GREEN BUILDING IDEAS & INNOVATION (GBII) OFFICE @ KELANA SQUARE

Project Description

GBI Rating

Gold

Certificate No.

GBI-ID-0004

Validity Date

14 Jun 2017 – 13 Jun 2020

Building Category

Interiors (ID)

Location

UNIT B716, BLOACK B, KELANA SQUARE, NO.17, JALAN SS7/26, KELANA JAYA, 47301 PETALING JAYA, SELANGOR, Selangor

Local Authority

MBPJ - Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya

Owner

GBI INNOVATION SDN BHD

GBI Innovation Office is located in the centre of Petaling Jaya business district, surrounded by numerous local amenities and just a stone throw away from one of the main shopping malls in Klang Valley. One of the major innovations of the office is the incorporation of a tracking device for energy consumption. Air-conditioning and other plug load equipment are monitored through a wireless energy monitor, where real time energy consumption is displayed. In conjunction with energy efficient applications, the office is also equipped with a smart control mechanism that automatically switches off all electrical supply with one main switch. The sweeper power-off helps to eliminate standby power wastage to save electricity and pocket the savings. For lighting efficiency, individual switches are located at easily accessible points and occupancy sensors are installed at separate rooms for lighting zoning control. The employees are comfortable with the lighting levels in the office and require minimal dependence on artificial lighting during the day. Good lighting is crucial for occupant satisfaction, and our understanding on the importance of light is proven with the generous amount of daylight penetrating into the interior space. Daylight harvesting system allows spaces to maximize natural lighting in the workplace, thereby substantially reducing the energy consumption on lighting. Maintaining a non-obstructive view for occupants is the primary design objective and the office layout has adopted and open plan concept to allow flexibility in movement and to encourage collaboration amongst staff. This has a high potential impact on the wellbeing of physical and mindset; both occupier and visiting clients. The sufficient number of windows also contributes to the concept of psycho-escapism in the office. Several studies in the last decade have estimated productivity gains as a result of proximity to windows, particularly where the view offers a connection to the outdoor. Shading devices complement the internal ambient to manage glare and minimize solar heat gain for occupants’ comfort. Moreover, the interior components are furnished with natural and light hues to capture natural daylight and reflect heat from objects or walls that retain the heat. Thermal comfort has a significant impact on workplace satisfaction and users have direct control over the space temperature. The health and productivity benefits of good indoor air quality (IAQ) are well established with the installation of an IAQ monitoring device in the interior unit. The monitoring device constantly updates information on the temperature, humidity and CO2 level, volatile compound and other particulate matters in the interior space. Prior to that, green procurement is implemented by purchasing eco-friendly cleaning agents to reduce harmful chemical in the interior space and promote better indoor air quality. FSC certified wood-based material is used for the installation of kitchen cabinet in the pantry to practice green purchasing and to create awareness for better forest management. Certified environmental friendly products such as low VOC paint and sealants are also adopted in the office interior finishes. In terms of water efficiency, all water fittings are highly efficient and the sanitary fittings are eco-friendly and suitable for green building application. The office unit is equipped with a state of the art water purifier to provide good water quality for employees while encouraging them to reduce the usage of bottled drinking water. Correspondingly, the company is committed in conducting all operations and activities in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. By choosing an electric car for office use, it encourages staff participation in green practice and inculcate the awareness of using low-emitting and fuel-efficiency vehicles in the organization.