Headquarters Remains Among Malaysia’s Top Sustainable Buildings
PETALING JAYA (June 26) — S P Setia Bhd has successfully renewed the Green Building Index (GBI) Platinum certification for its corporate headquarters in Setia Alam, Shah Alam, reaffirming the building's position among Malaysia’s highest-performing sustainable developments.
Setia HQ achieved an impressive score of 94 out of 100 points under the Green Building Index's Non-Residential New Construction (NRNC) category, maintaining the highest level of certification available under Malaysia’s premier green building rating system.
The achievement places Setia HQ within a highly exclusive group of environmentally sustainable buildings nationwide. Of the approximately 800 buildings certified under the GBI framework to date, only 32 buildings, representing about 4% of the total, have attained Platinum status.
Sustained Performance Beyond Initial Certification
The renewal highlights more than just compliance with green building standards at the time of construction. It demonstrates the building's ability to consistently maintain high environmental and operational performance over an extended period.
Unlike initial certifications, which are often obtained during project completion, certification renewals assess whether buildings continue to operate efficiently and sustainably throughout their lifecycle. Maintaining Platinum status indicates that Setia HQ has successfully preserved its environmental standards through ongoing management and operational practices.
According to S P Setia president and CEO Datuk Zaini Yusoff, the renewed certification validates the company's continued commitment to sustainability and responsible building management.
He noted that being among only 32 GBI Platinum-certified buildings in Malaysia reflects the importance of prioritising energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, water management and long-term sustainability in both design and operations.
Comprehensive Sustainability Features
Setia HQ incorporates numerous sustainable features that contribute to its strong environmental performance.
The building utilises recycled and regionally sourced construction materials while implementing effective waste management practices during construction.
Its resource management initiatives include:
Rainwater harvesting systems
Efficient irrigation methods
Water-saving sanitary fittings
Leak detection systems
Water consumption monitoring technologies
These measures help reduce water consumption while supporting efficient building operations.
Environmentally Responsible Site Planning
The headquarters also benefits from sustainable site planning strategies designed to minimise environmental impact and enhance occupant wellbeing.
Extensive landscaping incorporates native and adaptive plant species that are better suited to local climatic conditions and require lower maintenance resources.
In addition, the development supports sustainable mobility through:
Accessibility to public transportation
Provision of open and green spaces
Facilities supporting green transportation
Infrastructure for electric vehicles
These features contribute to a more environmentally responsive and sustainable workplace environment.
Green Building Index Framework
The Green Building Index (GBI) is Malaysia’s leading green rating tool for buildings and townships, developed to encourage sustainable design, construction and operational practices within the built environment.
Assessments under the Non-Residential New Construction category evaluate buildings across several criteria, including:
Energy efficiency
Indoor environmental quality
Sustainable site planning
Water efficiency
Materials and resource management
Environmental sustainability initiatives
A score of 94 points places Setia HQ among the top-performing buildings assessed under the framework.
GBI is administered by Greenbuildingindex Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary jointly established by Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) and the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM) in 2009. The organisation oversees certification, accreditation and training programmes related to sustainable building development across Malaysia.
Key Takeaways
Rare Platinum Status Achievement
Setia HQ remains among only 32 GBI Platinum-certified buildings in Malaysia, placing it within the top 4% of all certified buildings nationwide.
Strong Sustainability Performance
The headquarters achieved an outstanding score of 94 out of 100 points, reflecting excellence across multiple sustainability criteria.
Operational Excellence Matters
The renewal demonstrates sustained environmental performance rather than a one-time achievement at project completion.
Supports ESG Commitments
The certification reinforces S P Setia's commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and responsible property management.
Efficient Resource Management
Features such as rainwater harvesting, leak detection systems and water monitoring technologies contribute to long-term operational efficiency.
Green Workplace Environment
Native landscaping, public transport accessibility and electric vehicle support enhance the building's sustainability credentials and occupant experience.
Positive Corporate Reputation
Maintaining Platinum certification strengthens S P Setia's position as a leading developer with demonstrated expertise in sustainable development and green building management.
Long-Term Value Creation
Sustainable buildings often benefit from lower operating costs, improved tenant appeal, stronger asset resilience and better alignment with future regulatory requirements.
Malaysia