INTRODUCTION

Buildings, infrastructure and the environment are inextricably linked. Energy, materials,
water and land are all consumed in the construction and operation of buildings and
infrastructure. These built structures become part of our living environment, affecting our
living conditions, social well-being and health. It is therefore important to explore
environmentally and economically sound design and development techniques in order to
design buildings and infrastructure that are sustainable, healthy and affordable, and encourage
innovation in buildings and infrastructure systems and designs.
The concept of sustainability in building and construction has evolved in Malaysia.
The initial focus was on how to deal with the issue of limited resources, especially energy,
and on how to reduce impacts on the natural environment. Emphasis was placed on technical
issues such as materials, building components, construction technologies and energy related
design concepts. It is now recognised that economic and social sustainability are important,
as are the cultural heritage aspects of the built environment.
Therefore, the design of the buildings was made a feature of sustainable development
and green building concept. Green building house was designed to save energy and resources,
recycle materials and reduce the emission of toxic substances throughout its life. In addition,
sustainability building can maintain and improve the quality of human life cycle while
maintaining the ability of ecosystems in the local and global levels. Next, this building has
many benefits such as better usability than regular buildings, a large operating savings and
increased productivity in the workplace. All construction considered to environmental factors
and the materials used are recyclable.
To accomplish this task, we are required to prepare report on sustainable efforts being
practiced in real construction project. After discussion among our group members, we are
chosen Bangunan Lestari Kumpulan Emkay, located in Cyberjaya as our research materials.

BANGUNAN LESTARI KUMPULAN EMKAY IN CYBERJAYA

Project name

: Bangunan Lestari Kumpulan Emkay (Wisma Shell)

Duration of construction

: 12 months including the approval certificate of fitness (CF)

Project owner

: Emkay Group, owner by Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal Abu

Bakar

Design

: Architects 61 Sdn. Bhd.

Cost of building

: RM140 million

Sold to Emkay Group

: RM240 million

Bangunan Lestari Kumpulan Emkay (BLKE) in Cyberjaya is one of Emkays most

significant projects as it is the first building in Malaysia to be awarded the LEED gold
certification. Also known as Wisma Shell, the 5-storey purpose-built green building houses
Shell Business Centre Sdn Bhds operations.
LEED is an internationally-recognised green building certification system developed by the
United States Green Building Council (USGBC) in March 2000. It provides building owners

and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable
green building designs, construction, operations and maintenance solutions. The LEED rating
system is based on six design categories, which is sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy
and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, and innovation in
design. BLKE also was awarded the FIABCI Malaysia Property Award 2012 for sustainable
development.
Built on a 4.83-acre site, Wisma Shell has a net lettable area of 360,000 sq ft and 1,400
parking bays. The building has a total gross floor area of 819,155 sq ft. The building is
developed by Joyful Gateway, a 60:40 joint venture company between MKN Embassy
Development Sdn Bhd (Emkays unit) and Lucky Cottage Sdn Bhd.

Facilities at Bangunan Lestari Kumpulan Emkay

Gym
Cafeteria
Crche
Management office
Convenience store
Sub-basement car park
Roof garden

LOCATION OF BANGUNAN LESTARI KUMPULAN EMKAY

Jalan Teknorat 3, Cyberjaya, Selangor

SUSTAINABLE PRACTISES IN BANGUNAN LESTARI KUMPULAN EMKAY

Sustainable site

A sustainable site, means the development takes place on existing developed land away from
farmland. Among the criteria are proximity to public transportation, bicycle storage and
shower facilities as well as the restoration and protection of at least 50% of the site.
To fulfil this, the Wisma Shell provides 69 bicycle racks, 15 showers and three charging
stations for electric cars, while 50.1% of the site has been landscaped with native and adapted
vegetation.

Nature inspired: The form of the building capitalises on the natural terrain of the land

Water efficiency
For water efficiency, a flat roof allows the building to collect rainwater in a tank on the roof
top for watering plants. Excessive water is stored in two big tanks underground to be slowly
released to the grounds. This will minimise the risk of flooding. Other water efficiency
features include sensor taps and high-efficiency shower fixtures.

Natural lighting and a water feature

Energy and atmosphere

Energy and atmosphere is the most important category as it demonstrates improvements to
building performance as compared to baseline performance. The building has reduced its
average energy consumption by 50% to 120kw per sq m per year. One of the ways this was
done was by raising the building.
One of the most noticeable things as soon as you step in is the extensive use of daylight
internally, let in by the low-E double-glazed windows that prevent heat from going inside.
The soothing sound from a garden pool in the courtyard filled with recyclable rain water
greets the visitor and employee alike.

Ventilation and indoor environment quality

The natural ventilation at the three-level car park also plays a role in improving indoor
environmental quality, he notes, adding that carbon dioxide sensors and outdoor air-flow
sensors ensure good ventilation. Low VOC (fumes emitting) paint was used throughout the
building. To minimise and control pollutants from entering the building, dirt-trap mats and
rooms were installed to store chemical items.
Besides that, cool air blasts from the floor through an air-conditioning system that can be
adjusted electronically according to the number of people in a room. Another green feature is

an air-conditioning system under the flooring for better efficiency and effectiveness. Energysaving T5 lights, with electronic ballasts and non-CFC-based refrigerants, are also used.

Material and resources

For materials and resources, Joyful Gateway reused construction materials and stored all
hazardous materials far away from the construction site. Wood certified by the Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC) was also used in the development. Under LEED, the developer is
required to use building materials and products that have been extracted, harvested, recovered
or manufactured within 500 miles of the development site. The developer also has to source
for local construction materials as much as possible. This criterion minimises the energy and
carbon footprint during construction.

Recycling and waste prevention

About 34 percent of the construction materials used by the costs of construction of buildings
recycled item and 47 percent of the cost of materials are sourced locally and regionally. It
aims to reduce the environmental impacts resulting from transportation factor. In addition, 75
percent of construction waste was removed from the landfill.

Car park is also provided recycling bins

CONCLUSION

The green building experiences in Malaysia have been exciting and challenging as well.
Since its introduction on 2008, the GBI rating has emerged as a very useful tool in designing
a green building. The GBI rating provided opportunities to introduce new products and
materials. The easy availability of most of the green materials and equipment in the country
has made it easier for the designers to adopt local materials to a very large extent. Now there
is an imminent need for service providers, who would be required in large numbers, not in
hundreds but thousands, as the movement is heading to reach greater heights. The green
building movement is here to stay for the benefit of individuals, society and the country at
large.