KUCHING: SÓL Estate by EXAL Malaysia has become Sarawak’s first GreenRE-certified landed development to qualify for RHB Bank’s 110 Percent Green Home Financing Guarantee Programme, marking a significant milestone in advancing sustainable landed living in the state.
The announcement was made during the ‘Living The Green’ showcase organised by EXAL in collaboration with RHB at the SÓL Estate Sales Gallery.
The initiative allows eligible homebuyers to obtain up to 110 per cent margin of finance, enabling them to cover home purchase costs together with related upfront expenses, making certified green homes more financially accessible.
Sustainability designed from the ground up
Albert Ko, managing director of EXAL Malaysia, emphasised that sustainability begins with thoughtful design. He explained that solar orientation plays a crucial role in residential planning. East-facing homes are designed with larger openings to maximise morning sunlight, while west-facing exposures are minimised and treated with thermal-reducing paint to lower heat absorption.
“Design is not about a single feature. It’s a combination, from materials to landscaping,” he said.
He added that EXAL prioritises greener concrete, low volatile organic compound (VOC) materials, and high-reflective roofing to reduce heat gain.
Features such as rainwater harvesting systems, solar photovoltaic (PV) readiness, EV charging outlets, and enhanced cross ventilation are integrated to improve energy efficiency and long-term savings.
According to Ko, proper orientation and ventilation alone can contribute to an estimated 20 to 30 per cent reduction in electricity consumption, based on the company’s experience in Australia.
Solar PV systems, despite Sarawak’s relatively low electricity tariffs, offer a return on investment of approximately seven to eight years.
Living the green: Beyond solar panels
The ‘Living The Green’ concept underscores that sustainability extends beyond solar panels.
EXAL planted approximately 800 native trees within the development, working with landscape architects involved in major urban planning projects in Kuala Lumpur to reintroduce bird species and restore natural ecosystems.
“Sustainability is about returning to nature and ensuring comfortable living for residents,” Ko said, noting that EXAL’s approach integrates architecture, infrastructure, and biodiversity.
“SÓL Estate’s GreenRE certification recognises its passive design strategies, energy-efficient layouts, cross ventilation planning, and environmentally conscious master planning.
“Phase One of the 31-acre development has been fully sold and handed over, while Phase Two has achieved over 80 per cent take-up,” he said.
RHB’s role in enabling green homeownership
For Jeffrey Ng Eow Oo, managing director of Group Community Banking at RHB Banking Group, said green construction is gaining momentum nationwide, particularly among younger buyers.
“Sustainable homes may cost slightly more, but demand is growing, especially among younger generations who value environmentally responsible living,” he said.
Ng explained that RHB’s Green Home Financing Programme offers up to 100 per cent financing, with an additional 10 per cent under the Green Home Financing Guarantee Programme for certified projects.
Competitive pricing and margins are reserved exclusively for certified green developments, encouraging higher sustainability standards within the property sector.
“This partnership demonstrates RHB’s commitment to enabling sustainable homeownership. By making certified green homes more accessible, we empower Malaysians to make choices that benefit their families while contributing to a better environment,” he said.
Integrated ecosystem for future-ready communities
The event also featured EXAL’s sustainability partners, including Solarvest for renewable energy solutions and I-Metal for sustainable metal roofing technologies. Guests experienced electric vehicle test drives by Tesla, reinforcing the integration of green mobility within the development.
These initiatives form part of EXAL’s SOLCARE ecosystem, a framework integrating quality assurance, renewable infrastructure, professional property management, and sustainable building practices to protect homeowner value and community resilience.
As Sarawak’s property market evolves, the collaboration between EXAL and RHB illustrates how certified green design, practical financing, and infrastructure readiness can converge to build communities that prioritise sustainability, financial prudence, and long-term liveability.
