At the recent International Construction Week (ICW) & BuildXpo 2024, held by CIDB, Azril Amir Jaafar, Principal and Director of VERITAS Design Group, one of Asia’s largest design firms based in Kuala Lumpur, shared insights on a pressing global issue—decarbonisation. His presentation highlighted the urgency for the construction industry to address climate change through sustainable design.
Azril began by highlighting the escalating global climate challenges, such as severe flooding in Malaysia, record-breaking wildfires across Europe, and devastating hurricanes in North America. These events, he noted, are stark reminders of the consequences of ignoring our environmental footprint. “We have reached a moment where the construction industry must adapt to these changes while actively working to reverse them,” he emphasised.
Decarbonisation is reducing carbon emissions across all stages of design and construction. The aim is to integrate sustainable practices into the built environment to reduce the industry’s impact on the planet. This approach requires a shift from traditional construction techniques toward methods that prioritise energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and circular economy principles. From real-life examples, Azril underlined how traditional Malay houses have incorporated sustainable living through the house buildings for generations.
Decarbonisation transforms urban landscapes into eco-conscious environments by designing buildings that harness renewable energy sources and incorporating green spaces that support urban biodiversity.
The industry has the power to shape a more resilient future through innovative architectural and urban design. By adopting these practices, cities can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, foster healthier communities, and mitigate the effects of climate change. Azril concluded his presentation by calling on architects, urban planners, and construction professionals to play a pivotal role in creating a carbon-neutral world, reminding the audience, “Sustainability is no longer a choice—it’s our responsibility to the generations that will inherit the world we build.”
