FAQ

A: GBI is designed specifically for the tropical climate (hot and humid) and Malaysia’s current social, infrastructure and economic development. Singapore’s GREENMARK is another green rating tool developed for the tropics but it addresses specifically the priorities and needs of Singapore.

A: You should consider Green Certification from the moment you start your project. This will enable you to optimize the strategic planning of your project, reduce costs and maximize returns on your investment. Incorporating green building features during a project’s design stage ensures that the fullest range of possible strategies are available.

A: Submit a completed GBI Application Form that can be downloaded from the GBI website. Then pay the applicable registration fee. You may wish to appoint a GBI Facilitator to provide professional services for the project. The GBI Facilitator’s role is to work with your consultant team to ensure that your building achieves the desired level of GBI rating. The Facilitator will then prepare the necessary submissions to GBI for assessment.

A: GBI is voluntary and not a statutory requirement (unless specifically stipulated by individual Local Authority). However, in the light that buildings do contribute significantly to green house gas emissions over its long life span, all buildings should seek to be green certified. The benefits are many including operational cost savings and a better working environment for all.

A: GBI is a profession driven initiative developed by Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) and the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM). It has the support of all the professional institutes, relevant government agencies and the building/property industry. Greenbuildingindex Sdn Bhd (a wholly owned subsidiary of PAM and ACEM) operates GBI. An independent panel comprising senior professionals make-up the GBI Accreditation Panel (GBIAP). The GBIAP is responsible for issuing all GBI certifications.

A: A register of GBI certified buildings is available on the GBI website for the public to check and verify all claims of GBI certification.

A: GBI’s data collated over the past 6 years are consistent with data of other global Green Rating Tools on cost increment for going green, which range from 0% (basic Certified level) to around 6% or more (highest Platinum level).

A: GBI certification gives you a measurable assessment of how “green” or sustainable your building is. The benefits of Green Buildings include:

1. Green buildings are designed to save energy and resources, recycle materials and minimise the emission of toxic substances throughout its life cycle.

2. Green buildings harmonise with the local climate, traditions, culture and the surrounding environment.

3. Green buildings are able to sustain and improve the quality of human life whilst maintaining the capacity of the ecosystem at local and global levels.

4. Green buildings make efficient use of resources, have significant operational savings and increases workplace productivity.

5. Building green sends the right message about a company or organisation – that it is well run, responsible, and committed to the future.

A: GBI rating involves two stages of certification. When you submit your design for assessment, we will carry out a Design Assessment. Your rating will be determined and you will be issued a provisional GBI rating certificate at the design stage. You may then use this provisional GBI certificate for marketing and promotion. Your provisional certificate will also be recorded in the Register of GBI accredited buildings for the public to verify. Upon completion of the building, a Completion & Verification Assessment will be carried out. This process will extend up to 12 months after the building’s completion or upon the building reaching not less than 50% occupancy (whichever is earlier), to confirm the final certification rating of your building.

A: GBI provides an assessable differentiation to promote environment-friendly buildings. Achieving points in targeted areas means that the building will likely be more environment-friendly than those that do not address these critical issues. Under the GBI assessment framework, points are awarded for achieving and incorporating environment-friendly features that are above current industry practice. In addition GBI is a benchmarking rating system that incorporates the latest internationally recognised best practices in environmental design and performance.

A: Building owners, developers and consultants can apply for GBI assessment via submission of an Application Form and payment of the requisite registration fee to Greenbuildingindex Sdn Bhd (GSB). Applicants may then choose to appoint an accredited GBI Facilitator to provide professional services or identify their own Project Coordinator for this role. The assessment process starts during the project’s design stage with a Design Assessment (DA) leading to the award of a provisional GBI rating certificate. This is followed by a Completion & Verification Assessment (CVA) which is undertaken 12 months after the building’s completion or upon the building reaching not less than 50% occupancy (whichever is earlier). For both the DA and CVA, GSB assigns an accredited GBI Certifier to assess the project. The Certifier’s reports are then forwarded to the GBI Accreditation Panel (GBIAP) to approve and award the final certifications. To retain their GBI certification, buildings require re-assessment every three years to ensure that their green building features are maintained. Buildings are awarded GBI – Platinum, Gold, Silver or Certified ratings depending on their scores achieved.

