BEGINNING this year, all new public buildings in Penang will be required to generate at least five per cent of their total energy from renewable sources, announced Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow today.
According to Chow, existing public structures will be encouraged to follow suit, while new stand-alone commercial and industrial buildings will be required to integrate renewable energy solutions in accordance with Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s tariff categories.
“This is part of our vision under the Penang Energy Framework (PEF) that was launched last year. It is a strategic roadmap that sets the stage for a comprehensive energy transition in our state.
“Under the PEF, we have set forth clear targets to guide our shift toward sustainable energy. By 2030, we are committed to reducing our energy intensity by 25% and generating at least 10% of our energy from renewable sources.
“This ambitious agenda will begin with our government buildings, where every structure will be assessed for its potential to adopt renewable energy (RE) and energy efficiency (EE) measures.
“We will take every necessary step to enhance their performance, ensuring that the public sector not only sets but exemplifies the standards of sustainable performance,” Chow said in his speech during the GreenRE Platinum Certification award ceremony at Design Village Outlet Mall in Batu Kawan today.
Also present were Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, PE Land Penang Sdn Bhd director Joanna Ling and PE Land Penang Sdn Bhd chief operating officer Andy Song.
As part of these efforts, Chow said the Penang government is also introducing mandatory Building Energy Intensity (BEI) requirements for all new buildings.
“Specific benchmarks have been established, for instance, office buildings are targeted at a BEI of 150, retail spaces at 240, and tailored standards for hotels and hospitals.
“Non-residential properties, both public and private, will initially report their BEI values voluntarily, transitioning to mandatory online submissions by 2026,” said Chow.
Speaking about the programme, Chow said he was there to witness Design Village Outlet Mall being recognised as Malaysia’s first fully certified GreenRE Platinum shopping mall, solidifying its status as a leader in sustainable retail development.
Chow also commended PE Land Penang, the developer and operator of Design Village, for its pioneering sustainability initiatives that align with the Penang2030 vision and the PEF.
“This landmark achievement demonstrates how sustainability, innovation, and responsible business practices can work hand in hand to create a greener, more resilient future for Penang.
“Design Village Outlet Mall is setting a new benchmark for energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and waste management, which will inspire other commercial developments across Malaysia,” said Chow.
Song said achieving GreenRE Platinum certification requires meeting stringent environmental standards.
“Design Village has exceeded expectations, earning 107 out of 120 possible credits in key sustainability areas.
“This includes energy efficiency, renewable energy leadership, sustainable materials and waste management, indoor air quality and ventilation, as well as innovation in green features.
“Sustainability is not just an achievement; it is a continuous journey. At PE Land Penang, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of green innovation and making zero landfill waste a reality within two years.
“Our efforts go beyond compliance. We are setting new industry standards,” said Song.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat