PART 1
SARAWAK is no longer debating whether sustainability matters as it is already facing the consequences.
Hotter days, erratic downpours, and rising floodwaters are reshaping the way people live and work.
The built environment, which consumes vast amounts of energy and locks in carbon for decades, has become both part of the problem and part of the solution.
Every new building that rises will either deepen the crisis or help bend the curve toward resilience.
That choice now sits at the centre of Sarawak’s development path.
Local pressures — Why Sarawak cannot ignore the issue
According to Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) Faculty of Built Environment lecturer Prof Dr Azhaili Baharun, Sarawak, like much of Malaysia, is already facing the growing impacts of climate change.
“Rising temperatures, increasingly erratic rainfall patterns, and a heightened risk of flooding are among the most pressing concerns,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
He noted that the built environment plays a significant role in this crisis, as buildings are responsible for a large share of both energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
“To address these challenges, the Green Building Index (GBI) offers a strategic and sustainable solution. These standards promote energy efficiency, water conservation, the use of sustainable materials, and effective waste management.
“Collectively, these measures not only lower environmental impact but also enhance flexibility against climate-related risks,” he said.
For instance, he said, green buildings help mitigate the urban heat island effect, potentially reducing both daytime and night-time temperatures in dense urban areas such as Kuching.
He shared that in Sarawak, progress toward greener development is already evident.
UNIMAS has earned a Gold rating for its Student Pavilion in 2012, while University of Technology Sarawak, in 2021, received a prestigious Platinum rating for its campus design under the GBI, reflecting a strong commitment to sustainability.
“Sarawak has taken a pioneering step in sustainable development with the launch of the Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030, a comprehensive roadmap of its kind in Malaysia.
“This forward-looking plan outlines strategies and targeted action plans for key sectors such as energy, urban development, industry, forestry, and human capital development,” he said.
Moreover, he said, green building is identified as one of the ten strategic thrusts in the blueprint.
“By 2030, Sarawak aims to have at least 25 certified green buildings, with all new government buildings incorporating green features starting from this year, 2025.
“These efforts align closely with Sarawak’s broader Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), which aims to position the state as a high-income, developed economy by the end of the decade.
“Green buildings, climate-smart urban planning, and low-carbon mobility solutions such as hydrogen-powered public transport and smart city infrastructure are central pillars of this transformation,” he said.
Buildings as the pivot of climate action
Azhaili further said that green buildings in Malaysia, including residential units, provide substantial long-term cost savings to developers, homeowners, and tenants.
According to him, green-certified buildings typically reduce energy consumption by 30 to 50 per cent, which lowers overall operating costs.
He added that water-saving solutions such as rainwater harvesting systems and efficient fixtures can cut usage by 30 to 40 per cent.
“These measures, alongside LED lighting, smart elevators, motion sensors, and energy management systems, help bring down utility bills significantly,” he said.
He added that lower operational costs make it easier for developers to manage shared facilities and building performance, while homeowners and tenants benefit from reduced monthly bills for electricity, water, air conditioning and lighting.
“Green homes in Malaysia also tend to command a resale premium, influenced by the level of certification and quality of sustainable design features.
“Rental values and occupancy rates are also higher, driven by demand for healthier, energy-efficient living spaces,” he said.
He noted that developers and investors benefit from higher property values, faster sales cycles, and stronger rental income potential.
Meanwhile, homeowners and tenants gain both immediate savings and the possibility of future returns when selling or renting.
“Enhanced indoor air quality achieved through low volatile organic compound materials and improved ventilation, along with better thermal comfort and access to natural light, can reduce sick days and increase productivity by up to 5 per cent in workplaces and commercial spaces.
“In residential settings, these healthier indoor environments contribute to lower medical expenses, particularly benefiting households with children or elderly individuals.”
These benefits raise a fundamental question: what actually makes a building green?
What makes a green building?
According to Green Building Index (GBI) chief executive officer Sarly Adre Sarkum, a green building is defined by a holistic approach that minimises environmental impact while enhancing occupant well-being.
“It begins with energy efficiency, where building orientation, natural ventilation, high-performance façades, efficient lighting and HVAC systems, and renewable energy integration work together to reduce energy demand,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
He explained that the quality of indoor environments is equally critical.
“This includes good air circulation, low-VOC materials, thermal comfort, optimal daylighting, and acoustic control to ensure spaces are healthy and comfortable.”
He said that sustainable site planning focuses on protecting sensitive environments, maximising access to public transport, promoting walkability, and mitigating stormwater runoff and heat island effects through landscaping.
“Materials and resources are carefully chosen for their life-cycle impact, prioritising local, recycled, and renewable materials while promoting waste reduction and long-term durability. Water efficiency is achieved through rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, efficient fixtures, and smart irrigation.
“Finally, innovation encourages the adoption of advanced green technologies, community engagement, and exemplary performance that exceeds standard requirements.
“Collectively, these features create buildings that are cost-efficient to operate, healthier for occupants, and more resilient to climate change, setting a new benchmark for responsible architecture in Malaysia,” he said.
