Management Report 13sep23
Management Report 13sep23
Management Report 13sep23
Green Building Index (GBI) is an endorsed sustainable building assessment tool embraced by the
Malaysian Industry. It is aimed at fostering sustainability within the built environment and
enhancing awareness among the key stakeholders, including developers, architects, contractors
and more, regarding the pertinent environmental issues and their collective responsibilities
towards the future. The Malaysian government has actively encouraged all project team
members, building owners and developers to adhere to GBI principle when undertaking the
construction projects.
The rationale behind the Malaysian Government’s endorsement of green building practices lies
in the GBI’s fundamental concept of environmental preservation and mitigation of human-
induced pollution. This encompasses addressing issues such as water and air pollution, which
contain hazardous substances, and the reduction of unnecessary waste through thoughtful design
and construction practices. Additionally, embracing green building principles signifies a
commitment to effective corporate governance, social responsibility, and a dedication to future
generations. The classification of industrial and residential properties under the GBI rating
framework is primarily guided by six key criteria such as Energy Efficiency (EE), Indoor
Environment Quality (IEQ), Sustainable Site Planning and Management (SM), Materials and
Resources (MR), Water Efficiency and Innovation (IN) (Yusni ~a H A U D I N ' et al., 2012).
a. Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency concentrates on the systematic cultivation of energy efficiency and
conservation strategies within the architectural and engineering aspects of the building. It is
critically examining the integration of energy efficiency materials, systems and technologies
aimed at curtailing energy consumption. For the development project that we proposed, Low
Emissivity glass, commonly referred to as Low-E glass, represents a coated glass technology
that substantially enhances the energy efficiency of windows and doors. Its primary function
revolves around the retention of infrared radiation within colder zones, thereby contributing
to improved thermal insulation. This technologically advanced solution proves economically
viable and versatile across various contexts. It is characterized by a colourless, ultra-thin, and
non-toxic coating, which effectively diminishes the transmission of Ultraviolet (UV) light.
Low E glass improves the brightness of the building spaces while also lowering the heating
and cooling costs. This helps to stave off fading and sun-induced damage, ensuring that these
assets maintain their aesthetic appeal and longevity. It works by applying the microscopic
layers of a reflective coating to the glass. It can emit energy (Ding & Clavero, 2017). As a
result, it is suitable to apply and use in the residential area especially at the Country Height
Damansara’s residence as it can keep the heat during the raining season while it allows it to
escape during the hot weather. The heat from the exterior can be reflected or bounced off the
Low E glass window, which is able to help the home cooler and lower the total cooling
expenses as, the area of the residences is located at the top hill, which will be hot at the noon.
Thus, this can produce energy efficiency of the overall project.
b. Indoor Environment Quality
Indoor Environment Quality is the assessment that delves into facets significantly
influencing the overall well-being of building occupants. It scrutinizes the indoor air
quality, thermal comfort measures and the utilization of non-toxic building materials, all
designed to foster a salubrious and comfortable indoor environment. For Indoor
Environment Quality, Hybrid ventilation system can be proposed to the residential
project at the Country Height’s Damansara. A Hybrid ventilation system is a system that
involves a combined two-mode system such as both natural ventilation and mechanical
system to an internal environment. This is a smart system designed to minimize energy
usage while maintaining indoor air quality. It operates automatically and employs
algorithms to switch between various modes, adapting to the prevailing natural or
mechanical conditions, which is especially beneficial during hot and rainy weather in our
region. These systems effectively decrease the energy consumption for both heating and
cooling ventilation while efficiently expelling air from the building. Hybrid ventilation
leads to reducing energy and expenses compared to mechanical systems and offers
greater resilience in meeting Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) and heating/ cooling needs across
a wider range of circumstances compared to natural systems. This method employes
passive natural airflow for exhaust and supplemented by sidewall fans for improved air
intake. Consequently, the warm air naturally ascends towards the ceiling and escapes
through the vent, while simultaneously allowing the fresh air to flow into the building
which creates an evaporative cooling effect (De, 2010).
For this proposed project, site planning and transportation is crucial. The contractor must
plan and select the site, the proposed development must demonstrate appropriateness for
the designated site and full compliance with the prescribed regulations delineated in both
the local plan and structure plan pertinent to the geographical area. The proposed
construction project s expected to meet the prerequisites such as conformity with the
provisions outlined in the structure plan governing the specific locale. Adherence to the
stipulations set forth in the local plan, and verification of the availability of essential
infrastructure resources for the designated area is essential to carry out. Public transport
access is important as it promotes the selection of sites in proximity to transportation
hubs ad advocate for the urban planning of new residential areas that facilitate the
utilization of public transit. This strategic approach aims to curtail the current and
anticipated heavy reliance on private transportation, recognized as the primary
contributor to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Assessment criteria are based on the
development’s proximity to public transport hubs and quality of access of these
transportation nodes. In the new development areas, the creation of well-equipped
transport hubs featuring appropriate shelter, amenities, shuttle services, and parking
facilities, is encouraged. Furthermore, community services and connectivity are needed to
foster the selection of site in close proximity to fundamental community amenities and
encourage the urban planning that facilitates the provision of localized services. It aims to
diminish the prevailing and projected extensive use of private vehicles during non-
working hours, a significant source of GHG emissions. In addition, open scape, landscape
and mitigation of heat island effect need to be acquired by the developer, as the
development should adhere to reduced footprint and incorporate an increased proportion
of green landscaping. It approaches serve to mitigate well-documented heat island effects
that associated with areas dominated by hardscaping.
