GREEN ENERGY OFFICE (GEO BUILDING)

Project Description

GBI Rating

Certified

Certificate No.

GBI-NRNC-0001(RVA2)

Validity Date

13 Nov 2017 – 12 Nov 2020

Building Category

Non-Residential New Construction (NRNC)

Location

NO. 2, JALAN 9/10, PERSIARAN USAHAWAN, SEKSYEN 9, 43650 BANDAR BARU BANGI, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA, Selangor

Local Authority

MPKj - Majlis Perbandaran Kajang

Owner

MALAYSIAN GREEN TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION (GREENTECH MALAYSIA)

Unveiled towards the end of 2007, GreenTech Malaysia’s Green Energy Office (GEO) Building is the first of its kind in Malaysia. Located on a five-acre land parcel, 40km south of Kuala Lumpur, the GEO Building is designed to be exceptionally super energy efficient, with the current design of Building Energy Index (BEI) of around 20kWh/m2year. The GEO Building was constructed combining advanced green technologies, sustainable energy solutions, innovative energy management systems and rainwater harvesting systems. A model for designing and building sustainable green spaces in the region, the construction of the GEO Building was funded by the Government of Malaysia with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Global Environment Facility (GEF), and the EC-ASEAN Energy Facility. Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV) systems are architecturally and aesthetically incorporated into the GEO Building’s design, and form a key feature of the building. The BIPV systems generate electricity for the GEO Building’s needs while exporting surplus electricity into the national utility network during the daytime via a net-metering arrangement. The BIPV systems provide up to 70% of the building’s electricity requirements, which amounts to 170,000 kWh/year. Building Energy Management System (BEMS) helps optimise the building’s energy use. The BEMS incorporates energy data logging, monitoring and reporting and is used to continuously monitor the performance of the GEO building. The GEO Building uses diffused daylight for almost 100% natural lighting (cool daylight only) throughout the day with reduction of glare. In addition, BIPV System C also allows natural sunlight to filter into the atrium area besides generates clean energy for the GEO Building. This offers an interesting and intricate play of light – a true visual treat in the vast open space. The building and its windows are strategically positioned to face north and south, to avoid direct sunlight and excessive heat gain. All windows are double glazed and reflect ultraviolet as well as infrared radiation from the building’s exterior. The upper floors also benefit from natural daylight with the incorporation of rooflight features. Energy-efficient electric lighting, specifically used in the evenings and on overcast days, is integrated with an advanced lighting management system employing motion and photo sensors to automate control. Lights in common areas such as corridors are only switched on when sensors detect movement. In working areas, lights can only be switched on when the illumination level falls below a pre-set level. This ensures consistenty high levels of energy optimisation. All light fixtures in this system are fitted with high energy￾efficient T5 miniature fluorescent tubes. As an added convenience, LED task lights at staff workstations can be switched on when required. Rainwater is harvested to help conserve water in the GEO building and reduce the use of treated water from the water utility provider. It is also used for the cooling system (cooling tower), landscape irrigation and for general cleaning purposes. Through the use of this system dependence on piped water is reduced significantly, which accounts for only a third of the total volume of water used by the building. To further reduce plug loads, energy-efficient office equipment and green IT systems including laptops for all staff, and shared network printers was used. The GEO building has been designed from the ground up to encourage energy savings and this extends to the positioning of its staircase. While traditionally placed off to the sides, the GEO building features a sturdy staircase prominently positioned right at its entrance encouraging staff and guests to save on electricity use by taking the stairs instead of using the lift.