The building industry is not new to adopting state-of-the-art technology to help the environment during the building phase to encourage the use of eco-friendly construction materials and sophisticated recycling systems that places emphasis on efficient waste management.
Dubbed the green approach, the importance of conserving energy within the built environment is beginning to see a massive push for green residential buildings as households become more aware of the importance of conserving the environment.
Sustainable housing, super-efficient high-rise buildings, solar installations, lush foliage and smart home technologies are beginning to be rise with many developments and individual properties adopting the green approach.
Moreover, complying with local green rating tools such as Green Building Index (GBI) or GreenRE are more common in newer developments, garnering awards to further strengthen the green mark.
As of December 2019, a total of 526 buildings have been certified by the GBI, which points to a significant trend in Malaysia’s property market – the demand for green housing.
In terms of award recognition, one such award that credits green efforts in developments is the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Malaysia) held four years in a row.
In 2014, The Haven Lakeside Residences by The Haven Sdn Bhd won the Best Green Development award followed by KL Eco City Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of SP Setia Bhd Group) in 2015 while Dynasty View Sdn Bhd (subsidiary of UM Land Bhd) bagged the Highly Commended Best Green Development title that year.
In 2016, Serai, Bukit Bandaraya by BRDB Development Sdn Bhd took home the Best Green Development award and last year’s winner was Tropicana Gardens by Tropicana Corporation Bhd.
Seeing the ample of recognition and benefits it offers, the most common reasons to go green are as below:
Lowering Costs
According to Panasonic, while the proliferation of advanced smart home technologies such as home energy management systems (HEMS) will help to ensure a more energy-efficient, convenient, and comfortable household. Urban residents will be able to look forward not only to a lower-carbon lifestyle but also cost savings on their energy bills.
Although the price of a green home is more expensive compared to a conventional home given the green materials and green technology used, these costs can be deducted in the long run since green home has lower maintenance and operation costs.
Since a green home is energy and water efficient, it can reduce the amount of utility bills. A green home comes equipped with energy efficient appliances, A/C systems, and low flow water fixtures.
Long-term Value and Lifestyle Appreciation
The efficient use of mixed-use projects especially in the city centres enables for a highly convenient lifestyle for urban dwellers and to encourage a socially active, environmentally friendly and community-centric one.
Furthermore, green buildings are all natural hence, and they have huge return on investment rates and properties in these buildings sell at high prices.
Green building practices can reduce a building’s operating costs by as much as 9 percent, increase building value by 7.5 percent and realise a 6.6 percent increase in return on investment, according to Clean Malaysia.
Enhanced Quality of Life
With the demand of mixed-use developments to cater to the lifestyles of younger homebuyers, these properties have integrated multiple components – such as for commercial, entertainment and recreational uses into residential spaces, transforming residential areas into vibrant community hubs.
Moreover, green housing further encourages a healthier lifestyle as the materials used to build the homes have zero volatile organic compounds. Furthermore, green materials are known to have lower toxic levels of chemicals, making it even safer for young children and elderly.
In the future, more homeowners can look forward to sustainable housing solutions to cater to a comfortable and eco-friendly urban lifestyle.
Want to know which building or development in Malaysia will be the most sustainable? Let us do your homework for you! Stay tuned for our upcoming Asia Property Awards!
