MALAYSIA International Trade and Exhibition Centre intends to score even higher in global environmental benchmarks after earning a place in the Green Building Index.
The Kuala Lumpur venue, which opened in 2017, received GBI certification from the construction industry body’s accreditation panel based on 11 winning environmental practices a facility of its size is required to fulfil.
“From the start, MITEC is built with a vision for its functionality as Malaysia’s largest trade and exhibition centre, but also with strict intentions to ensure that the development preserves the surrounding environment,” said Gunther Beissel, MITEC chief executive.
“Being awarded with the GBI status reassures us that we are on the right track in our efforts to leave positive footprints for the environment.”
The 11 practices MITEC proved were:
- Usage of recycled material during construction
- Installation of a 70% UV repellent glass
- Rainwater harvesting
- CO2 censors and fresh air fans
- Variable speed drives in the centre’s chiller pumps
- Motion sensor in all public toilets
- Garden watering system based on timers
- Hand basin in kitchens with censors
- Building automation systems
- Mould-prevention system
- No chemicals in water treatment for cooling towers
“I am thankful for the experts whom we have worked with, to cultivate a culture and knowledge of sustainable designs and the practice of efficiency when it comes to impacting human health and the environment,” Beissel said.
“I am also very proud of ‘MITECians’ who are very receptive to the culture of preservation, it is the little habits in every day’s operations that count and make a great difference.
“The benefits of a green and well maintained building seeps through in many ways. Tangible advantages for a building include increased property value, increased employee productivity and the platform for us to gain government and utility incentives,“ he said.
“These benefits will enable MITEC to do more for the community. At the end of the day, it is about reducing carbon footprints and spreading the word out efficiently as the Centre is a massive convening point for business events.”
