Setting a green example

W Hotel Kuala Lumpur (WKL) is the first GreenRE Gold rated hotel in Malaysia.

GreenRE is an independent Malaysian green rating tool for the construction sector set up by REHDA (Real Housing Estate and Developers Association) in 2013 to promote sustainability in the property industry.

The rating covers six areas of performance – energy efficiency, water efficiency, carbon emission, environmental protection, indoor environmental quality and other green features such as rooftop gardens, bins for horticulture waste and recyclables, occupancy sensors and energy efficient equipment.

At WKL, minimal windows-to-wall ratio and the use of appropriate glazing are the few methods used to achieve energy efficiency and thermal comfort of the buildings. The air-conditioning system is also designed to be energy efficient.

Other green features include naturally-ventilated above ground car parks and the use of rainwater harvesting system for landscape irrigation.

Compost bins to recycle organic waste are also in place as well as environmental management practices during occupancy, which include monitoring and setting targets to minimise energy and water use, developing a Building User Guide on environmental-friendly facilities as well as providing recycling bins for collection and storage of different recyclable waste. – Wong Li Za