(This article was first published on the HCK Capital Website on 16th September 2024.)

There have been floods, extreme heat and droughts throughout Malaysia in recent years, a clear sign that climate change is causing these problems. In an effort to promote sustainable living, property developers here are offering green and smart homes. How should it be designed? 

Raw material efficiency 

Tonnes of raw materials are required for property construction. Besides escalating costs, more property developers are using renewable materials. In areas such as the garden walls and front porch, bamboo can be used appropriately. Aside from being sturdy and eco-friendly, bamboo is also aesthetically pleasing. 

Energy Saving Designs 

Air conditioning takes up a good deal of electricity. Hence better solar shading and the incorporation of an effective air flow system will certainly green things up. 

Sustainable developments usually strike a good balance between allowing the entry of natural light and reducing heat generation from direct exposure. The clever use of overhangs and shades help in this regard. 

Water-saving features 

One of the main goals of a green building is to control water usage while preserving water quality. It is now possible to use plumbing fixtures that utilise less water. Expanding from that, newer buildings may also incorporate plumbing that allows the irrigation of gardens and the flushing of toilets with recycled water. 

Efficient Waste Management 

Property developments with sustainability in mind have good waste management to ensure that residents generate a minimal amount of waste which is often transferred to landfills. 

To accomplish this, a waste reduction, recycling, and reuse approach is essential. Hence during the early design stage of the development, preliminary planning is necessary for specialised space requirements. 

For example, biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste must be separated on-site. Therefore, plumbing and wastewater collection systems must be carefully designed and incorporated into the construction process. For an example of a development that incorporates green and smart features, please click here.