Archive for November 25th, 2010
One of the greatest contributors to global warming and other forms of environmental destruction is the building industry. Worldwide buildings account for 33 percent of carbon dioxide emissions, 30-40 percents of the world’s energy consumption and 40-50 percents of raw materials used, according to the World Green Building Council.
In view of the growing concern on the environment, many developed nations had developed their own green rating tools for development. In Malaysia, the Green Building Index (GBI) is developed by Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) and the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM). The Green Building Index was officially launched on 21st May, 2009.
The GBI will provide an assessable differentiation to promote environment-friendly buildings for the future of Malaysia. It is a benchmarking rating system that incorporates internationally recognized best practices in environmental design and performance.
Buildings will be awarded the GBI rating based on 6 key criteria: Energy efficiency; Indoor environmental quality; sustainable site planning and management; Material and resources; water efficiency and innovation.
This green rating tool is intended to promote sustainability in the built environment and raise awareness among Developers, Architects, Engineers, Planners, Designers, Contractors and the Public about environmental issues. At the same time it will provide 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.
