Many developers yet to go green

Many developers have yet to seriously consider the potential of sustainable development via the use of green technologies, a senior minister said.

Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha, however, noted that several industry players had taken up the green challenge.

"Several of the industry's players are well on their way to creating the first batch of sustainable development in the country," Kong said.

He spoke to reporters after opening "The Green Solutions for Property Development 2010" conference in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

It was organised by the Eastern Regional Organisation for Planning and Human Settlement (EAROPH Malaysia) and the Real Estate and Housing Developers' Association Malaysia (Rehda).

Kong said developers had yet to come to terms with balancing their bottomline with the incremental costs that comes with developing a green project.

To promote the use of green technologies in buildings, the ministry is reviewing the Uniform Building By-Laws.

"Some green technologies will be considered from the practical aspects to be incorporated into it in order to create a more sustainable living environment for homeowners, their families and the community at large," he said.

Kong said 2009 was a watershed year for green in Malaysia, with the introduction of various initiatives and incentives.

This included the launch in May the Green Building Index (GBI), an accreditation program with specific rating tools to encourage green building development.

The GBI rating tool is seen as a major undertaking as it seeks a good energy-efficient design, indoor environmental quality, site planning and management, materials, resources, water efficiency and innovation.