In a move to strengthen its sustainability agenda, the Penang government has mandated that all new public buildings generate at least five percent of their energy from renewable sources. The initiative, announced by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, aligns with the state’s Penang Energy Framework (PEF), a strategic roadmap launched last year to facilitate the transition toward cleaner energy solutions.
Under the new directive, existing public buildings will also be encouraged to integrate renewable energy systems, while commercial and industrial developments must adopt similar measures in accordance with Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s tariff categories.
Energy Transition Targets
“As part of our vision under the PEF, we aim to reduce energy intensity by 25% and generate at least 10% of our energy from renewable sources by 2030. Our government buildings will lead by example, ensuring they meet high standards of energy efficiency and sustainability,” he said.
To support these objectives, Penang will introduce mandatory Building Energy Intensity (BEI) requirements for new developments. Office buildings will be required to maintain a BEI of 150, retail spaces at 240, and specific benchmarks will be set for hotels and hospitals. Initially, non-residential properties will voluntarily report their BEI values, transitioning to mandatory online submissions by 2026.
GreenRE Platinum Certification Milestone
The event also marked a milestone in Malaysia’s green building sector, with Design Village Outlet Mall being recognized as the country’s first fully certified GreenRE Platinum shopping mall. Chow praised PE Land Penang, the developer and operator of the mall, for aligning with the Penang2030 vision and PEF objectives.
“This landmark achievement demonstrates how sustainability, innovation, and responsible business practices can work together to create a greener, more resilient future for Penang,” he said, adding that the Design Village Outlet Mall serves as a model for other commercial developments nationwide.
PE Land Penang’s Chief Operating Officer, Andy Song, highlighted the stringent requirements for obtaining GreenRE Platinum certification, noting that the mall exceeded expectations by securing 107 out of 120 possible sustainability credits.
Additional Sustainability Initiatives
Further reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, Design Village Outlet Mall announced the launch of an EV Charging Hub and a Food Waste Composting initiative. The new charging hub will feature a 120kW DC fast charger and 13 AC chargers, aimed at promoting electric vehicle adoption.
“Sustainability is not just an achievement; it is a continuous journey. At PE Land Penang, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of green innovation and making zero landfill waste a reality within two years,” Song stated.
As Penang advances its renewable energy and efficiency targets, these measures set a strong precedent for sustainable development in the state. With clear policy direction, government leadership, and private sector participation, Penang is positioning itself as a frontrunner in energy-efficient and environmentally conscious urban planning.
