DPM: Incentives likely for those undertaking green buildings

PUTRAJAYA: Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said more more "green" buildings should be built in the country as they can save costs and contribute in promoting better environmental quality.

He said the government would consider providing incentives to those who built houses and facilities which adhered to the Green Building Index (GBI).

"The design and technology used in such eco-friendly buildings may cut power consumption by up to 60% and save water usage by 65%.

"Building constructions in our country should consider going down this road," he told reporters after opening the Diamond Building and launching the 10th anniversary celebration of the Energy Commission, here on Tuesday, May 31.

Present were Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui and Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Muhyiddin said the Diamond Building was a state-of-the-art structure which incorporated green building elements allowing for a more efficient usage of energy and water compared to conventional buildings.

The building has received certification from authorities on green building technology in Malaysia and Singapore.

It is the government's third green building, after the low energy office (LEO) belonging to the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry, and the Malaysian Green Technology Corporation's green energy office (GEO). — Bernama