UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

UiTM SHAH ALAM

BCM 523
ASSIGNMENT 1
COURSE

CONSTRUCTION ECONOMIC II

COURSE CODE

BCM 523

DATE OF SUBMISSION

8th MAY 2015

PREPARED FOR

MISS SHAZA RINA BINTI SAHAMIR

GREEN TECHNOLOGY

PREPARED BY:
NAME

STUDENT ID

GROUP

1. AHMAD IFNNI BIN MOHD YUSRI

2014364095

AP246 4A

2. NUR SYAFAWANI SYAZYRA BINTI BADRUL HISHAM

2014539921

AP246 4A

3. SITI NASYUHA BINTI RAMLEE

2014341557

AP246 4A

CONTENT
CONTENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

PAGE

1.0

INTRODUCTION OF GREEN TECHNOLOGY

2.0

POLICIES AND INITIATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENT

6-13

2.1

BUILDING RELATED POLICIES & INITIATIVES

9-10

2.2

CURRENT APPLICATION OF GREEN BUILDING POLICY

11-13

3.0

4.0

5.0

PROCESS AND FEATURES OF GREEN TECHNOLOGY

14-20

3.1

PROCESS OF GREEN TECHNOLOGY

15-17

3.2

FEATURES OF GREEN TECHNOLOGY

18-20

BENEFIT AND RISK OF GREEN TECHNOLOGY

21-24

4.1

BENEFIT OF GREEN TECHNOLOGY

22-23

4.2

RISK OF GREEN TECHNOLOGY

24

CASE STUDY

25-35

5.1

INTRODUCTION

26

5.2

BRIEF PROJECT

27-28

5.3

APPLICATION OF GREEN TECHNOLOGIES

29-35

6.0

CONCLUSION

36

7.0

APPENDIX

37

8.0

REFERENCES

38-39

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

In the name of Allah, the Gracious and the Merciful and Salawat and Salam to Prophet
Muhammad S.A.W., his family and companions r.a. Alhamdulillah, by the will of Allah S.W.T.
we are able to complete my thesis project within the required time. First of all, our sincere
thanks and gratitude are extended to my dedicated and understanding Construction
Technologys lecturer, Miss Shaza Rina binti Sahamir, who has guide, taught, assist and
support us throughout the duration to finish up the assignment given . Her encouragement,
understanding, suggestion and criticism was very helpful and essential in completing this
project. Our thanks also dedicated to our family who has supported and encourage us
constantly with their love, pray and money. Besides, they also have made valuable comment
suggestions on this proposal which gave us an inspiration to improve our assignment. Last
but not least, our sincere appreciation goes to everybody who involve directly or indirectly for
taking time and effort to participate in this research. Our apology give to who that I not
mention.

1.0

INTRODUCTION

Before green technology is introduced to the construction industry, this industry has
contributed some part of harmful to the environment in term of the usage of building material
and also the operation involve in construction. Last 30-40 years world has to face the bitter
experience of global warming, ozone depletion, resource depletion, energy scarcity,
ecological toxicity, human toxicity, acid rains and related with it.
The term green technology refers to the quality and the characteristics of the actual structure
created using the principle and methodologies of sustainable construction. According
Charles (2013), the conceptual of the green technology shows that it stand as healthy
facilities designed and built in a resource efficient manner, using ecologically based
principle. Similarly, ecological design, ecologically sustainable design and green design are
terms that describe the application of sustainability principle to building design. It also can be
describe truly sustainable commercial buildings with renewable energy system, closed
material loops and full integration into the landscape are rare to non-existent.
Green or sustainable buildings use key resources like energy, water, materials, and land
more efficiently than buildings that are just built to code. With more natural light and better
air quality, green buildings typically contribute to improved employee and student health,
comfort, and productivity. The cost of green design has dropped in the last few years as the
number of green buildings has risen.
Until recently considered a fridge movement, in the early 21st century the green
building concept has won industry acceptance ant it is continues to influence building design,
construction, operation, real estate development, and also sales market. But as in Malaysia,
green building is such a new thing to the construction world. The construction field in
Malaysia nowadays can adapt this innovation because of the potential showed by other
country that adapts it long time ago. Malaysia is no exception in green building technology in
the construction industry. The example of building which is applied the concept of green are
the Diamond Building and Setia City Mall.

