GreenTech Malaysia and Malaysian Institute of Planners Ink Partnership To Boost Sustainable Cities

Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia) and the Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 20 March 2015 to expedite the implementation of the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water’s (KeTTHA’s) Low Carbon Cities Framework & Assessment (LCCF) at all 149 municipalities nationwide by 2020.

The LCCF aims to assist local municipalities and developers to achieve low carbon city status, providing a framework and tools to implement strategies that will reduce their carbon emissions in line with the Government’s efforts to effectively reduce up to 40% emission intensity of GDP by 2020, from the base year of 2005. Given the importance of this, GreenTech Malaysia has incorporated the LCCF as an integral part of its sustainable living efforts over the last three years.

Speaking on the partnership, GreenTech Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer, Ir. Ahmad Hadri Haris said, “Today’s MoU marks a significant milestone in continuing sustainability efforts in Malaysia. This partnership will see the development of low carbon roadmaps, action plans and a series of training sessions to expand the development of low carbon communities in Malaysia.”

“We have successfully partnered with MIP in the past and given their vast experience working with federal, state and local authorities, we are confident that this collaboration will fast-track the implementation of LCCF across the country,” he said.

The LCCF is a continuous monitoring and improvement programme comprising the Low Carbon Cities Framework and the Low Carbon Cities Assessment System. The framework identifies pertinent areas and recommends various strategies to effectively reduce overall carbon emissions. Meanwhile, the assessment system offers tools such as the carbon calculator that enable cities to monitor and track carbon emission levels.

Four key elements examined under the LCCF include Urban Environment, Urban Transportation, Urban Infrastructure and Building. In total, these four elements have 13 performance criteria with 35 sub-criteria enabling the reduction of carbon emissions through strategic policy control, technological development, improved process and product management, change in procurement system, carbon capture and consumption strategies, amongst others.

The MoU was part of MIP’s Pre Annual General Meeting Seminar titled Introduction to LCCF & Planning Permission Issue & Challenges, which included the launch of the Low Carbon City & Sustainability Centre (LCCSC), a workshop on LCCF and a cheque presentation ceremony.

Addressing the audience, MIP’s President, Md Nazri Mohd Nordin said, “As the country moves towards a developed status, our cities and towns need to embrace sustainable development and as our resources deplete, our communities need to embrace sustainability and low carbon communities. This MoU represents the commitment of MIP as an institution representing town planners, in assisting the nation’s agenda for sustainable development.”

Throughout the partnership, GreenTech Malaysia will provide advisory and assistance to its strategic partners while ensuring the programme is continuously monitored, reviewed and upgraded. GreenTech Malaysia will also be charged with maintaining and monitoring all national data pertinent to the carbon calculator as well as providing technical assistance in the management of the calculator.

On MIP’s part, the organisation will serve to fast-track the implementation of the LCCF through the development of individual roadmaps and action plans as well as monitoring of carbon reduction achieved by the partners. MIP will leverage on its prime position within the industry to forge new strategic partners from the Government and private sector whilst providing continuous expertise and knowledge through technical trainings.

One of MIP’s key objectives will also entail expanding local and international recognition of the LCCF, showcasing the positive impact of these initiatives.

Launched officially in 2012, the LCCF is currently being implemented by Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya, Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya, Majlis Perbandaran Hang Tuah Jaya and the Iskandar Regional Development Authority. Baseline studies at all four sites are complete and efforts are underway to chart appropriate action plans to effectively reduce carbon emissions within the municipalities.

Currently, an additional seven municipalities, namely, Majlis Perbandaran Seberang Perai, Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur, Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh, Majlis Perbandaran Kuantan, Majlis Perbandaran Kota Bahru, Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu and Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara will commence the implementation of the LCCF, paving the way for the rest to follow.