My Ideal Home

My ideal home will have the following features:

• able to harness solar power
• be energy efficient
• can earn cash by supplying electricity to the National grid
• is very cool yet no air conditioning required
• windows and doors to face north or south
• optimises use of natural lighting
• harvests rainwater and recycles it to prevent wastage
• generates minimum solid waste because everything is recycled
• has a beautiful garden using compost from kitchen and garden wastes

The "Building a Green Future" story quoted in the Star yesterday would make my dream achievable in Malaysia now that the Green Building Index to steer architects, building owners and developers towards sustainable construction has been launched. The Index drawn up by the Architects' Association of Malaysia and the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia, evaluates the eco-friendliness of buildings based on 6 criteria:

1. energy efficiency
2. indoor environmental quality
3. a sustainably managed site
4. optimal use of materials and resources
5. water efficiency
6. innovation

Such certification would benefit the developer as he can use it as an effective marketing tool and if the trend of green building continues, the country would score green points and the task to reduce global warming would be much easier.

It is heartening to note that the Government has introduced fiscal incentives which include import and sales tax exemption on low energy equipment or machinery for companies involved in renewable energy or energy efficiency. There are not much takers because people are still in the dark about such incentives and many feel that it would be a hassle to apply for them.

The National “SURIA 1000” PV programme (1,200 kWp): to catalyse BIPV (Building Integrated Photo Voltaic system)market by targeting the general public and property developers to install BIPV at their premises (homes/buildings), was launched in 2007 and is ongoing. The Suria 1000 project is under the auspices of UNDP. From the report submitted to UNDP in April 2008, it seems that the project is progressing satisfactorily towards achieving its targets.

The ZEO (Zero Energy Office) building built in Bangi is a showcase for sustainable commercial building that is independent of the National grid. ZEO is part of the Suria 1000 project.

I am also happy to note that this project under the Ministry of Energy, Water and Communication and coordinated by a Danish Consultancy firm has been well received and there are now many new residential buildings which are not only aesthetically acceptable but very environmental friendly.

Wish me luck that I would join the league soon and live in my eco-friendly house in an eco- friendly neighbourhood.