GBI Rated Air Handling Unit Solutions

For building owners and developers in Malaysia, achieving a Green Building Index (GBI) rating requires a strategic approach to the mechanical heart of the facility. EKG (Malaysia) SDN BHD provides GBI-rated Air Handling Unit (AHU) solutions that directly contribute to the 100-point GBI scorecard, primarily across the Energy Efficiency (EE) and Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) categories.

Our solutions are engineered to help projects reach Silver, Gold, or Platinum status by exceeding the minimum standards set in MS 1525.

1. Energy Efficiency (EE) Point Strategies

In the GBI Non-Residential New Construction (NRNC) tool, Energy Efficiency is the largest category (up to 35 points). Our AHUs are designed to capture these points through:

• EE5: Advanced Energy Performance (BEI):

  We optimize the AHU’s power-to-flow ratio to lower the Building Energy Intensity (BEI). By utilizing IE4 or IE5 rated motors and high-efficiency fans, we reduce the total kilowatt-hours (kWh) consumed per square meter, contributing significantly to the 15 points available in this sub-section.

• IE5 EC Fan Systems:

  Fans are the primary energy consumers in an AHU. We use Direct-Drive EC Fans which eliminate the energy losses from belts and pulleys (typically 5 to 10 percent). These fans maintain peak efficiency even at partial loads, which is critical for GBI’s focus on variable demand.

• SFP Optimization:

  To meet GBI requirements, we engineer for a Specific Fan Power (SFP) well below the MS 1525 limit of 1.6 kW per cubic meter per second. Lowering the SFP is the most direct mechanical way to improve a building's energy score.

2. Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Point Strategies

The EQ category accounts for 21 points and focuses on the health and comfort of occupants. Our AHU solutions target:

• EQ3: Carbon Dioxide Monitoring and Control:

  We integrate CO2 sensors that interface with the AHU's Variable Frequency Drive (VFD). This enables Demand-Controlled Ventilation (DCV), ensuring that fresh air rates are increased only when occupancy rises, balancing air quality with energy conservation.

• EQ4: Indoor Air Pollutants:

  Our AHUs support high-efficiency filtration (MERV 13 or 14) to remove fine particulates and pollutants, ensuring the building meets the stringent air quality benchmarks required for GBI certification.

• EQ5: Mould Prevention:

  In Malaysia’s humidity, mold is a major EQ risk. We utilize TB2-rated thermal breaks and double-skin casings to prevent condensation (sweating) on the unit’s exterior, keeping the mechanical environment sterile and dry.

3. Advanced Energy Recovery Solutions

GBI encourages the use of innovative technologies to reduce the cooling load on the central plant:

• Enthalpy Recovery Wheels (ERW):

  In Malaysia (Climate Zone 1A), up to 80 percent of the fresh air cooling load is latent (moisture). Our ERWs capture the "coolth" and dryness of exhaust air to pre-condition incoming hot, humid air, reducing the chiller load by up to 30 percent.

• L1 Leakage Class Casings:

  An airtight AHU ensures that 100 percent of the energy spent on cooling actually reaches the occupant. Our L1-certified casings prevent energy migration, which is essential for the "Verification & Maintenance" points in the GBI framework.

GBI Point Contribution Summary

Why Choose EKG (Malaysia) SDN BHD?

• Technical Integrity: We provide the psychrometric and energy data required by GBI Facilitators for the Design Assessment (DA) and Completion & Verification Assessment (CVA) stages.

• 3D BIM Coordination: We use 3D modeling to ensure that high-performance AHUs (which are often larger due to energy recovery sections) fit perfectly within your mechanical rooms with proper service access.

• BOMBA Compliance: All components meet international fire safety standards (Class 0 / B1), ensuring your "green" building is also a safe building.

Are you aiming for a Gold or Platinum GBI rating? Contact EKG (Malaysia) SDN BHD today. We provide the specialized AHU engineering required to turn green building aspirations into certified, high-performance reality.