2.0
POLICIES AND
INITIATIVES OF THE
GOVERNMENT ON
GREEN BUILDING

2.0

POLICIES AND INITIATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENT

National Green Technology Policy launched in 2009 is a policy of the governments

importance in implementing green initiatives for the country. These include among others
growth of green technology research and innovation towards commercialise, promotion and
public awareness of green technology. For buildings, the government promotes the
application of renewable energy and energy efficiency in buildings such as solar, rainwater
harvesting, phasing out of incandescent lights, and the application of Green Building Index
(GBI). Green Technology Financing Scheme was announced in the National Budget 2010
that supports Green Technology and buildings, (Mahdzir: RM2.02bil approved, 2015).
Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) and the Association of Consulting Engineers
Malaysia (ACEM) supported by Malaysia Green Building Confederation (MGBC), together
with the building industry launched the Green Building Index to enable green grading and
certification of Malaysian buildings in April 2009. GBI which was formed and promoted by
PAM and ACEM, evaluates the impact of a new building on its environment based on six
criteria;-

energy efficiency

indoor environment quality

sustainable site and management

materials and resources

water efficiency

innovation

Malaysias government, over the support of MGBC by its Minister of Energy, Green
Technology and Water as well as by the Public Works Department of the Ministry of Works
is supportive of an objective, balanced and unbiased Green Building Assessment and
Certification Scheme declared and followed by the MGBC through its continued support of
the GBI. The government has taken several pro-active actions in promoting energy efficiency
through demonstration buildings, like the Energy Commissions Diamond Building in
Putrajaya that could encourage private sector to also construct and design low energy
buildings.

ENERGY

ENVIRONMENT

ECONOMY

SOCIAL

Seek to attain energy

Conserve and

Enhance the

Improve the quality

independence &

minimise the impact

national economic

of life for all

promote efficient

on the environment

development

utilisation

through the use of

technology
Table 2.0.1: Four Pillars of National Green Technology Policy

Figure 2.0.1: Energy Commissions Diamond Building in Putrajaya.

2.1 BUILDING RELATED POLICIES & INITIATIVES

Table 2.1.1 below shows the various building related policies and initiatives supported by the
government together with various investors.
YEAR

POLICIES/PROGRAMMES
Green PASS (Green Performance Assessment System In Construction)
-

In consultation phase with stakeholders

Developed by Construction Industry Development Board of Malaysia

(CIDB)

FUTURE

Covers construction phase and operational phase of the building.

Construction phase 5 elements- assessment of the construction site,

building materials, energy, water and waste.

Operational phase 3 elements - building indoor environmental quality

(IEQ), energy and water

PWD Green Rating Scheme (pH JKR Malaysia)

2012

Rating tool for government buildings

5 criteria - Energy efficiency, Indoor environmental quality,

Sustainable site planning & management, Materials & resources,
Water efficiency

i) Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF) & Assessment System

-

Covers four aspect of township Environment, Infrastucture,

Transportation & Building

Low Carbon Building: 5 criteria Efficient & Renewable Energy,

indoor environment quality, site construction management, materials,
water management

PILOT projects Miri City Council, University of Malaya, Pulau

Sahbesar in Kenyir, Port Dickson Municipal Council and Hang Tuah

2011

Jaya in Melaka
ii) Green Township Putrajaya & Cyberjaya
iii) Green Neighbourhood Guidelines
-

Promoted by Ministry of Housing and Local Government (MHLG) for

local council enforcement use in evaluating plan submission

in line with LCCF with 4 criteria - Smart Location, Neighbourhood

Pattern & Design, Green Infrastructure, Green Communities Network

iv) Building Sector Energy Efficiency Project (BSEEP)

YEAR

POLICIES/PROGRAMMES
i) National Energy Efficiency Master Plan Study 2010

2010

Replacing Incandescent to Compact Florescent Lamp (CFL)

Replacing Inefficient Refrigerators with 5-star Refrigerators,

Raising Air Conditioner Temperature to 25C,

Replacing T8 to T5 lamp for Government Offices

Energy Auditing for Commercial Buildings

ii)Economic Transformation Programme

-

Energy Performance Management System (EPMS) for government

entities

i) National Green Technology Policy

-

National Energy Centre (PTM) restructuring to Malaysian Green

Technology Corporation (MGTC),

2009

Green Technology Financing Scheme(GTFS) (2010 -2015)

Green Township in Putrajaya and Cyberjaya,

International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and conference

Malaysia (IGEM).

ii) National Policy on Climate Change

iii) Green Building Index (GBI)
i) The Efficient Management of Electrical Energy Regulation 2008
ii) Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) (1984), amended 2007
iii) Code of Practice on EE and Use of RE for Non-residential Buildings
2001- 2008

MS1525: 2001, revised 2007 by SIRIM

iv) Guidelines for Conducting Energy Audits in Commercial Buildings (2004)
v) Design Strategies for Energy Efficiency in New Buildings (NonDomestic)(2004)

TABLE 2.1.1

10

2.2

CURRENT APPLICATION OF GREEN BUILDING POLICY

As Tan, Suhaida, and Leong (2011) demonstrated, Malaysia suffers hot and rainy days due
to its geographical location at the Equator. It received about 192mm rain in a year with 8
months of sunshine and 4 months of monsoon rain which make it very humid. The weather
is extreme which means very hot or very wet.
i)

Concept of earlier tropical building in Malaysia. (1980 1990)

During 90s, vernacular buildings (traditional architecture) are built according to the local
building material and design. In response to that the search of identity has started back
in the year of the 80s. Adaptation of vernacular architecture on modern buildings such
as the Bank Bumiputera at Jalan Lebuh Ampang and the composite Islamic screening of
Daya Bumi once put hopes that it will become a unique identity for Malaysia. In the early
80s, many famous architects started to interpret Malaysian architecture as tropical and
universal. It does not reflect any vernacular architecture or the multi-racial of people in
Malaysia. Thus, bioclimatic architecture design is created which apply both retro and
modern design to have better solar insulation, wind-direction and rainfall into a tropical
functionalism, by Architect Ken Yeang in 1984.

Tropical building design criteria:-

Good solar orientation and configuration

Building orientation is an important role in energy preservation. This can reduces
heat gain into the building and lowers air-conditioning load.

Passive solar shading

Glazed faces of buildings that face east & west require solar shading as to reduce
heat gain. Maximise natural ventilation & natural lighting; good cross ventilation in a
building promotes good air movement that reduces heat emission from the body
surface which results in human comfort.

Building relationship with street & landscaping

The ground floor of buildings in the tropical climate is preferably open and naturally
ventilated. Planting and landscaping can not only be used for environmental and
aesthetic purposes but also as a tool to cool buildings

Ecological design features

Consideration of recycled and re-used materials and sustainable forested timber will
reduce impact on the natural environment.

11

ii)

Green Building and Energy Efficient Building

Energy efficiency as part of sustainability is increasingly being familiar by both the
private sectors and public in Malaysia, both rising energy costs and global warming. The
Malaysian government, particularly The Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and
Water (MEGTW or KeTTHA) is actively encouraging energy efficiency concepts and
implementing it to their own buildings and other government-owned buildings. New
buildings under construction include the Zero Emission Office (ZEObuilding), the new
headquarter for Malaysian Energy Centre (Pusat Tenaga Malaysia, PTM), and the new
Energy Commission headquarter.

The energy efficiency measures that are taken:-

Green environment around and on top of the building.

Optimisation of building orientation, with preference to south and north facing

windows, where solar heat is less than for other orientations.

Energy efficient space planning.

A well-insulated building facade and building roof.

Windows protection from direct sunshine and roof protection

Energy efficient cooling system, where the air volume for each building zone.

Maximise use of diffuse daylight and use of high efficiency lighting, controlled
according to daylight availability and occupancy

Low energy consumption office equipment

Application of an Energy Management System, where the performances of the

climatic systems are continuously optimised to meet optimal comfort criteria at least
energy costs

Figure 2.2.1: Pusat Tenaga Malaysia

12

iii) Green Building Index certified building

Green Building Index (GBI) is Malaysias green rating tool for buildings and towns,
created to promote sustainability in the built-environment and raise awareness of
environmental issues amongst Developers, Architects, Engineers, Planners, Designers,
Contractors as well as the Public, so that we can look forward to a brighter and greener
future for generations to come. The GBI rating tool provides an opportunity for
developers and building owners to design and construct green, sustainable buildings
that can provide energy savings, water savings, a healthier indoor environment, better
connectivity to public transport and the adoption of recycling and greenery for their
projects and reduce our impact on the environment.

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 an integrated, whole-building design that provides a better environment for

all.

Recognise and reward environmental leadership.

Transform the built environment to reduce its negative environmental impact.

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

ENERGY
EFFICIENCY
(EE)
INNOVATION
(IN)

MATERIALS &
RESOURCES
(MR)

INDOOR
ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY (EQ)

BUILDING WILL BE
AWARDED THE GBI
RATING BASED ON 6
KEY CRITERIA

MATERIALS &
RESOURCES
(MR)

SUSTAINABLE SITE
PLANNING &
MANAGEMENT
(SM)

13

3.0
PROCESS OF
GREEN BUILDING

14

3.1

PROCESS OF GREEN TECHNOLOGY

Green building also known as green construction or sustainable building and using
process that is environmental responsible and resource efficient throughout a
building life cycle which is:-

Design

Construction

Reduce
Waste

Maintenance

Figure 3.1.1:

Operation

The process of green technology

This process is to make sure the green construction is efficient and environmental
responsible to surrounding area:
1) Design of the green building or sustainable building is

i. Using sunlight through passive and active solar and photovoltaic options.
ii. Using green roofs and rain gardens to reduce rainwater run-off.
iii. Choosing packed gravel for parking lots instead of asphalt or concrete to enhance
the replenishment of ground water.
iv. Needed of green roofs so that it can reduce the energy consumption of the building
because temperature inside the building comfortable and keep constant. The other
function of green roof is to capture the amount of rainwater run-off and support
inserts and birds live.
v. High efficiency windows and insulation on walls, ceilings and floors are to supply
an air and circulates an air inside.
vi. Planted tree in front of the building so that the light does not directs the light through
the building and a tree produce a shade of when summer season comes.
15

2)

Construction of green building gives a huge impact of the building itself such as
selecting the material that supposedly in design stage to ensure the sustainability of the
building year ahead. The materials that they need to use on this building are :
i.

Some materials that includes renewable such as bamboo.

ii.

Bio-composite or biodegradable composites are the next generation of

sustainable building material. Combination of natural resins, binders to make roof
sheathing, fences, fireproof doors and more.

iii.

The dimension stone such as natural mining stone, natural paving stone and stone
that have been selected and fabricated.

iv.

Building materials that from local sources in order to minimize the energy use for
transport the materials.

3)

Operation
Cost advantages

a) Lower energy cost from some of the design processes

i.

High efficiency of windows and insulation.

ii.

Passive solar in building system

iii.

Roof that create high solar reflectance (reduce heat transfer to the building) and
high thermal emittance (when large percentage of absorbed solar energy is able
to be release). The roof is called cool roof.

Health Advantages
Green building is construct for people and to keep people in building comfortable
and healthy with negative environmental impacts. In order to keep people in healthy
state, the greater green surrounding is needed. On the other hand, when all the people
are healthy, at the same the health care cost will decrease.

16

4)

Maintenance

a) Maintaining a building is important to ensuring it remains sustainable and profitable.

i.

Nice thing about green building is that even though initial costs of
implementation are higher, but it takes a long time period to give the
maintenance.

ii.

Consider the idea of design concepts taking into account the increased
usage of natural light and temperature control services, the more natural
used the less maintenance of and dependency on furnaces, air conditioners,
and lighting system.

