AS Sarawak debates how far and fast it should push green construction, industry leaders stress that the conversation must go beyond aesthetics or token add-ons.
Integrated performance and benefits
Green Building Index (GBI) chief executive officer Sarly Adre Sarkum said that one of the biggest misconceptions about the GBI is that it is simply about adding solar panels, rooftop gardens, or rainwater tanks.
In reality, he said, GBI is not a checklist of add-ons but a holistic performance-based framework that integrates sustainability into every stage, from site selection and passive design strategies to material choices, energy performance, and long-term maintenance.
“Another misconception is that GBI always costs significantly more. While there can be slightly higher upfront investment, a well-planned green building often pays for itself through lower operating costs, reduced maintenance, higher tenant retention, and even increased property value.
“Many strategies under GBI, such as optimising building orientation for natural ventilation and daylight, cost nothing extra if considered from the start,” he said.
Sarly stressed that the benefits of GBI must be measured not only in reduced utility bills but also in comfort, productivity, and resilience.
He added that with over 753 buildings certified covering more than 330.9 million square feet, experience shows that for many projects, especially at the lowest certification level, the cost to achieve GBI can be negligible.
“In some cases, it can even be zero if sustainability is integrated from the start.”
He also said that GBI ratings translate into practical, measurable benefits for both users and developers.
A building’s GBI rating, he said, directly reflects measurable performance, not just theoretical promises.
He added that high-rated GBI buildings are designed to consume less energy and water, which means occupants enjoy lower utility bills month after month.
“Efficient lighting, air-conditioning systems, and water-saving fixtures can cut operational costs by 20 to 30 per cent compared to conventional buildings.”
For users, he said the benefits go beyond money.
“Better indoor environmental quality, with clean, well-ventilated air, controlled humidity, ample daylight, and low-toxicity materials, improves comfort, productivity, and even health outcomes. This can reduce absenteeism in workplaces and enhance quality of life at home.
“Smart site planning means better connectivity to public transport, safer pedestrian access, and reduced reliance on private vehicles,” he said.
For owners and developers, he explained that a strong GBI rating increases property value and marketability as tenants and buyers are increasingly seeking green-certified spaces.
“Many corporate tenants even have sustainability requirements in their leasing policies, making GBI-rated buildings more competitive.
“On top of that, the durability and resilience built into green buildings mean lower maintenance costs and better performance during climate stresses such as heat waves or heavy rain.
“GBI is not about ticking boxes or chasing points: it is about designing smarter, building responsibly, and creating spaces that are healthier for people and kinder to the planet. If done right, sustainability is not a burden, it is a value multiplier,” he said.
Adapting green design to Sarawak’s climate
Sarly shared that the GBI standards are designed with Malaysia’s diverse climates and regional contexts in mind, including Sarawak’s equatorial tropical climate and its unique building materials.
He stated that while the core framework and six main criteria remain the same nationwide, the technical benchmarks and strategies are adaptable to local conditions.
“For Sarawak, this means taking into account higher rainfall patterns, humidity levels, and solar exposure compared to some Peninsular regions.
“Passive design strategies are encouraged to maximise natural ventilation and manage heat gain, such as larger roof overhangs, deeper verandahs, adjustable shading devices, and breathable wall systems. Rainwater harvesting is especially effective in Sarawak’s climate and can significantly contribute to the Water Efficiency score,” he said.
He added that GBI also recognises the use of local, sustainably sourced materials.
“For example, certified tropical hardwoods or bamboo not only reduce embodied carbon from transportation but also support the local economy. Traditional techniques, such as those inspired by longhouse design principles, can be integrated into modern developments to enhance thermal comfort and cultural identity while meeting GBI performance targets,” he said.
Design strategies for the tropics
Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) Sarawak Chapter chairman Noraini Narodden said that the fundamentals of tropical design remain critical for hot-humid regions like Sarawak.
“Shading and orientation to reduce direct solar gain, promoting cross-ventilation, using breathable façades, and incorporating overhangs and verandas are essential strategies for our climate,” she said.
