THE state government has implemented various measures to address climate change and reduce global warming in line with the Penang2030 vision.
State Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu (PH-Perai) shared this during the State Legislative Assembly at the State Assembly building in Light Street today.
“Key initiatives include the use of 100% LED streetlights, a 20% reduction in domestic water usage, and the planting of over 1 million trees.
“The Penang Green Industry Programme (PGIP) also encourages companies to adopt green technology, lower their carbon footprint, and practise environmental responsibility.
“In addition, Penang received a USD10 million grant from the Adaptation Fund for the Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Programme (PNBCAP).
“The project focuses on mitigation methods and adaptation strategies to reduce urban heat through sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions,” Sundarajoo added.
He said that both the local governments in Penang have implemented several initiatives to ensure sustainability.
“The Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) has made it mandatory for all new developments to instal LED streetlights, as outlined in its Light Installation Guideline.
“This includes new buildings that are built especially those that will be handed over to MBSP such as public markets, halls and garbage collection centres.
“Another measure is installing solar systems in MBSP-owned buildings, gradually replacing HPSV (High-Pressure Sodium Vapour) streetlights with LED lights, and ensuring the use of LED lights in all MBSP buildings,” he said.
MBSP also encourages that at least 15% of the energy used in commercial buildings (with an area of more than 5,000 square meters or an area ratio of more than 1:3) comes from renewable energy sources.
Meanwhile, Sundarajoo said that the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) encourages private development to use solar energy for at least 50% of the public facilities and obtain ‘green building’ certification.
“The developers need to use water-saving equipment that meets the standards of Penang Water Supply Corporation (PBAPP), and the new development project needs to instal a rainwater collection system (SPAH) according to the Section 115, 1986 Uniform Building By-Laws.
“The MBPP also ensures that the energy consumption of buildings complies with Sections 38A and 38B of the 1986 Uniform Building By-Laws and meets the ‘Malaysian Standard’ (MS 1525),” Sundarajoo said.
It is learned that for projects that achieve a ‘gold’ rating or higher, the state government will offer a discount of RM3 per square foot for residential properties and RM4 per square foot for commercial properties.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter