Future urban development projects across Southeast Asia may soon be required to meet an “ASEAN Green Building” standard, as proposed by Malaysia’s Housing and Local Government Minister, Nga Kor Ming. This initiative was highlighted during the recent ASEAN-China Roundtable Talks on Urban Construction and Housing, where regional leaders discussed the importance of unified green standards to ensure sustainable development.
The proposed standards aim to incorporate eco-friendly features in new construction projects, such as using sustainable building materials, rainwater harvesting systems, and solar panels. These measures are expected to promote environmental sustainability and efficiency in urban development.
Malaysia plans to present its proposed green building standard at the next roundtable talks scheduled for the following year.
The Kuala Lumpur Communique, unanimously passed during the talks, underscored the necessity for stronger collaboration in housing and urban development among ASEAN members and China. This cooperation includes advancing technology, fostering innovation, and promoting green construction practices. By aligning on these standards, the member states aim to enhance urban projects’ overall sustainability and efficiency.
In addition to green building standards, ASEAN members also agreed to prioritise the development of climate-resilient cities. This involves accelerating local and regional climate actions to mitigate the impacts of climate change and support sustainable urban growth. This commitment is part of a broader strategy to ensure cities can withstand and adapt to environmental challenges.
Nga emphasised that Malaysia stands to gain significantly from this regional cooperation. Collaboration with countries like China is expected to bring the latest technology and housing and urban development expertise. This partnership aims to boost investment value, stimulate economic growth, and create new job opportunities, marking a significant step in Malaysia’s journey towards sustainable urban development.
