Abg Johari: Green buildings rank high in Sarawak’s transformation  

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(From right) Dr Sim gives the thumbs-up together with Chan, Ahmad, Jong and Chang.

KUCHING: Green buildings are high on the list of priorities in the green transformation of Sarawak.

“Green buildings emphasises on the efficient use of resources and in turn provides a positive impact on human health, wellness and the environment throughout a building’s lifecycle,” said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.

In a speech read by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, the Chief Minister said that holistic strategies are needed through better design, construction, operation and maintenance.

“It is important to have a pool of local green building professionals to move the green building agenda forward in Sarawak.”

He was speaking at the Malaysian Green Building Confederation (MGBC) and Green Building Index Sarawak Roadshow entitled ‘Towards Sarawak Green Transformation’ at Pullman Kuching yesterday.

The one-day event gathered local architects, engineers, surveyors and others in relevant fields.

Topics covered included updates and highlights on the Green Building Index (GBI), green tools to assist sustainable practices and the Green Tax incentive.

Abang Johari hoped to see the MGBC start its local chapter in Kuching to support the awakening of this movement in Sarawak and work hand in hand with Sarawak to achieve the state’s green building goals.

“It is our vision that more green buildings will mushroom in Sarawak, and for green buildings to become the norm and part of Sarawak’s transformation.”

To-date there are seven GBI-certified buildings in Sarawak, beginning with Sarawak Energy Berhad in 2013.

Present were MGBC president Ar Chan Seong Aun and immediate past president Ir Ahmad Izdihar Supaat, who were both speakers in the seminar.

Also present were Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia (PAM) Sarawak Chapter deputy chairperson Ir Ivy Jong and past chairman Ar Philip Chang Foh Phing.