It’s only an additional 2% of the cost of construction to ‘green’ up a building quite comprehensively, said Green Mark consultant Farizan d’Avezac de Moran. A senior partner at GreenA Consultants in Singapore, Farizan was in Kuala Lumpur recently to explain the green features of The Atmosphere, reputed to be the first commercial development in the South Klang Valley to be awarded the coveted BCA Green Mark Certification (Provisional).

The Green Mark Scheme recognizes the best practices in environmental design and performance. Farizan added that they were given the mandate not to exceed 2% of the construction cost to enhance the building with all the necessary environmental-friendly features in order to obtain the certification.

Explaining how they decided to obtain the certification, Mr Khoo Boo Hian, chief executive officer of Tempo Properties Sdn Bhd, project manager of The Atmosphere said that initially they only wanted a few ‘green’ features, but halfway through, after realizing the benefits to all the stakeholders comprising investors, business owners and patrons, they decided to go full scale with green accreditation. Fully realizing the costs, they decided to cap it at 2% of the construction costs. To the delight of them all, the Singaporean consultancy managed to do just that, proving that greening a building need not be prohibitively expensive.

Misconception Green Costly

“There is a misconception that going green costs 15% more. It’s not true. Maybe 2-5% increase in costs is more likely. Eventually, an energy-efficient building will translate into cost-savings,” the CEO said, adding that they went ahead to pump in RM2 million to realize their objective of being fully green-accredited. The amount will be used to incorporate sustainable construction materials, high performance glass for building facades, water efficient fittings, energy efficient lightings as well as a compact and effective waste management system.

While insisting that the green features of the development are not its key selling point, Khoo acknowledged that the 2 main factors that differentiate it from other developments are:
1. Green Education Campaign where they educate their stakeholders and the public on the benefits of having an energy-efficient building
2. They are the first developer to co-brand and offer preferential pricing to its users where they work with various suppliers to promote environment-friendly and/or high energy saving options for various fittings such as air-conditioning, paint, water fittings and lighting.

“Our main selling points are still location, facilities, and ambience. In addition, I would want to see the project developing into a vibrant area even after handing over the keys,” said Khoo.

Phase 1 of the RM500 million development is already completed with Giant hypermarket opening its doors in October, while Phase 2E, to be launched early to mid 2011 will be completed in 2012. There will also be a 5-star hotel in the pipeline. Phase 3, occupying 14.5 acres, is expected to be launched late 2011 depending on market conditions.

Currently, the company owns about 20 acres of land, in addition to the 14.5 acres of Phase 3. It is eyeing land in Ampang and Mon’t Kiara for future development.

The Atmosphere is a joint venture between Bursa Malaysia Main Board listed company, Eksons Corporation Berhad and Tempo Properties Sdn Bhd.