Housing ministry working with Cambridge to make GBI internationally recognised

Housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming said his ministry is investing in the renewal of public areas by replacing aging lifts and converting underutilised common areas into community spaces. (Bernama pic)KUALA LUMPUR: The housing and local government ministry is collaborating with the University of Cambridge to develop a globally recognised Green Building Index (GBI), minister Nga Kor Ming revealed today.The GBI is the country’s industry-recognised green rating tool for buildings, to promote sustainability."We're committed to a strategic partnership with the University of Cambridge so as to make this framework happen," Nga said during a press conference at the Architecture and Building Exhibition opening ceremony here today.He said Malaysia had achieved 500 million sq ft of GBI space, and that while ongoing reforms towards abandoned buildings were important, the ministry remained committed to ensuring that all construction is sustainable.On the issue of sustainable public housing, Nga said the ministry is investing in the renewal of public areas by replacing aging lifts and converting underutilised common areas into community spaces."On top of that, all homes launched under the public housing programme, PRR, will feature renewable energy and rainwater harvesting systems, along with other eco-friendly features, to ensure continued sustainable housing," he said.