Green Building Index (GBI) is Malaysia’s industry recognised green rating tool for buildings, founded to promote sustainability in the built environment and raise awareness among Developers, Architects, Engineers, Planners, Designers, Contractors and the general public about environmental issues and our responsibility towards future generations.

In August 2008, PAM (Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia or Malaysian Institute of Architects) Council endorsed and approved the formation of the new Sustainability Committee, tasked primarily with developing and establishing the Green Building Index of Malaysia. A target deadline of April/May 2009 was set to launch this Green Rating. Accordingly, Malaysia’s Green Building Index was introduced on 3 January 2009, at the Green Design Forum organized by the Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM).

The GBI rating tool provides a yardstick for developers and building owners to design and construct green, sustainable buildings that facilitate energy saving, water saving, a healthy indoor environment, better connectivity to public transport and the adoption of recycling, all to reduce the impact on the environment.

Objectives of the GBI

GBI has been developed keeping in mind the tropical Malaysian climate, environmental and developmental context, and cultural and social needs. It has been created to:

• Define green buildings by establishing a common language and standard of measurement;
• Promote integrated, whole-building designs that provide a better environment for all;
• Recognise and reward environmental leadership;
• Transform the built environment to reduce its negative environmental impact; and
• Ensure that new buildings are sustainable and existing buildings are refurbished and upgraded to improve the overall quality of building stock.

Tiers of GBI Accreditation

GBI accreditation for buildings is separated into three tiers:

•  At the highest level is the GBI Accreditation Panel, the independent regulatory body for GBI accreditation.
•  At the intermediate level are the GBI Certifiers, consisting of experienced professionals that conduct the assessment and accreditation of project submissions.
• On the front-end level are the GBI Facilitators - professionals who work together with clients and design teams to enhance their projects to meet or exceed GBI rating system requirements.

GBI Rating System

Buildings are awarded the GBI rating based on the following 6 key criteria:

1) Energy Efficiency (EE)

Improve energy consumption by optimising building orientation, minimizing solar heat gain through the building envelope, harvesting natural lighting, adopting the best practices in building services including use of renewable energy, and ensuring proper testing, commissioning and regular maintenance.

2) Indoor Environment Quality (EQ)

Achieve good indoor air quality, acoustics, visual and thermal comfort. These will involve the use of low volatile organic compound materials, application of quality air filtration, proper control of air temperature, movement and humidity.

3) Sustainable Site Planning & Management (SM)

Selecting appropriate sites with planned access to public transportation, community services, open spaces and landscaping. Avoiding and conserving environmentally sensitive areas through the redevelopment of existing sites and brown fields. Implementing proper construction management, storm water management and reducing the strain on existing infrastructure capacity.

4) Materials & Resources (MR)

Promote the use of environment-friendly materials sourced from sustainable sources and recycling. Implement proper construction waste management with storage, collection and re-use of recyclables and construction formwork and waste.

5) Water Efficiency (WE)

Rainwater harvesting, water recycling and water-saving fittings.

6) Innovation (IN)

Innovative design and initiatives that meet the objectives of the GBI.

GBI Classification

GBI Rating Tools for Non- Residential

The GBI Non-Residential Rating tool evaluates the sustainable aspects of buildings that are commercial, institutional and industrial in nature. This includes factories, offices, hospitals, universities, colleges, hotels and shopping complexes.

Of the six criteria that make up the GBI rating, emphasis is placed on energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality as these have the greatest impact in the areas of energy use and well-being of the occupants and users of the building.

By improving on the efficiency of active (mechanical and electrical) systems as well as incorporating good passive designs together with proper sustainable maintenance regimes, significant reductions in consumed energy can be realised. This can lead to a reduced carbon footprint and also offers long-term savings for the building owners.

Maximum Points Allocation for Non- Residential

GBI Rating Tools for Residential

The GBI Residential Rating tool evaluates the sustainable aspects of residential buildings. This includes linked houses, apartments, condominiums, townhouses, semi-detached and bungalows.

This tool places more emphasis on sustainable site planning & management, followed by energy efficiency. This serves to encourage developers and home owners to consider the environmental quality of homes and their inhabitants through better site selection, provisions of public transport access, increased community services and connectivity, as well as improved infrastructure.

Such achievement will help reduce the negative impact to the environment and create a better and safer place for residents and the community as a whole.

Maximum Points Allocation for Residential

GBI Assessment Process

Stage 1: Application & Registration

First the GBI Application Form with the Applicant’s contact details, project information and supporting documents are to be submitted Greenbuilding index Sdn Bhd (GSB). GBI registration number will be given to the applicant towards the payment of the fees. GBI Certifier will then be appointed for the project.

Stage 2: Design Assessment (DA)

As the next stage, the applicant should submit the project for GBI Design Assessment (DA) either directly or through an appointed GBI Facilitator. The GBI Certifier will then undertake the Design Assessment for GSB. This may involve a presentation by the Applicant and their Project Design Team or by the GBI Facilitator. The GBI Certifier will upon completion, table the assessment report to the GBIAP to register and award the certification. The provisional GBI Design Assessment certification will then be issued with the accompanying GBI score sheet to show the scores achieved.

Stage 3: Completion & Verification Assessment (CVA)

Upon completion of the project, the Applicant should submit for the Completion and Verification Assessment (CVA). This is to be done within 12 months after the completion of the building or when the building becomes 50 percent occupied, whichever is the earlier. The final GBI award will be issued by the GBIAP upon completion of this CVA assessment. Buildings are awarded GBI - Platinum, Gold, Silver or Certified ratings depending on the scores achieved. Buildings will have to be re-assessed every three years in order to maintain their GBI rating to ensure that the buildings are well-maintained.

GBI Registration Fees