A select list of standout green buildings and projects in Malaysia, certified by the Green Building Index (GBI), Green Real Estate (GreenRE), or the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
Green buildings are the next big thing in Malaysia – there are growing numbers of green buildings and green development projects across the country. The federal government has also encouraged the construction of more green buildings in the form of various policies, schemes, and grants.
Through improved design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal, green buildings increase consumption efficiency in terms of water, energy, and materials while decreasing the structure’s impact on human health and the environment.
There are hundreds of green buildings and green development projects in Malaysia, certified locally by the Green Building Index (GBI), Green Real Estate (GreenRE), or the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). All three certifications take into account a green building’s features and green design elements, before awarding a rating score.
For more info on GBI, GreenRE, and LEED, as well as what are the key differences between GBI and GreenRE, read our expansive article about green buildings in Malaysia here.
Here are some of Malaysia’s most notable green buildings and green development projects and some of its key features, which are not only excellent for the environment but also help occupants live healthier, happier, and more productive lives.
Bandar Rimbayu Township – Telok Panglima Garang
The homes at Bandar Rimbayu incorporate renewable energy and energy efficiency, with great indoor ventilation, solar-powered water heaters and rain harvesting systems. Not only are there green open spaces, but its residential parcels are also designed with nature-friendly principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). For example, a green buffer zone separates motorised lanes and pedestrian walkways.
Green building certification: GBI Silver
Developer: IJM Land
Type: Two-storey linked homes, semi-detached homes
Built-up: Various
Year of completion: Various completion dates
Bukit Bintang City Centre – Kuala Lumpur
The Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC) is home to the PNB 188 skyscraper, the future tallest building in Malaysia, but more importantly, a green lung will weave throughout the project creating a series of parks, gardens, and green pockets.
Green building certification: GBI Gold
Developer: EcoWorld, UDA and EPF
Type: Serviced residence
Built-up: 454 sq ft to 882 sq ft
Year of completion: 2020
Read more: (UPDATED SEPT 2021) Top 10 property developers in Malaysia
Edelweiss SOFO & Serviced Residences @ Tropicana Gardens
Edelweiss SOFO and Serviced Residences has been GreenRE certified for including several innovative green building features, such as the use of low VOC paint that has less odour and reduced impact on air quality, the insulated RC flat roof which lowers heat transmission into the building, Low-E glass façade to keep the building cool, and EV chargers for electric cars.
Green building certification: GreenRE Silver Provisional Certification
Developer: Tropicana Corporation Berhad
Type: SOFO & Serviced Residences
Built-up: SOFO 452 sq ft – 858 sq ft; Serviced Residences 556 sq ft – 1,111 sq ft
Year of completion: 2024
KAIA Heights – Taman Equine, Seri Kembangan
Standing tall at the peak of Equine Park, KAIA Heights was awarded a GreenRE Silver rating for its consideration of the environment in design, construction, and operation. The development conserved some existing forestry from the site, utilises compost recycled from horticulture waste, and has an elevated car park for full natural ventilation.
Green building certification: GreenRE Silver Provisional Certification
Developer: UEM Sunrise Berhad
Type: Condominium
Built-up: 972 sq ft – 1437 sqft
Year of completion: 2025
Ken Rimba – Shah Alam
One of Malaysia’s first green townships, Ken Rimba incorporates plenty of greenery surrounding the township, as well as the use of heat-reflective paint and good cross ventilation design to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. A rainwater harvesting system will be used for landscape irrigation and general facilities use.
Green building certification: GBI Certified
Developer: KEN Holdings Berhad
Type: Freehold condominium
Built-up: 1119 sq ft
Year of completion: 2012
Leisure Farm Resort – Iskandar Malaysia
Leisure Farm Resort Iskandar Malaysia’s first Green Building Index (GBI) certified development, built upon the principles of Sustainability, Energy, Environment, Design and Security. Leisure Farm is a luxury eco-development that has won several awards, including the CNBC Asia & Pacific & International Property Awards and FIABCI Malaysia Property Awards.
Green building certification: GBI Certified
Developer: Mulpha International Berhad
Type: Bungalows, semi-detached homes and townhouses
Built-up: 3721 sq ft – 4800 sq ft
Year of completion: 2025
Read more: Buying a property in 2021: 4 changes to the way we buy houses
PJ Midtown – Petaling Jaya
Based in Section 13 Petaling Jaya, PJ Midtown is a mixed development that meets the Gold rating for GBI – this means it has incorporated a ton of green-friendly elements. Some of which include a solar PV system on the roof, high-performance glass to reduce heat gain, high efficiency LED light fittings, a rainwater harvesting system, and its close proximity to public transportation, facilities, and community amenities. There’s even a herbs garden for the personal use of those who live at PJ Midtown.
Green building certification: GBI Gold Provisional Certification
Developer: IOI Properties & Sime Darby Brunsfield
Type: Mixed-Development
Built-up: 1,120,236 sq ft (gross floor area [GFA])
Year of completion: 2019
Residensi Allevia – Mont’Kiara
Not only is Residensi Allevia in close proximity to the central business district of Mont’Kiara, but the development also has been GreenRE certified – it was built with sustainability in mind. This includes effective use of resources like electricity and water, as well as the reduction of carbon emissions.