A: You may apply to as many Green rating schemes as you wish. However, do bear in mind that GBI is developed specifically for Malaysia and its tropical climate.

A: GBI rating’s are valid for 3 years. To retain their GBI certification, buildings require re-assessment every three years to ensure that their green building features are maintained.

A: The validity of GBI certification is 3 years. It is a voluntary rating scheme.

A: No. There are no agreements between GSB and the Purchasers. To accommodate the Stamp Duty Incentives for Purchasers, it is the obligation of the Developer (GBI applicant) upon completion to provide the names and unit addresses for GBI Certificates to be made out to each purchaser.

A: The new owner will have to provide all the necessary details as the new registered applicant for the GBI Certification and the original applicant should transfer the GBI agreement to the new owner/developer. The GBI certificate will be issued to whoever is stated on record as the registered GBI applicant. There is no standard form for this change but it is allowed.

A: If the 13,721sq.m. includes all the necessary amenities for the purpose of the targeted DA scoring, a resubmission of the new proposed areas needs to be furnished together with full information on the various components to GBI for review of registration fee and computation of refund as appropriate.

A: Yes. GBI Certification may be applied for a single parcel or phase of a development. In this instance, the GBI Certificate would identify the specific 4 blocks of shop office as the buildings which are rated under Green Building Index. Please also refer to FAQ C-4.

A: There has been some confusion regarding GBI Registration Fees for Residential Projects. If it is a single residence with a GFA of less than 2,000sq.m, it is true that the GBI Registration Fee as shown in the GBI Registration Fees Schedule is RM5,000.00. However, based on a medium size housing scheme of 200 units of repetitive design with unit area of (e.g.) 150sq.m. GFA, the GBI Registration Fee is RM100.00 per unit computed as follows:

a) Total GFA = 200 x 150 = 30,000sq.m.
b) From the GBI Registration Fees Schedule, the fee payable = RM20,000
c) Registration Fees = RM20,000 / 200 units = RM100.00 per unit

Even for a small housing schemes of 25 units of repetitive design with a unit area of (e.g.) 150sq.m. GFA, the GBI Registration Fee is just RM320.00 per unit computed as follows:

a) Total GFA = 25 x 150 = 3,750sq.m.
b) From the GBI Registration Fees Schedule, the fees payable = RM8,000
c) Registration Fees = RM8,000 / 25 units = RM320.00 per unit

A: The GBI Township registration fee is a nominal fee for a township status. The fee for Township is published in the website. The fee is nominal due to the fact that it recognises 50% of buildings are committed to be GBI rated later on. The Township Rating requires many additional considerations that deal with infrastructure, landscape areas and transportation. Please refer to the Township Tool for further details.

A: The fees payable for replacement certificates is as follows:
1. Certificate of Completion (GBI Facilitator Course) = RM50.00 per copy
2. Certificate of GBI Accredited Facilitator = RM50.00 per copy
3. Certificate of GBI CxS = RM50.00 per copy
4. Certificate (Provisional or Final) of GBI Rating = RM200.00 per copy
All fees are payable to “Greenbuildingindex Sdn Bhd”.

A: Residential buildings function differently from Commercial, Industrial or Institutional buildings and also have peak-use periods that differ markedly. For example – Non-Residential buildings usually operate at maximum capacity during the day whilst homes peak during the evening and night.

A: Whenever a new version of a tool is released, a cut-off date will be anounced for the older version to be phased out. During this grace period, you may use either tool at your discretion. Projects registered after the cut-off date must then use the new version.

A: SOHO projects of residential typologies may use the GBI RNC tool conditional upon both the Owner and the Architect (PSP) declaring separately in writing that the said project shall be used for residential occupancy only. However, approval is also subject to GBI ascertaining on a case by case basis that any commercial elements incorporated are merely to support the building residents.

