GREEN BUILDING INDEX (GBI)

What is Green Building Index (GBI)?

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

GBI is developed specifically for the Malaysian-tropical climate, environmental and developmental context, cultural and social needs and is created to:

• Define green buildings by establishing a common language and standard of measurement;

• Promote integrated, whole-building designs that provides a better environment for all;

• Recognise and reward environmental leadership;

• Transform the built environment to reduce its negative environmental impact; and

• Ensure new buildings remain relevant in the future and existing buildings are refurbished and upgraded to improve the overall quality of our building stock.

GBI Rating System

www.greenbuildingindex.org

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 quality performance in 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 brownfields. 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.

Based on the table above, the classification of the building can be defined. It will give rating to the building either paltinum, gold,silver or certified.