However, features alone do not guarantee results.
Why certification matters
According to Sarly, certification gives credibility to sustainable design by ensuring that green features are not just promised on paper but are implemented and verified in practice.
He explained that the GBI system is based on six criteria namely Energy Efficiency; Indoor Environmental Quality; Sustainable Site Planning and Management; Materials and Resources; Water Efficiency; and Innovation.
The ratings, he said, are awarded from Certified to Silver, Gold, and Platinum, depending on the points achieved.
“The process has two stages. First is the Design Assessment (DA), where a project is evaluated before or during construction and may receive a provisional rating.
“After completion, the Completion and Verification Assessment (CVA) confirms that all green features are functional, with the final rating awarded based on this verified performance.
“This staged approach ensures GBI certification is a measurable commitment rather than a symbolic exercise,” he said.
In Sarawak, he said there are currently 24 GBI-certified buildings at various stages, mostly under Non-Residential New Construction (NRNC), covering commercial, institutional, and public-sector projects.
Whereas, smaller numbers fall under Residential New Construction (RNC) and Non-Residential Existing Building (NREB).
“In addition, there are a further 14 registered projects currently progressing through the GBI certification process, underscoring the growing momentum and commitment towards sustainable development in Sarawak,” he added.
This momentum must be matched by greater awareness and adoption, so that sustainable design principles extend beyond certification and take root as part of industry culture.
Adoption and awareness in Sarawak
Commenting on the matter, Malaysian Institute of Architects Sarawak Chapter chairman Noraini Narodden said awareness of green architecture has long been instilled within the profession, with designers actively incorporating both passive and active strategies to enhance environmental performance.
She explained that the introduction of rating systems such as the GBI has further driven uptake, resulting in a growing number of certified projects across Malaysia, including Sarawak.
“Notable examples include the Borneo Cultures Museum and the University of Technology Sarawak, both of which have achieved GBI Platinum certification,” she told Sarawak Tribune.
According to her, awareness has grown significantly over the past decade, especially among larger developers who now view sustainability as both corporate responsibility and market advantage.
“Clients today are more familiar with terms like GBI, energy efficiency and passive design,” she said.
She noted that the most accessible green features are those suited to Malaysia’s climate, including natural ventilation, daylighting, sun-shading devices, efficient building envelopes and rainwater harvesting.
“These low-cost measures can be strengthened with motion sensors and automation systems.”
“However, advanced solutions such as green roofs and solar photovoltaic panels remain underused, often due to perceptions of high upfront costs, maintenance demands or limited technical expertise,” she said.
These gaps show that sustainability cannot stop at individual buildings.
It must extend to urban planning, where the design of entire communities influences economic outcomes and public health.
Azhaili said the advantages of sustainable urban development extend well beyond environmental benefits, offering significant economic gains and public health improvements.
“Collaborations such as those between Think City and the World Bank highlight how well-designed, sustainable cities can drive national productivity, social inclusivity, and progress toward high-income nation status,” he said.
He pointed out that sustainable cities are typically more liveable, offer better public services, and help reduce long-term infrastructure costs.
“For instance, green infrastructure solutions such as permeable pavements and bioswales manage stormwater more effectively than conventional systems, potentially saving millions in public spending.
“Investing in sustainable urban features also supports job creation in construction and ecosystem services, while boosting tourism and foreign investment,” he said.
On the public health front, he said sustainable urban design delivers significant benefits, particularly through improved air quality and reduced respiratory issues.
“Green infrastructure such as parks, urban trees, and green roofs helps filter pollutants and lower temperatures, decreasing the incidence of heat-related illnesses.
“Access to green space supports physical activity, reduces rates of chronic disease, and improves mental health outcomes by lowering anxiety and depression,” he said.
Moreover, he said green neighbourhoods foster stronger social connections and help reduce stress levels, contributing to a more cohesive and resilient community.
“Healthier urban populations also place less demand on healthcare services, leading to lower costs, reduced hospital burdens, and fewer lost workdays — all of which contribute to broader socioeconomic benefits.”
In light of these wider urban and public health benefits, Sarawak Housing and Real Estate Developers’ Association (SHEDA) president Augustine Wong stressed that industry practice is also catching up, with several recognised rating systems already in use.
He noted that among the most common in Malaysia are the Green Building Index (GBI), Green Real Estate (GreenRE), and the Malaysian Carbon Reduction and Environmental Sustainability Tool (MyCREST).
Internationally, he highlighted systems such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the United States and the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) from the United Kingdom.
“Despite their different approaches, these systems share a common goal: to reduce the environmental impact of buildings while promoting sustainable development.
“They aim to optimise energy and water usage, enhance indoor environmental quality, and contribute to carbon reduction efforts,” he said.
The Sarawak Sustainability Blueprint 2030 places these rating systems within a wider state commitment to sustainability.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg framed this as an urgent task, calling for collective effort to drive transformative change.
“With strong leadership and collective support from the government, public and private sectors, Sarawak is well-positioned to drive transformative change,” he said.
