G R E E N B U I L D I N G I N D E X

what is green building index??

it is related to green building.. and what is green building??

GREEN BUILDING IS REFERRING TO A STRUCTURE OF BUILDING THAT IMPLEMENT THE PROCESS OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND RESOURCE EFFICIENT STARTING FROM SITING TO DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND DEMOLITION (wikipedia)

green building is focusing on the increase of efficiency of resource center such as energy, water and materials and at the same time reduce the building impact on human health and environment. the building shall be designed and operate in order to reduce the impact of built environment on its surrounding. there are 5 reasons why green building is important

• Green buildings are designed to save energy and resources, recycle materials and minimise the emission of toxic substances throughout its life cycle.
• Green buildings harmonise with the local climate, traditions, culture and the surrounding environment.
• Green buildings are able to sustain and improve the quality of human life whilst maintaining the capacity of the ecosystem at local and global levels.
• Green buildings make efficient use of resources, have significant operational savings and increases workplace productivity.
• Building green sends the right message about a company or organisation – that it is well run, responsible, and committed to the future. (source: www.greenbuildingindex.org)

In Malaysia, GREEN BUILDING INDEX (GBI)  is a rating system that developed by Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia and the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia with aims to educate architects, designers, engineers and public regarding building sustainable structures.

why the GBI is important?? it is because to provides and opportunity for developers in designing and constructing a green sustainable buildings. This design will save the energy and water an also harmonies with surrounding environment and using resources efficiently.

There are about 8 GBI tools as today that been develop and update by the expert according to 6 categories which are:

1. GBI Residential New Construction (RNC)
2. GBI Assessment Criteria for NRNC: Retail Tool & Data Centre
3. GBI Assessment Criteria for NREB: Retail Tool & Data Centre
4. GBI Assessment Criteria for Industry New Construction (INC)
5. GBI Assessment Criteria for Industry Existing Building (IEB)
6. GBI Assessment Criteria for Township

Building that receive GBI certified in Malaysia is increase nowadays. not only new building but also existing building. it is good sign towards building development in Malaysia as it will encourage sustainable city in planning and designing the city.. the example of GBI building in Malaysia are:

1. New Residential New Construction - PTM Geo Building, Bangunan Suruhanjaya Tenaga, 1st Avenue, DIGI Technology Operation Centre
2. Non Residential Existing Building - KETTHA LEO BUILDING, Menara CITIBANK
3. Residential New Construction - Ganedra House, Ken Rimba Legian Residence
4. INC - Lam Soon Distribution Centre
5. IEB - PIDSCMY Geo Building
6. Township - Sunway Resort City, Bandar Rimbayu Township, Ken Rimba, Tun Razak Exchange 

the assessment criteria for GBI include ENERGY EFFICIENCY (23 points), INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (11 points), SUSTAINABLE SITE PLANNING & MANAGEMENT (39 points), MATERIAL & RESOURCES (9 points), WATER EFFICIENCY (12 points) and INNOVATION (6 points)

GBI index classification include 4 rating which are:

1. PLATINUM : 86+ points
2. GOLD : 76-85 points
3. SILVER : 66-75 points
4. CERTIFIED : 50-65 points 

CONCLUSION:

the implementation of GBI in building development in Malaysia is a good start to achieve sustainable city in Malaysia. however the standard of GBI rating should be more strict as to preserve the specialty of the building and have same standard as world building that receive rating same as GBI such as LEED and GREENMARK. this will help the designers and expert to produce a good and quality building with sustainable elements for today and future