5)

Reduce Waste

a)

Waste can be reduced on several levels by taking a green approach to building.

i.

On site waste management, such as separating garbage, recycling and

compost.

ii.

Centralized

wastewater

treatment

systems

reuse

wastewater

from

dishwashing or washing machines from rainwater.

17

3.2

FEATURED OF GREEN TECHNOLOGY

Featured of green building design or retrofitting of existing facilities is slightly the same with
the process of these building but there is another element that may need be includes the
following elements:
1)

Water Management

Installation of water efficient equipment and appliances in kitchens and bathrooms to

reduce water consumption. Utilization of water efficient irrigation, captured rainwater,
or site-recycled water for onsite landscaping.

Figure 3.2.1 : Water Cycle in Building

2)

Indoor Environment

Designing the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) system and building
envelope to provide for the most optimal delivery and mixing of fresh air.

Minimizing the number of indoor air pollution by selecting paints and coatings,
adhesives, carpets, and composite woods that emit low VOCs (volatile organic
compounds).

Establishing dividing areas for chemical-using operations.

Maximizing natural daylight via skylights and windows, decreasing the need for
artificial lighting.

18

3)

Site Design and Planning

Locating the building within close proximity of commuter rail or bus lines, to reduce
pollution with increased automobile usage.

Establishing building specifications that maintain the current level of storm water
runoff.

4)

Material and Product Selection

Using building materials and products that contain post-consumer recycled content.

Incorporating materials and products manufactured regionally.

Using rapidly renewable materials, such as bamboo flooring, wool carpets, cotton
bath insulation, genuine linoleum flooring, or poplar oriented-strand board (OSB).

5)

Construction and Demolition Waste Management

Implementing a waste management plan that diverts a large amount of construction,

demolition, and land-clearing debris from landfills to recycling or salvage facilities.

Reusing a percentage of salvage or refurbished materials from construction,

demolition, or land clearing as new building material.

19

6)

Energy

Generating building electricity on site, from renewable resources like geothermal,

solar, or biogas sources.

Eliminating the use of CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) in HVAC systems.

Collaborating with a green power provider to purchase building electricity from solar,
wind, or geothermal sources.

Figure 3.2.2 : Green Building Design And Planning

20

4.0
BENEFIT AND
RISK OF
GREEN BUILDING

21

4.1

i.

BENEFIT OF GREEN TECHNOLOGY

Cost saving for the long term

Green Buildings provide financial benefits that conventional buildings do not. The
benefits of building green include cost savings from reduced energy, water, and
waste, lower operations and maintenance costs, and enhanced occupant productivity
and health. It also can reduce the cost of the labour to make sure the site in
cleanliness condition.

ii.

Maximize the use of natural energy

Energy is a substantial and widely recognized cost of building operations that can be
reduced through energy efficiency and related measures that are part of green
building design. Green building energy savings primarily come from reduced
electricity purchases and secondarily from reduced peak energy demand.

iii.

Less negative impact on the environment than standard building

The main objective of the green building is to ensure the building is surrounding with
green element that can minimize any negative effect and pollution to the
environment. Green building usually will use the natural source such as sun light as
source of light and cycle the rain water to be use. For example, the source of the day
light is by using the technology of transparent roof to penetrate as much as it can to
supply the light into the building. It is prove that by using natural light by using
sunlight radiation, the building can control the usage of electricity in the building.
Thus less negative impact towards the environment can be achieve than standard
building.

22

iv.

Contribute to economic development

Green buildings provide for jobs at every professional level and skill set, and the
number of jobs is only likely to increase over time. The increased demand for green
building construction has created an increased need for a skilled and trained
workforce.
According Fisk and William (2000) posited that, training is essential for getting and
maintaining green jobs; 30 percent of green job workers say they needed additional
training when they started and most report that formal education and training
programs will continue to be needed. The construction industry needs professional
worker such as construction managers, carpenters, electricians, architects, truck
drivers and cost estimators, among many others to handle the green building project.
Thus, green building can contribute the growth of the nation economy.

v.

