KUALA LUMPUR (April 14): GreenRE Sdn Bhd has certified more than 500 million square feet of gross floor area across Malaysia, spanning residential, commercial and industrial developments—highlighting the rapid expansion of green building adoption nationwide.
Chairman Fateh Iskandar Mohamed Mansor said the certification scope has evolved significantly over the years, extending beyond residential projects to include landmark developments such as Merdeka 118, Battersea Power Station, and AEON Mall Mean Chey, as well as industrial parks, petrol stations and data centres.
The organisation is now strengthening its footprint across ASEAN, with a strategic focus on regional expansion while consolidating its position in Malaysia’s green certification ecosystem.
The International Sustainability Week 2026 (ISW 2026) is set to take place on Sept 10 and 11 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), under the theme “From Certification to Transformation: Building a Net Zero Future Together.”
Since its inception, ISW has grown from just 40 participants to 800 last year, with a target of 1,500 attendees in 2026. The event will feature over 20 regional and international speakers, focusing on topics such as net-zero cities, climate-responsive urban development, governance standards, and the role of data in sustainability.
ISW is co-organised by GreenRE and Qube Integrated Malaysia Sdn Bhd, with EdgeProp as the media partner. It forms part of the broader International Green Build Conference and will also include the GreenScape innovation exhibition, expected to attract around 5,000 visitors and 100 exhibitors.
A memorandum of collaboration was also exchanged with the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation, aimed at aligning sustainability initiatives across platforms such as the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia.
The initiative reflects a broader trend where developers, regulators, and financial institutions are increasingly aligned in driving sustainable development. Incentives such as tax allowances and green financing schemes—often with lower interest rates—are encouraging developers to adopt environmentally responsible practices.
Educational outreach is also expanding, with GreenRE collaborating with 10 universities through grant programmes involving both lecturers and students, fostering long-term awareness of sustainability among future industry players.
The event was officiated by Arthur Joseph Kurup, who announced that Malaysia’s upcoming Climate Change Act is expected to be tabled in Parliament by mid-year. This follows Cabinet approval of the National Carbon Market Policy, which will underpin the country’s carbon emissions framework.
Despite strong policy momentum, the industry continues to face cost pressures. Construction costs have risen by 30% to 40% in some cases due to global uncertainties, particularly fluctuating oil prices. However, the direct impact on green certification costs remains unclear at this stage.
While there may be adjustments to timelines or targets, the overall direction towards sustainability remains unchanged, with continued emphasis on renewable energy adoption and greener urban development.
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