A: Yes. GBI Certification may be applied for a single parcel or phase of a development, i.e. the office tower. This is because, in the GBI Certificate, GSB will identify the office tower as the building which has been rated under Green Building Index.

A: In principle, the answer is YES. However, it may be advisable for the podium to be either submitted as a separate entity or assigned to one of the towers. This is because if combined, then the worst score for each criterion of either tower or podium will be applicable to the final GBI score.

A: Yes, the 4 blocks can be under one submission but each block will be assessed individually for OTTV and not an averaged OTTV. The worst case result will then apply. RTTV will apply to the block directly affected in terms of roof solar impact.

A: Yes. Please refer to the GBI Non-Residential Existing Building [NREB] Tool.

A: Existing building – Please use the NREB rating tool.

A: NRNC

A: Please consult a GBI Facilitator or attend the regularly conducted GBI Facilitator Course.

A: NRNC tool is not applicable for factories. Please refer to the GBI Industrial New Construction (INC) Tool. In special cases, the appropriate tool for a project can also be determined on case to case basis to confirm its suitability.

A: For new green hospital construction, use the GBI NRNC tool until the bespoke Healthcare tool is launched. Adjusted BEI for hospitals can be found under FAQ B-4.

A: Current GBI tools apply to whole buildings and not a portion or part of the premise. There is no GBI tool for core & shell at this point in time. Shop offices can still be GBI certified but relevant GBI credits apply to the whole building, including tenanted areas.

A: Current GBI tools apply to whole buildings and not a portion or part of the premise. GBI requirements are therefore applicable to the whole building (inclusive of both landlord and tenant areas). This situation is no different with office buildings. Please note that the GBI rating tools have been developed to suit our local climate, local culture and local practice that amongst other considerations, require the whole ‘base’ building to be properly designed and sustainably maintained to remain green.

A: GBI rating tools have been developed to suit our local climate, local culture and local practice that amongst other considerations, require the whole ‘base’ building to be properly designed and sustainably maintained to remain green. Current GBI tools apply to whole buildings and not a portion or part of the premise. There is no GBI tool for core & shell at this point in time.

A: If the building renovation that you referring to, relates to renovation of an existing building, you can refer to the GBI NREB (Non-Residential Existing Building) Guideline. However, if it is for interior fit-out works, please refer to the GBI Office Interiors Tool (Projected Release Date: Q4-2014).

A: Click on the following links to view the updated list of corresponding signatories for the criteria checklist of all GBI tools, as of 3 Dec 2012:
NRNC Criteria Signatory Version 2.0 (PDF)
NREB Criteria Signatory Version 2.0 (PDF)
RNC Criteria Signatory Version 2.0 (PDF)
INC Criteria Signatory Version 2.0 (PDF)
IEB Criteria Signatory Version 2.0 (PDF)
Township Criteria Signatory Version 1.0 (PDF)

A: You will have to review your design and make changes necessary to achieve the desired rating. Your GBI Facilitator may be able to suggest options for this. If applicable, you may also make an appeal on any specific criteria by paying the necessary appeal fee.

A: 2 to 3 months provided the submissions are in order.

A: Should there be any conflicting data, the Rating Tool shall always supersede the Design Reference Guide, which as its name implies, is only a Guide. The data in the Tool shall therefore apply.

A: Approved BP drawings are not required. Your submission for DA must be based on what would be finally built, otherwise you may stand to lose points at CVA stage. Required supporting documents for each criterion can be found in the Design Reference Guide. For additional guidance, please refer to your GBIF to advise you on correct procedures for DA & CVA submissions.

A: In principle, the answer is YES. However, it may be advisable for the podium to be either submitted as a separate entity or assigned to one of the towers. This is because if combined, then the worst score for each criterion of either tower or podium will be applicable to the final GBI score.

A: There are only 2 stages of GBI Assessments; namely DA and CVA. Submissions are not entertained in between. Claimed points can be added or removed at the CVA stage submission at no cost. Additional fees are applicable only in the event of an appeal at DA or CVA stages.