Landscape for savings

Homeowners can use sustainable landscape architecture practice to reduce energy

usage. As an example, residential green roof systems, which are often key features
of integrated site design projects, can significantly reduce home heating and cooling
costs. The energy efficiency benefits of sustainable landscape architecture practices,
including age-old practices like tree siting for shading, can be further leveraged
through the use of clean energy technologies, like solar power. Additionally,
sustainable residential landscape architecture practices help reduce the rate of GHG
emission growth. These types of sustainable residential solutions, if scaled up, can
mitigate residential building and transportation-related emissions.

An example that can be installed by using Green walls for the landscape. It can be
designed for a variety of plant types, including herbs or succulents, and can be
placed in either sun or shade. Edible herb or vegetable walls provide food sources.
However, climate and humidity should be considered when installing green walls.
The benefit of landscape sure would be cost-efficiency. Through shading, green walls
can lower temperatures in summer and reduce energy costs by 23 percent and It is
also can reduced air temperatures which is temperatures behind green walls can be
reduced by as much as 10o Celsius (Fisk and William, 2000). The other benefit of
green walls is it can reduced noise pollution by help reduce sound reflection.

23

4.2

i.

RISK OF GREEN BUILDING

Source of energy needed

When the source of light in the building fully depends on the penetration of sunlight
by the technology of transparent roof, during heavy rainy day the problem might be
occur. The building do need sunlight during the day that having heavy rains. Because
of heavy rains, the total of sunlight that can penetrate into the building would be not
as much as usual. The building needs another back up source of energy to ensure
the building not in the black out situation. The building cannot 100% fully depends
on sunlight so the alternative to the another method to ensure the building still in
building technology is by using Solar System Technology which can be used to
generate electricity to switch on the light in the building.

ii.

Initial cost for the construction might be expensive

For the long term cost not be as much as the initial cost to construct the building.
This is because for initial cost to ensure to minimal the long term cost many
procedures have to take. For example to minimize the ventilation system in the
building, several procedure has to take which is to know the most wind direction so
that the position of the building will be decide by architect is suit based on the
direction of wind. Besides, sometimes the cost of material itself cost a lot during the
construction but it can benefit to us for the long term purpose. For example the solar
system device cost us a lot because of the technology.

24

5.0
CASE STUDY
ST DIAMOND BUILDING PUTRAJAYA

25

5.1

INTRODUCTION

Figure 5.1.1 : ST Diamond Building, Precint 2 Putrajaya

The ST Diamond Building is a landmark energy efficient and environmentally friendly

building for the Malaysian Energy Commission in precint 2 in Putrajaya. As it named
Diamond Building , Dr Soontorn Boonyatikam is the one that responsible to designed the
building that inspired from the shape of diamond

which is as table cut diamond. The

(Suruhanjaya Tenaga) ST Diamond building is a green building landmark in South East Asia
that is designed to showcase technologies that cut down energy consumption and potable
water usage, promote the use of sustainable building materials and provide enhanced indoor
environmental quality. It is a physical evidence reflecting the determination of the nations
regulatory body for energy policies, standards and safety implementing arm, Energy
Commission to prioritize energy efficiency during 2005 then. However, this double Platinumrated building has proven itself to be more, as global sustainable community recognizes it as
an international standard of showcasing sustainable office building design in the tropics.

26

With just an additional cost of 6%, the ST Diamond Building carries two Platinum
Certificates, each one from Malaysias Green Building Index (GBI) and Singapores Green
Mark. Besides scoring from the green building rating tools from both countries, the ST
Diamond Building also carries several awards such as, the global ASHRAE Technology
Award 2013 (2nd place) and regional ASEAN Energy Award 2012, testifying that its
innovative design has earned recognition internationally.

