Menara Sarawak Energy retains GBI silver rating
KUCHING: Sarawak Energy Bhd’s headquarters, Menara Sarawak Energy, has retained its Green Building Index ( GBI) silver rating as the architectural landmark continues to meet the verification assessment requirements on energy efficiency.
Menara Sarawak Energy was the first building in East Malaysia to be accredited the ‘ Green Building’ certification under the ‘ Non-Residential New Construction’ ( NRNC) category in 2013.
The GBI certification has a validity period of three years.
Commenting on the achievement, Sarawak Energy executive vice president (corporate services) Aisah Eden said securing the green building certification demonstrated the group’s commitment in incorporating sustainable practices across all levels of its operations.
“We are pleased to have retained our silver rating and we hope to improve on it, although it is not an easy task in terms of maintenance,” she said in a press statement issued yesterday.
Nevertheless, Aisah said gaining approval for the certification’s renewal only served as a motivation for Sarawak Energy to want to do more as it was also promoting the habit among its own staff members.
“Externally, we are also spreading the word on energy efficiency and providing tips on how to do so at the office and home.
“Not only does this optimise resources effectively, but being energy- efficient also means more savings at the end of the day and most importantly, it makes us more responsible towards our environment,” she added.
An on- site verification assessment was also done last December by the GBI accreditation panel accompanied by GBI accredited facilitators and commissioning specialists.
The rating tool used in the assessment evaluates sustainable aspects of the building, which encompasses six criteria – energy efficiency, indoor environment quality, sustainable site planning and management, materials and resources, water efficiency, and innovation.
Menara Sarawak Energy, which was completed in 2012, was designed from the start in accordance with the requirements of the GBI of Malaysia for energy efficiency.
The building’s passive architecture focuses on efficient usage of resources and at the same time, provides surroundings with minimal impact on health and environment, as well as conducive to working.
Energy consumption is reduced by optimising building orientation, solar heat gain, and natural lighting, as well as adopting the best practices in building services.