By Faresa Azmi

Green technology makes buildings more energy-efficient and sustainable. Thus, they have a lower carbon footprint and a reduced impact on the environment. The growth and development of our communities have a large impact on our natural environment. The manufacturing, design, construction and operation of the buildings in which we live and work are responsible for the consumption of many of our natural resources.

Chowrasta market is the first market to be accorded the silver Green Building Index rating for its environmental-friendly design. Green buildings, also known as sustainable buildings, are structures that are environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout their life cycle. An efficiently designed green building can produce energy savings of between 30 percent and 60 percent of the energy that is consumed by a conventional building.

Department of Built Environment UOW Malaysia KDU Penang students strengthened their understanding in green building material and the application concept. The students had opportunities to network with start-up founders and mentors, and work on real-world projects from organisations and companies at the Chowrasta market.

In line with GBI (Green Building Index), ‘Malaysian Green Building Past, Present, and Future, through conservation and building towards sustainability’, students learnt designs which intends to create a pioneer eco-project based on responsible and sustainable planning.

Great design and construction shouldn’t come at an environmental cost, but rather work in a sustainable relationship with the environment and make minimal impact.