27

5.2

PROJECT BRIEFING

Project Name

Headquarters of Energy Commission of Malaysia

Location

Precint 2, Putrajaya, Malaysia

Status

Built and Operating since 2010

Completion Date

June 2010

Site Area

4,000m2

Gross Floor Area

14,690m2 exclude car park

Energy benchmark

65 kWh/m2/year

Client/Owner

Energy Commission of Malaysia (ST)

Architecture Firm

NR Architect

Principal Architect

Dr Soontorn Boonyatikam (Thailand)

Main Contractor

Putra Perdana Sdn Bhd

Sustainability Consultant

IEN Consultants Sdn Bhd

Mechanical & Electrical Engineer

Primetech Engineers Sdn Bhd

Civil & Structural Engineer

Perunding SM Cekap

Landscape Architect

KRB Enviro Design Sdn Bhd

Quantity Surveyor

ARH Jurukur Bahan Sdn Bhd

28

5.3

APPLICATION OF GREEN TECHNOLOGIES

5.3.1

Diamond Shaped

The Diamond Building shape was designed according to the climate and solar path of
equatorial Malaysia. According to the architect, Dr. Soontorn Boonyatikam, the 25 tilt angle
of the facades can ensures that North and South facades are fully self-shaded throughout
the year, while it reduces the solar impact by 41% for the East and West facades.

Figure 5.3.1.1 :

Floor breakdown & Sunpath of Diamond Building

A central atrium is to maximise day lighting was introduced and the diamond shape takes
form. The diamond reflects Energy Commissions role and mission as a regulatory body
significantly for its transparency, value and durability. The building includes seven floors
above ground and two underground levels for parking. Low-e-glazing with Solar Heat Gain
Coefficient (SHGC) of 0.37 ensures direct solar heat will be reduced. The glazings Visual
Light Transmittance (VLT) of about 50% allows for effective diffuse light to the office interior.
The diamond shape also increases the ground space available for landscaping, which helps
reduce the heat island effect and also and allows glare free diffuse light to be reflected off
the landscape.

29

5.3.2

Daylight Strategy

The ST Diamond Building is designed 50% day lit, without glare and minimal heat entry. This
is achieved through wide facade day lighting system simulation to able deeper daylight
penetration. With the usage of mirror light shelf, white painted window sill, white ceiling and
no interior partitions and no suspended ceilings, the daylight distribution is improved until 7
meters from the faade. Fixed white louvers with top surface mirror finish on the top side are
mounted with a 30 tilt angle above the light shelf for glare protection while still allowing
daylight to be deflected onto the ceiling.

Figure 5.3.2.1:

Sunlight reflected into building.

The atrium has been carefully designed to optimize daylight utilization for each floor
employing the combination of automated blind with six different configuration to maintain the
suitable day lighting levels at all times. The blinds with 30% light transmission are adjusted
every 15 minutes and follow a three different control for morning, mid-day and evening. The
windows size becomes larger deeper into the atrium to cater for lower daylight level.

30

A band of Tannenbaum reflector panels are applied to 4th and 5th floor to deflect daylight
across the atrium to 1st and 2nd floor where daylight levels are the lowest. The Christmas
tree profile reflectors have an increase of 10 and reflect about 85% of the light in semidiffuse manner, hence, avoiding visual glare issues for the building occupants.

Figure 5.3.2.2 : Cross section of the self-shading design and Blind Configuration

5.3.3

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

The ST Diamond Building is also made on energy efficient office equipment. A procurement
policy allows for the purchase of only energy efficient labelled equipment and appliances
with five star Energy Start ratings. The Diamond Building also has Thin Films Solar Panels
integrated in the roof which reduces the buildings energy consumption by 10%. The thin film
solar technology is suitable for the tropical climate, as this type of solar cells is better at
capturing light than common solar panels and thin film solar cells also experience less of a
drop in energy efficiency when baking under the hot sun.

31

Their measured annual yield is 1400 kWh/kWp, which significantly higher than conventional
solar PV (1150 kWh/kWp). The generated electricity is connected to national utilitys grid
under the Feed in Tariff Scheme (2012). The solar panels have generated a monthly
average of 8,300 kWh and annually about 100,000 kWh.

Figure 5.3.3.1:

5.3.4

Solar cells on each 4 roof side.

