KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s very own green building rating system will be launched on May 21 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre by Works Minister Datuk Shaziman Abu Mansor.

The Green Building Index (GBI), developed by Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) and the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia, is to promote sustainability in the built environment and raise awareness among industry players and the public about environmental issues.

Buildings will be awarded the GBI Malaysia rating based on six key criteria:

1) Energy Efficiency

2) Indoor Environment Quality

3) Sustainable Site Planning and Management

4) Materials and Resources

5) Water Efficiency and

6) Innovation

Organising chairman Boon Che Wee of PAM said building which scored points in these areas mean that the building will likely be more environment-friendly than those that do not address the issues.

Uder the GBI assessment framework, points will also be awarded for achieving and incorporating environmental-friendly features which are above current industry practice, he added.

Details of GBI and the assessment process will be explained in a forum to be held after the launch.

Interested members of the industry and public can contact PAM Secretariat at 03-2693 4182 for free registration to the launch.