KUCHING: Construction has a strong impact on the environment and the process can wreak havoc on the ecosystem and biodiversity, especially when care is not taken to prevent damage, said Works Minister Baru Bian.
“Therefore, it is important to pursue sustainability and resilience in the effort to develop the country in a low-carbon, resource-efficient and socially conscious manner,” he added.
The Clean Energy Collaboration (CEC) brings up issues of discussion for the energy access in all through rural electrification and how that can be achieved with economically and environmentally sustainable energy systems without violating and compromising indigenous peoples’ rights at the same time.
“I also believe there is an urgent need for environmentally sustainable energy systems that would address energy poverty and energy needs for the development in Malaysia.
Baru also said that the Works Ministry would keep pushing the idea of promoting and implementing sustainable infrastructure development through the Construction Industry Transformation Plan (CITP).
Besides that, the Malaysian government is now also improving the sustainability in construction and would continue to do so into the future.
“The development of new technology would help to reduce the industry’s impact on the environment which has become vital to the continued success of these ventures,” he said.
Under the Environmental Sustainability thrust of the CITP, Malaysia’s commitment towards sustainability in the construction sector is addressed by developing and promoting programmes and initiatives that encourage more sustainable infrastructure projects.
CITP initiatives relating to the Environmental Sustainability drive innovation in sustainable construction; drive compliance to environmental sustainability ratings and requirements; focus on public projects to lead the change in sustainable practices; facilitate industry adoption of sustainable practices; and reduce irresponsible waste during construction.
The Clean Energy Collaboration (CEC), Sustainable and Inclusive Energy Pathways for Sarawak and Malaysia conference were organised by Save Rivers, Partners of Community Organisation (Pacos) Trust Sabah and The Indigenous Peoples Network of Malaysia (Joas) to help environmentally sustainable energy systems towards development.