Water Efficiency

The ST Diamond Building also boasts its extensive water saving strategies. By using
rainwater for toilet flushing and irrigation, annual potable water consumption has been
reduced by 35% compared to potable water otherwise used for industry standard water
fittings and irrigation as defined by the Green Building Index. The rainwater is collected from
the 700m2 catchment area and stored in four 2,600 gallon (10,000 litres) rooftop tanks.

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All water from the sinks and floor traps (used water) is piped separately through a sand filter
to a collection tank from where it is reused for irrigation of a mini wetland instead of going to
the sewerage. 2000-3000 litres of water are recycled every week day. According to
Bredenberg (2012), the usage of water efficient fittings is able to reduce the potable water
usage by more than 67% compared to conventional plumbing fittings. To further optimise the
water efficiency of the building, grey water collected from the wash basins is also recycled to
irrigate the wetland at the ground floor.

Figure 5.3.4.1:

Water tank for Harvested Rain Water.

Figure 5.3.4.2: Generally how rainwater harvesting system works in the building

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5.3.5

Green Transportation

According to Lim (2013), the significant amount of carbon footprint per household in
transportation, which is 68%, green buildings such as ST Diamond Building is designed to
make solutions for occupants to have alternatives towards a lower carbon footprint of
transportation. Regarding that, 2 Electric Vehicle charging stations are available, 10% of
parking garage spaces are designated for green/fuel-efficient vehicles and carpool vehicles.
Secured bicycle racks, location served by public transportation and shaded walkways for
pedestrians linking to the master development.

Figure 5.3.5.1:

5.3.6

Electric Vehicle charging station

Outdoor Environmental Quality

Extensive landscaping and a sunken outdoor garden ensure not only connection to greenery
but also provide a cool and shaded ambient environment for the occupants. This, coupled
with a green roof helps to further reduce urban heat and effect whereby the hard scape
areas are reduced and replaced with soft green landscape.
Buildings near or surrounded by greenery have lower ambient temperature (surrounding
temperature) than the ones away from the greenery and it is seen as an effective way to
lower the ambient temperature.

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Futhermore, soft landscaping and water features create a cool and serene outdoor
ambience, complementing the concept and functionality of the ST Diamond Building. The
water walls that flank the glass canopy at the entrance exuberates a welcoming feel whilst
the streetscape lined with tall trees gives a shading effect. A sunken garden was carefully
incorporated into the building design to provide natural ventilation and the greenery within
the sunken and landscaped garden on the ground floor helps reduce heat gain into the
building. Functional greening is also included in the rooftop. Besides absorbing rainwater,
the roof garden provides insulation, lowers air temperature and combats the heat island
effect. Wetland on the ground floor, which is irrigated by grey water from the building, is
home to species of Malaysias herbs and flora.

Figure 5.3.6.1: Landscape garden on the ground floor the building

Figure 5.3.6.2 : Landscape garden outside the building

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6.0

CONCLUSION

To conclude, green building do contributes to the nation economics. Even though

green technology is not something new to construction industry but in Malaysia the building
that what we called as Green building still not as much as other countries have. The initial
cost for the whole construction of green building might be cost a lot but for a long term green
building can reduce bills cost and solves the nature problem such as landslide and global
warming. In order to keep the green building is fully worked on us, but we as a consumer
also take the responsible on this issue to keep our life greener and healthier.
It is vital that the users could adapt to such green building environment and
understand how it works in order for the building to achieve its purpose which is using lesser
energy. The ST Diamond Building is a physical demonstration landmark that has served as a
milestone to chart Malaysias determination towards sustainable development and smarter,
energy efficient buildings. The ST Diamond Building also prove that sustainanble building
consume to the various types of savings especially lead to the green environmental.
We must take care of our environment before it is too late. Environmental
consideration should be prioritised to ensure no harm is made to the environment while
developing or constructing new buildings. Minimise usage of carbon or raw near exhausted
material is a good way to achieve sustainability.

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7.0

APPENDIX

APPENDIX 7.1

APPENDIX 7.2

: ST Diamond Building design section

: The comparison energy effiency among Malaysia Office Buildings

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8.0

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