Green building applies the rational to minimize waste while maximizing efficiency. Studies suggest that green building projects provide many benefits.
A green building as define by Green Building Index focuses on increasing the efficiency of resource use – energy, water, and materials – while reducing building impact on human health and the environment during the building’s lifecycle, through better sitting, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal. Green buildings designed to save energy and resources, recycle materials and minimise the emission of toxic substances throughout its life cycle.
Green buildings generate an average increase of 7.5 percent in a building’s value and a 6.6 percent improvement in return on investment, while decreasing operating costs by 8 to 9 percent, according to McGraw-Hill Construction.
Green building application helps in emissions reduction. Fossil fuel used in producing electricity contributes to air quality issues such as acid rain and smog, and create risks to human health. Application such as solar powering, day lighting, and facilitation of public transport increase energy efficiency and reduce harmful emissions.
Sarawak has been very resolute in advancing the green and sustainability agenda.
Integrating sustainable principles into the fabric of Sarawak’s built environment, GBI is actively complementing the Sarawak government’s efforts to transform the state into a hub of sustainable development.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg was quoted during the at 25th Asean Valuers Association (AVA) Congress dinner in Kuching in September 2023 as saying The Sarawak government encourages real estate developers in the state to build buildings based on the Green Building Index (GBI) as it is inline with Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 to establish smart cities.
Some of the notable GBI-certified projects are the LCDA Tower, Menara SEDC, Sarawak Energy headquarters Sarawak Museum Campus and Heritage Trail, Tabung Haji Complex & Convention Hall, Tabung Haji Hotel, UNIFOR Complex, LCDA Tower, Menara SEDC, University of Technology Sarawak, Ibraco & LHS Headquarters, HSL Tower, La Promenade Mall, Miri City Hall, Integrated Energy Hub, Wisma Kalulong, Tegas Digital Village, DCF-DCCI Complex, UNIMAS Student Pavilion, University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) and UCSI Hotel.
