Green Building Index (GBI)

Content

· What is GBI

· Why was it developed

· Who uses it?

· How do we use it?

· Cost?

· Assessment process

· Benefits

· Conclusion

What is GBI?

GBI, short for Green Building Index is an environmental rating system developed by PAM (Malaysia Institute of Architects) and ACEM (the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia) for buildings developed specifically for Malaysian climate, context, cultural and social needs. (Slideshare.net, 2019)

Why it was developed.

1) Define green buildings by establishing a common language and standard of measurement.

2) Promote integrated, whole-building designs that provides a better environment for citizens.

3) To recognize and reward environmental leadership.

4) Transform the built environment to reduce its negative environmental impact.

5) Ensure new buildings remain relevant in the future and exiting ones are refurbished and upgraded to improve their overall quality. (Malaysia- Green Building Index, 2019)

Who uses it?

It is available to anyone whom wishes to certify their buildings, save energy, resources in the long run and live in a safe and comfortable space.

How do we use it?

If the intention was to construct a GBI certified building right from the start, from the conception stage, a facilitator can be hired to do the necessary calculations and to give guidance along the process.

Three stages are involved in the certification process, starting off with “Application and Registration”, “Design Assessment” and “Completion and Verification Assessment”, where the certification is to be renewed once every three years.

GBI rating system is comprised of:

1) Energy Efficiency (EE)

2) Materials and Resources (MR)

3) Water Efficiency (WE)

4) Indoor Environment Quality (EQ)

5) Sustainable Site Planning and Management (SM)

6) Innovation (IN)

Source: New.greenbuildingindex.org, 2019

Cost

Source: New.greenbuildingindex.org, 2020

Three stages are involved in the certification process, starting of with “Application and Registration”, “Design Assessment” and “Completion and Verification Assessment”, where the certification is to be renewed once every three years.

GBI rating system is comprised of:

1) Energy Efficiency (EE)

2) Materials and Resources (MR)

3) Water Efficiency (WE)

4) Indoor Environment Quality (EQ)

5) Sustainable Site Planning and Management (SM)

6) Innovation (IN)

Maximum score given is out of a hundred. The image below shows the GBI classification chart.

Assessment Process

Benefits of GBI

Green buildings have ecological, environmental and economic benefits. They reduce the overall operation cost by 9%, increase building value by 7.5% and realise 6.6% on return on investment. Besides this, the government also offers tax benefits for green buildings. (InviroTech)

Conclusion

GBI is a green rating tool mainly used in Malaysia by developers who wish to certify their buildings. Costs depends on gross floor area and the condition of the building (new or existing). Six tools are used to assess and involves three stages procedure. The certification level depends on the total points scored. GBI certified buildings have environmental, ecological and economic benefits.