University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) is the first university in Malaysia to achieve a GBI “Platinum” rating – the highest certification in the index
As part of its green transformation, the Sarawak Government is ensuring new government and private non-residential buildings in major cities and towns to be GBI-certified.
GBI, or the Green Building Index, is Malaysia’s industry-recognised environmental rating system for buildings that is established to promote sustainability in the built environment, and raise awareness about environmental issues and responsibilities for future generations.
It is developed by Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) and Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM) specifically for Malaysian tropical climate, environmental and developmental contexts, as well as sociocultural needs.
GBI assesses the environmental design and performance of buildings based on six main criteria: Energy Efficiency; Water Efficiency; Indoor Environmental Quality; Sustainable Site Planning and Management; Materials and Resources; and Innovation.
In Sarawak, Sarawak Multimedia Authority has appointed the Ministry of Local Government and Housing to take charge of GBI implementation in the State in efforts to create environmentally friendly urban living and workspace.
Presently, there are seven GBI-certified buildings in Sarawak, including Menara Sarawak Energy in Kuching and University College of Technology Sarawak (UCTS) in Sibu.