Green building certification: GreenRE Gold Provisional Certification
Developer: UEM Sunrise Berhad
Type: Condominium
Built-up: 1,703 sq ft – 2,634 sq ft
Year of completion: 2025
SouthPlace Residences, Tropicana Metropark
Located close to the mature neighbourhood of Subang Jaya, SouthPlace Residences was built with green components in its master plan. This consists of sustainable and environmentally-friendly products used in its construction, water-efficient fittings, lifts installed with regenerative features, effective sound insulation, natural ventilation, eco-friendly paint, and waste recycling.
Green building certification: GreenRE Bronze Provisional Certification
Developer: Tropicana Corporation Berhad
Type: Serviced Residences
Built-up: 500 sq ft and 700 sq ft
Year of completion: 2024
Read more: Pros and cons of buying a Home Ownership Campaign (HOC) property
The Tropika – Bukit Jalil
This freehold development in Bukit Jalil was inspired by nature – it’s nestled between two green lungs, the Bukit Jalil Golf and Country Resort and Bukit Jalil Recreational Park. A 2 acres biophilic-designed deck with 68 types of amenities surrounds the project’s four towers, simulating a forest canopy where the highest branches of the trees avoid contacting one another, creating channel-like gaps.
Green building certification: GreenRE Bronze Provisional Certification
Developer: Berjaya Land Berhad
Type: Mixed Development
Built-up: 732 sq ft – 1,318 sq ft
Year of completion: 2023
Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) – Kuala Lumpur
The first township in Malaysia given the platinum GBI rating, this highly rated development in the Kuala Lumpur business district is committed to sustainability – adopting zero waste principles, maximising the lifecycle of its materials, and adapting to future climate changes. The TRX City Park will be a key green lung right in the heart of the city, connecting KL-ites back to nature.
Green building certification: GBI Platinum, LEED Gold
Developer: TRX City Sdn Bhd
Type: Financial district comprising offices, residential towers, hotel and retail
Built-up: 21 million sq ft (GFA)
Year of completion: Partially completed, with TRX Residences to be completed by 2023
Yoo8 Serviced by Kempinski – 8 Conlay, Kuala Lumpur
A major freehold development amid Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle and the KLCC area, the 44th level of the Yoo8 serviced residence twin towers is connected by a suspended green refuge – a multi-tiered “tropical” park in the sky that draws inspiration from the lush foliage of Malaysia’s rainforests. An elevated mezzanine floor on the same level also features a jogging path, as well as secluded nooks for peaceful reading and lots of community meeting areas.
Green building certification: GreenRE & LEED
Developer: KSK Land
Type: Serviced Residential, Mixed Development
Built-up: 705 sq ft – 1328 sq ft
Year of completion: 2022
There are also several non-residential structures certified as green buildings in Malaysia. Here are a select few:
DiGi – Shah Alam
This is the first data centre in Malaysia to be awarded the GBI standard. It was designed to reduce energy usage, especially as data centres traditionally consume large amounts of energy. The structure utilises eco-friendly carpets and solar reflective roof paint coating and is built with a steel formwork system to reduce timber usage.
Green building certification: GBI Gold
Jasin Hospital – Melaka
This is the first hospital building in the world to achieve the Platinum rating for LEED and the first in Malaysia for a government building. Its key green features include rainwater management, an indoor air quality management programme, and optimised energy performance.
Green building certification: LEED Platinum
Read more: What happens when a property development changes ownership?
klia2 Terminal
© langdu8x | 123rf
klia2 is the first airport terminal in Southeast Asia to be awarded the Gold LEED green building accreditation. The structure features a rainwater harvesting system that gathers rainwater to be processed, saving the airport around 9% in water use (or RM215,000 annually). klia2 is also energy efficient – its low emissivity glass, high solar reflecting roof, LED lighting, jet diffusers, and variable air volume cooling have resulted in a 7% lower power use between 2015 and 2016.
Green building certification: LEED Gold
Lam Soon Edible Oils Distribution Centre – Seberang Perai
The first GBI industrial certified distribution centre in Malaysia, the development benefits from 33% savings in potable water consumption through rainwater harvesting. It was also developed for maximum natural daylight penetration and natural ventilation, achieving 40% energy consumption savings.
Green building certification: GBI Certified
Menara Kerja Raya – Kuala Lumpur
This is the first government building to be awarded the platinum GBI rating. It also won the ASEAN Energy Awards Green Building category in 2016. The design of the tower reduces solar heat gain, along with efficient lighting design and energy efficiency.
The tower is also able to treat wastewater from washbasins, floor traps, and ablution, to be reused for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation.
Green building certification: GBI Platinum
Don’t be surprised to see more and more green buildings and green development projects coming up all around Malaysia. But that’s a positive thing – reducing the environmental impact of urban development is not only for current well-being but for our children’s future.
