theSun Property November 2015

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ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 13, 2015
>Gist of the KedahGreen
Agenda framework
Operation
green
PART2
AS a follow-up to our
previous article on
Kedah’s “green”
agenda, we feature
in this article, the views and
comments of Malaysia
Green Technology
Corporation (GreenTech)
CEOAhmadHadri Haris
whose firmco-developed
the precepts and guidelines
of the Kedah Green Agenda
with the Kedah
government.
THE FRAMEWORK
The Kedah Green Agenda is
said to be in line with the
national green growth
agenda as outlined in the
11thMalaysia Plan and the
National Green technology
Policy.
It also complements the
state’s economic objectives
as configured in the Kedah
Strategic Plan 2014 – 2018.
Says AhmadHadri: “The
agenda was mooted by the
state government, in line
with its vision in positioning
Kedah as amodel “green”
state.
“Its aim is to provide the
state government with a framework to assist
in the incorporation of sustainability
practices andmeld these in the state
government’s operations.”
Fourteen action plans were developed in
consultationwith GreenTech.
These focused onmaximising the state’s
strength in the agriculture, manufacturing
and tourism sectors,
“with an
overarching goal
of positioning
Kedah as amodel
Malaysian state
that aims to drive
the convergence
of societal
wellbeing,
economic
progress and
environmental
sustainability,”
Ahmad
Hadri
added.
PROPERTY AND
PEOPLE
AhmadHadri
elaborates on the
four plans under the
agenda that directly
impact Kedah’s
property/building
sector.
These are:
incorporating a
Sustainable Energy
Management
system in state
government
buildings;
installation of LEDs
in state government
buildings;
installation of solar
rooftops for housing
for the rakyat; and
developing low
carbon cities in
Kedah.
“Moreover, the
KedahGreen
Agenda also targets
to roll out electronic
vehicle (EV)-
charging stations
within state
government offices,
office buildings, shoppingmalls and other
buildings, to improve the green credentials
of properties, besides encouraging the
adoption of EVs amongMalaysians,” Ahmad
Hadri informed.
He reiterates that the agenda is a state
government initiative. “GreenTech
Malaysia’s role is to assist the Kedah
government in identifying projects and
initiatives that leverage on its key strengths
to deliver impactful environmental,
economic and social advantages, yet keeping
the environment inmind. GreenTech
Malaysia will continue to provide strategic
counsel and technical expertise, as well as
assist in themonitoring of progress of these
projects, that include compiling data on the
reduction of carbon emissions,” reveals
AhmadHadri.
GREEN VISION
The state’s plan, asmentioned, in linewith
theNational GreenTechnology Policy
(introduced in 2009) champions the idea
that green technologywill be the driver to
accelerate national economy and promote
sustainable development. In fact, the agenda
is established on the concept: ECONOMIC
PROGRESS + ENVIRONMENTAL
CONSERVATION= AMORE
CONTENTEDSOCIETY
Economic progress as above
incorporates green investments;
green companies, products and
services; andGDP impact, while
environmental conservation
revolves around greenhouse
gasses (GHG) and carbon
emissions; air quality; water;
and natural resources
optimisation. Studies show that
these affect society on a positive
note, ultimately leading tomore
green jobs, green cities and
greener, cleaner and happier
lifestyles.
Followour section next week
to learnmore details about the
KedahGreenAgenda which
perhaps other states may adopt.
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GreenTech’s AhmadHadri.
Email your feedback and
queries to: propertyqs@
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InformationretrievedfromKedahstategovernment’sGreenAgenda
KedahMBDatuk Seri MukhrizMahathir