As part of TNB’s Sustainability Workshop Series facilitated by SUMO, the SUMO team and a delegation of staff from Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) were recently given a tour around the Malaysia Green Energy Office (GEO) building located at Seksyen 9, Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor (around 40 km south of Kuala Lumpur). The building is known for its energy efficiency and sustainability features, which serves to promote the adoption of sustainable green buildings in Malaysia. It is currently the headquarters for the Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (MGTC).

The highlight of the tour was the building’s main feature, the Building Integrated Photovoltaic (BIPV), which showcases four different types of solar cells architecturally and aesthetically integrated into the building design. These include poly-crystalline cells, mono-crystalline cells, amorphous cells and semi-transparent cells. It is reported that the BIPV system provides 50% of the electricity the building needs (around 120, 000 kWh/year).

As it was built facing north and south aspects, the building uses 100% natural day lighting. Strategically positioned workstations, reflective ceilings and mirror lighted shelves as well as light tunnels and sky-lighting maximises daylight utilisation. Where lighting is required, either energy efficient lamps are installed or it is sensor-controlled. 

The building is radiantly cooled using floor-slab cooling which is embedded in the floors. This is said to be more efficient than pumping air around a building. Additionally, the building also features a rainwater harvesting system which is used to top-up the cooling system condenser, for irrigation and for general cleaning purposes. Sustainability aspects of the building are then monitored through a Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) that also helps to optimise efficiency.

There is also a demonstration wind turbine on the roof of the building. However, during the building tour, the turbine was not working and required repairs to bring it back on-line.

For more information on the GEO, please visit http://www.greentechmalaysia.my/CaseStudyGeo.aspx#first