She added that material selection that minimises heat retention, designing for rainwater management, and integrating green landscaping to lower ambient temperatures are also critical.
Beyond design principles, she noted that most practicing architects in Malaysia are already familiar with the Green Building Index (GBI) and, to some extent, other certification frameworks such as GreenRE.
Training opportunities exist through PAM, GBI Facilitator courses, and continuing professional development (CPD) seminars, though she said there is still a need to expand practical, project-based training outside the Klang Valley to ensure knowledge translates into real-world applications.
On the barriers to wider adoption, she pointed to persistent perceptions of cost and client hesitancy.
“Many clients view green measures as additional rather than integral, and initial capital costs often overshadow long-term operational savings,” she explained.
She added that regulatory complexity and limited incentives also play a role.
“Approval processes can sometimes seem complicated, and without stronger regulatory support or clearer pricing premiums for green features, enthusiasm among developers remains uneven,” she said.
Still, architects alone cannot shift the industry. Wider adoption depends on developers, buyers, and the policy environment.
Adoption barriers and incentives
Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (SHEDA) president Augustine Wong said that in practice, green building initiatives in Sarawak generally revolve around improving energy and water efficiency, incorporating green-rated materials, and enhancing outdoor environmental features.
“Common examples include switching to LED or solar lighting, integrating rainwater harvesting systems into building design, and installing solar panels,” he said.
Based on data compiled from GBI and GreenRE, he noted that certified green buildings in Sarawak account for less than 2 per cent of Malaysia’s total.
“This shows that while progress has been made, there is still significant room for Sarawak to step up the adoption and implementation of green building practices,” he said.
He pointed out that several buildings in Sarawak have already been recognised for their green features, including the Menara Sarawak Energy, Menara SEDC and Sarawak Museum Campus and Heritage Trail.
“Buyers generally welcome green certifications, but location, price and design remain their top priorities,” he said.
To address the affordability challenge, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Faculty of Built Environment lecturer Prof Dr Azhaili Baharun noted that the Sarawak government currently provides several incentives to encourage the development of green buildings.
He explained that developers of GBI-certified projects can benefit from the Green Investment Tax Allowance (GITA), which allows a full deduction on eligible additional capital expenditure.
“However, while incentives such as GITA or Green Income Tax Exemption (GITE) provide valuable support, they may not entirely offset the upfront costs associated with certification, sustainable materials, or energy-efficient systems, particularly for affordable housing developments or smaller-scale projects,” he said.
In addition, he said that the state government, in collaboration with SHEDA and its partners, has launched Sarawak’s first fully funded GBI Facilitator training programme for industry professionals.
“Over 100 local professionals are now undergoing accreditation. Yet only 3.8 per cent of Malaysia’s GBI facilitators are based in Sarawak, reflecting a limited local talent pool and contributing to slow adoption,” he said.
He also stated that the Sarawak Building Ordinance is also scheduled for amendment in 2025 to integrate GBI criteria into planning requirements and to make EV-charging infrastructure mandatory in new developments.
“But without stronger consumer demand or clearer pricing premiums for green features, many developers still see the current incentives as inadequate.
“Most benefits today favour large-scale commercial projects, while affordable housing and retrofits receive limited targeted support,” he said.
Balancing certification with market realities
Wong explained that most green building rating systems use a performance-based, point-scoring methodology across key sustainability categories.
These, he added, typically include energy and water efficiency, site planning, use of eco-friendly materials, indoor environmental quality, waste management, and innovation.
“Points are awarded based on compliance with specific criteria, and the total accumulated score determines the building’s certification level.
“This structured and measurable approach provides clarity and transparency for all stakeholders throughout the building’s lifecycle,” he said.
In Sarawak, he noted that while national green building rating tools are already in use, a dedicated green building rating system tailored to Sarawak’s unique environment, construction practices, and community needs may be required, making green building certification more practical and impactful.
“Green building development has been identified as a catalytic initiative under Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS).
“The state government sees sustainable construction as key to protecting the environment and future-proofing the housing industry,” he added.
