energy savings, water savings, a healthier indoor environment, better connectivity to public transport and the adoption of recycling and greenery for their projects and reduce our impact on the environment.
GBI is developed specifically for the Malaysian-tropical climate, environmental and developmental context, cultural and social needs and is created to:
- Define green buildings by establishing a common language and standard of measurement;
- Promote integrated, whole-building designs that provides a better environment for all;
- Recognise and reward environmental leadership;
- Transform the built environment to reduce its negative environmental impact; and
- Ensure new buildings remain relevant in the future and existing buildings are refurbished and upgraded to improve the overall quality of our building stock.
GBI accreditation for buildings is separated into three tiers. At the highest level is the GBI Accreditation Panel, the independent regulatory body for GBI accreditation. At the intermediate level are the GBI Certifiers, consisting of experienced professionals that conduct the assessment and accreditation of project submissions. On the front-end level are the GBI Facilitators, professionals who together with clients and design team to enhance their projects to meet or exceed GBI rating system requirements.
GBI is designed specifically for the tropical climate (hot and humid) and Malaysia’s current social, infrastructure and economic development. Singapore’s GREENMARK is the other green rating tool developed for the tropics but it addresses specifically the priorities and needs of Singapore.
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