As for construction system and site management. Industrialized Building System (IBS)
can be purposed to use as it minimizes the on-site construction activities. It also
minimizes the material wastage and divert the construction waste from the landfill sites.
It mitigates pollution which results it from the construction processes and worker
activities during the construction. In addition, managing pollution stemming from the
construction activities by effectively handling waste and debris generated by workers. A
site amenities plan is a must to be implemented for all construction personnel involved in
the project, outlining the measures to achieve the objectives such as provides a suitable
accommodation for on-site construction waste or to arrange a temporary lodging nearby,
prevents a pollution of storm sewers or receiving water bodies by maintaining proper
septic tank systems and more. Other than that, the contractor should effectively manage
the surface water runoff which resulting from the development activities. Reducing the
pollution and minimize the discharge of stormwater into river systems which arise from
the development. Mitigating the flood risk by retaining the rainwater for recycling and
suitable applications (Diyana Nizarudin et al., 2010).
d. Material and resources
Materials and resources cast a discerning eye on the sustainable handling of materials
throughout the construction process. It takes into account material sourcing practices,
resource preservation endeavors, and waste management protocols, from the project’s
inception to its operational phase. As for materials and resources, Fiberglass insulation
can be proposed for the roofing as it is suitable for the houses which are located at the top
hill, which will be hot in the afternoon. Fiberglass insulation is mainly contained of glass,
which is an insulation material, and it can be used in different products, and automobiles
too. The Fiberglass insulation is made of recycled materials, which is more
environmentally friendly among the alternative. It is cheaper and mostly made of
recycled materials. Fiberglass insulation is able to trap the air and therefore transfer the
heat. This material is fast and simple to install as it is prehended in pre-cut rolls, panels,
and loose-fill, which makes it flexibility. It can be installed between the rafters, joists,
studs, or even blocks, which at any area that needed insulation. Other than that, it can
resist the heat flow, which minimizes the heating and cooling bill of 40% to 50%. It has
the function of energy saving efficiency and provides good thermal resistance. Fiberglass
insulation has natural sound-dampening effects which can reduce the noise transfer from
the exterior of the building. This material is suitable for summer weather, and it can
retardant the fire, as it poses a little to no fire hazard, this able to improve the safety level
of building occupants.
e. Water efficiency
Water efficiency intricately analyzes the project’s approach to water resource
management, specifically emphasizing the judicious utilixation of water-saving tactics.
The key considerations encompass the deployment of efficient water fixtures, the
incorporation of rainwater harvesting systems, and the implementation of wastewater
treatment methodologies designed to minimize the water usage and encourage
responsible water conservation. Rain harvesting system, or it can be named rainwater
collection system, that collects and stores the rainwater for human utilization. This
system changes in complexity, ranging from the basic rain barrels to more intricate setups
equipped with pumps, storage tanks, and water purification mechanisms. The collected
non-potable water serves multiple purposes, including landscape irrigation, car washing,
laundry and more. It can even undergo purification for safe human consumption. As
water scarcity becomes an increasingly urgent concern in densely populated areas,
rainwater harvesting systems play and critical role in providing households and
businesses with a sustainable water source during the dry seasons, thus it is alleviating
the burden in municipal water supply systems. In urban environments, a substantial
portion of rainwater that falls on structures, rooftops, streets and other impermeable
surfaces is not able to infiltrate the soil. Instead, it is channeled into stormwater systems
for disposal. These impermeable surfaces contribute to the urban flooding in various
regions and generate contaminated water that cannot be used for drinking.
Rainwater harvesting system is the most straightforward setups that are non-
pressurized systems, exemplified by rain barrels which connected to pipes that direct
rainwater from gutters into a storage tank. It is commonly referred to as a “dry system”,
that do not retain any water in the pipes once the rain stops, thereby it is eliminates the
risk of creating breeding habitats such as mosquitoes and other insects. In cases where it
is impractical to direct the pipes into the tanks, “wet systems” became essential. These
are employed when the tanks are situated at a considerable distance from the collection
surfaces or when the network of the tanks are situated at a considerable distance from the
collection surfaces or when it serves multiple structures. In such a scenario, the pipes
extending from the gutter are routed underground and then ascend through a riser into the
tank. Often, these systems are pressurized to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water
within the lengthy pipe runs. The designed rainwater harvesting system prioritizes the
insect-proofing of all pipes and opening, particularly in wet systems. It employs the wire
mesh screen covers on every tank inlet serves to safeguard against the debris ingress. In
constructing collection surfaces, the use of non-toxic materials is crucial to be applied
particularly in rooftop, with a specific emphasis on avoiding lead-based paints and
membranes. Likewise, the construction materials for tanks should be non-toxic and
resistant to corrosion. Although certain system may incorporate a sump pump and
washout pipe for sludge removal, it is advisable for all systems to undergo regular
cleaning of the tank’s interior surfaces (Swati Ogale, 2019).
