Green buildings are just the beginning. In the second part of his presentation, Ashwin Thurairaj emphasised innovative urban planning strategies that embed sustainability into every aspect of development.
Offsetting Embodied Carbon
A significant challenge in construction is embodied carbon—the emissions generated from materials and the building process. Ashwin shared key strategies to address this:
- Using resource-efficient designs to minimise upfront carbon.
- Offsetting remaining carbon through tree planting and biodiversity programmes.
Cooling Cities with Green and Blue Spaces
To combat urban heat islands, GreenRE recommends:
- Designing parks and water features within 400 meters of residential areas.
- Using permeable paving and vegetated roofs to reduce heat absorption.
- Incorporating shade structures like vine pergolas for open-air spaces.
Minimising Urban Flooding Risks
Sustainable drainage systems are critical in flood-prone regions. GreenRE advocates:
- Rainwater harvesting and onsite detention tanks.
- Open grid pavements and permeable materials for walkways.
- Expanding green and blue spaces to absorb rainwater effectively.
The Elmina Biodiversity Programme
One example is the Elmina Biodiversity Programme, which demonstrates how green infrastructure can balance development with conservation. Key initiatives include:
- Planting endangered native trees.
- Creating wetlands to enhance water quality and flood control.
- Establishing biodiversity education centres.
The construction industry’s shift toward sustainability must go beyond individual buildings. By incorporating green principles into urban planning, Malaysia can create resilient cities that prioritise people and the planet.
