The EU Delegation to Malaysia has proudly earned its fourth Green Building certification, achieving GBI Silver this time, highlighting its strong commitment to sustainability. The award, presented on Tuesday by Ar. Chan Seong Aun, Chair of the GBI Accreditation Panel, reflects the Delegation’s hard work under the guidance of H.E. Ambassador Michalis Rokas. Although the project initially aimed for Silver, the Delegation’s performance surpassed expectations, coming impressively close to Gold certification—missing it by just 2 points. Now, the Delegation is setting its sights on achieving Gold in the next assessment in 2027.
The Delegation has made significant progress in several areas of sustainability:
Energy Efficiency: The Delegation achieved a 42% reduction in energy use compared to national standards, resulting in a 38,248 kWh decrease in energy consumption. This reduction also led to a 29,833 kg decrease in CO2 emissions, demonstrating the Delegation’s strong effort to reduce its carbon footprint.
Water Conservation: Water conservation has been a priority, with the Delegation installing water-efficient fixtures. These actions help reduce the environmental impact and conserve essential resources.
Ergonomics: The Delegation has enhanced workplace ergonomics, ensuring that the work environment supports the health and well-being of staff. Ergonomic furniture and thoughtful workspace design contribute to a more comfortable and productive environment.
Plastic-Free Operations: In its drive towards sustainability, the Delegation has successfully implemented a plastic-free policy, significantly reducing single-use plastics throughout its operations. This initiative aligns with global efforts to reduce plastic waste and protect the environment.
Environmental Education: The Delegation has actively promoted environmental education, organizing workshops and training sessions for staff and external stakeholders. These initiatives are designed to raise awareness about sustainable practices and encourage others to adopt similar approaches in their operations.
Indoor Environmental Quality: The Delegation achieved a 67.94% daylighting rate, reducing the need for artificial lighting. Improved air conditioning systems and careful air quality monitoring have ensured a healthy and comfortable workspace.
H.E. Ambassador Michalis Rokas (center) receives the Green Building Index (GBI) Silver certification on behalf of the EU Delegation to Malaysia. The award was presented by Ar. Chan Seong Aun, Chair of the GBI Accreditation Panel (third from left). Also pictured is Andrew Kong, General Manager of GBI (second from left), and Dr Stellios Plainiotis, CEO of NEAPOLI (second from right), along with other key team members.
NEAPOLI, serving as the Sustainability and ESG consultant for this project, played a key role in guiding the Delegation to these impressive results. Their expertise helped the Delegation not only meet the requirements for Silver certification but also surpass expectations, nearly reaching Gold certification.
Looking ahead, the EU Delegation plans to build on these achievements and aims to earn Gold certification in the next assessment in 2027. Ambassador Rokas has expressed the Delegation’s commitment to continue leading by example in sustainability.
This latest certification marks the fourth Green Building award the Delegation has received, adding to its growing legacy of sustainability. Each certification underscores the Delegation’s ongoing efforts to make its operations more sustainable and reduce its impact on the environment. The Delegation’s achievements serve as a positive example for other organizations, showing that significant environmental improvements are both possible and essential.
As the EU Delegation moves forward, it remains dedicated to its sustainability goals, aiming to not only meet but exceed future standards. The goal of Gold certification in 2027 is a clear indication of the Delegation’s commitment to making a lasting, positive impact on both the local and global environment.