f. Innovation
Innovation encourages and rewards the projects that transcend conventional
sustainability norms by embracing the pioneering and avant-garde practices. It
acknowledges endeavours that push the boundaries of environmental responsibility,
transcending established benchmark. A vegetated roof, commonly known as green
roofing or rooftop garden, is a layer of vegetation cultivated atop a building’s roof
structure. Green roofs serve several functions, including providing shading, dissipating
heat from the atmosphere, and lowering the temperatures on both the roof’s surface and
the surrounding air. When integrated into urban or other constructed settings with limited
greenery, green roofs play a critical role in mitigating the heat island effects, especially
during the daylight hours. Comparatively, the temperatures of the green roofs can be 30
to 40 Fahrenheit coolers than those of traditional roofs, contributing to a potential
reduction of up to 5 Fahrenheit in overall city-wide ambient temperature. Additionally,
green roofs exhibit the capacity to curtail building energy consumption by approximately
0.7% when juxtaposed with conventional roofs. This reduction translates into diminished
peak electricity demand, which are able to save costs annually.
Green roofing technology helps to diminish air pollution and greenhouse gas
emissions as it has the capacity reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions linked to
conventional energy sources by decreasing the demand for air conditioning. Additionally,
the vegetation on the roofs can effectively extract pollutants and GHGs from the
atmosphere through both dry deposition and the sequestration and storage of carbon.
Furthermore, it helps to lower energy consumption through the process of
evapotranspiration, the green roofs dissipate the heat from the air and concurrently serve
as insulating layers for buildings. This dual function reduces the energy required for
heating and cooling, ultimately lowering energy consumption. Moreover, it enhances the
human well-being and comfort, thereby mitigating the heat transfer through the building’s
roof, green roofs contribute to improved indoor comfort levels and a reduction in the
occurrence of heat-related stress, particularly during the heatwaves. Finally, green roofing
improved the control of stormwater and water quality, as it offers the advantages of
decreasing the volume and velocity of stormwater runoff within the urban areas,
concurrently acting as natural filters for pollutants present in the rainfall. It is suitable for
the proposed residential areas as the green roofing can effectively retain nearly all the
precipitation associated with storms, while this retention rate may decrease to less than
20%. The effectiveness of green roofs in managing stormwater depends on the weatehr
and the specific patterns of the rainfall (Swati Ogale, 2019).
The estimated expenditures associated with the installation and upkeep of a green
roof are contingent upon the specific type of green roof in question. To illustrate, a basic
extensive green roof, which is lack of public access, could cost as little as one-tenth to
one-third of the expenses incurred for constructing an intensive green roof designed for
public use. While the initial outlays for green roofs may surpass those for conventional
roofing materials, property owners can mitigate some of these disparities through the
reduction of energy expenditure, minimize the stormwater management fees, and
potentially extended lifespan compared to conventional roofing materials. Routine
maintenance is needed to such as fertilization, irrigation, weed management and
replanting. It is noting that the intensive green roofing may necessitate more extensive
maintenance efforts, surpassing the requirements of extensive green roofs, to preserve
their aesthetic appeal and accommodate public access (Swati Ogale, 2019).
References
De, W. (2010). V entilation I nformation P aper n° 32 Air Infiltration and Ventilation Centre
%2032%20Hybrid%20Vent.pdf
Ding, G., & Clavero, C. (2017). Silver-Based Low-Emissivity Coating Technology for Energy-
https://www.intechopen.com/chapters/53792
Diyana Nizarudin, N., ramzi mohd hussain, M., & Tukiman, I. (2010, January). The Application
of the Green Building Index (GBI) on Sustainable Site Planning and Management for
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/280730724_The_Application_of_the_Green_Building_
Index_GBI_on_Sustainable_Site_Planning_and_Management_for_Residential_New_Constructi
on_Prospects_and_Future_Benefits
Orentas, G. (2022, September 26). Learn The Pros And Cons Of Fiberglass Insulation. Forbes
Home. https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/insulation/what-is-fiberglass-insulation/
#:~:text=What%20Is%20Fiberglass%20Insulation%3F
Swati Ogale. (2019). rainwater harvesting system | Description, Uses, Quality, & Configurations.
system
US EPA. (2014, June 17). Using Green Roofs to Reduce Heat Islands. US EPA; US EPA.
https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/using-green-roofs-reduce-heat-islands
Yusni ~a H A U D I N ', A., lias ', M., Ivadarajan, S., Romli, R., Zainuddin, N., & Saifudin, M.
(2012). An Overview of the Green Building’s Criteria: Non Residential New Construction.
https://repo.uum.edu.my/id/eprint/5786/1/Ah_Yu.pdf
English interview
2. Why do I need to give you the job and not another person?
- I am willing to work hard, etc.