A: Upon submission of all verified results as required for CVA. Note that the 50% occupancy timeline is to enable the EMS to be fully commissioned, utility bills to reflect against verified results, post occupancy comfort survey to be done, etc…

A: At least 2 months of stabilised consumption records are needed.

A: Yes

A: The validity period of the Final GBI certificate is printed on the GBI certificate. It is recommended that application for GBI recertification be submitted at least 3 months before the stated expiry date.

A:
1. Recertification of GBI rated buildings serves to ensure that these buildings continue to perform sustainably during their life span.

2. Clause 3.7 of your Agreement with GBI states; Renewal ASSESSMENT(S) shall be carried out by GBI every 3 years in order to maintain the validity of the GBI CERTIFICATE. The APPLICANT shall, as a condition precedent, make an application for the renewal assessment not later than 2 months before the expiry of the GBI CERTIFICATE. No reminders to this effect will be sent by GBIAP/GSB. Note that renewal assessment may be for the same, lower or higher rating level.

3. Buildings undergoing renewal assessment will be deemed to have maintained and sustained all the green criteria points previously awarded, and assessment will be conducted primarily to verify the dynamic criteria of utility consumption energy, water and waste; and any minor changes made e.g. tenancy alterations affecting daylighting, views, pollutants et cetera. In essence, all credit points previously awarded will be reviewed and reassessed only if there are changes made. If no changes had been made, then the previously awarded points remain status quo for those criteria.

4. The role of the various consultants, if appointed, will depend on the scope of works the owner wish for them to undertake.

5. Fee payable to GBI for renewal can be viewed on GBI webpage under the tab “How GBI works”.

A: If the CVA issued is based on NRNC then for renewal of certification after 3 years, the assessment will be based on the NRNC tool and credit points will be maintained for all unchanged criteria that cannot be reverified (e.g. criteria for construction waste, selection of site, pollution control, etc.). However, criteria relating to building performance (daylighting, rainwater harvesting, greenery, energy & water consumption etc…) will be reassessed for compliance during the renewal process.

A: There is no Core and Shell scoring available in any of the GBI tools. The GBIF and Design Team need to submit for DA the full fit-out designs to achieve the desired Gold rating. Construction thereafter may proceed with any variant of Core & Shell and upon completion, there is 12 months after CCC for the building to be fitted out and be occupied to meet the as-designed DA intent. CVA will be conducted at the end of this 12 months period for the occupied floors with the unoccupied floors designated as vacant areas (for which the BEI formula incorporates allowance to do so). Hence, there is no reason why a higher GBI rating cannot be strived for.

A: The green cost incentives remain valid. Application can be made upon obtaining the final (CVA) GBI Certificate. Please refer to GBI website under the Resources Tab for the 17 March 2010 presentation slides on GBI Tax Exemption. For more details, please attend the regularly conducted GBI Tax Incentive talks by MGBC.

A: The Owner named in the GBI Certificate is entitled to the tax incentive.

A: Please refer to your professional tax consultant for verification to the following response.
1. The government tax incentive for green buildings refers to the Qualifying Green Cost incurred in achieving GBI certification.
2. To be eligible for ‘tax rebate’, the developer must derive income from the building to set off against his profit from the income generated.

A: The Certificate is given to the owner (GBI Applicant) and is for the particular building that is identified on the Certificate.

A: The owner will have to decide whether to apply for GBI certification under the NRNC or NREB tools. If the building achieves at least GBI Certified level for either tool, then the Green Cost items will be listed in GBI Certificate for tax deduction purposes. For more details, please attend the regularly conducted GBI Tax Incentive talks conducted by MGBC

A: Green Cost incentives are claimable only by the party named in the GBI certificate. Please refer to your tax consultant (and legal advisor) where applicable.

A: GBI tax incentive is in the form of “Qualifying Expenditure” for incremental costs to attain GBI certification. This includes any part of the process components that contribute to GBI credits.

A: The project certification is valid for three (3) years but the Stamp Duty Exemption only applies to the first purchaser and not to subsequent buyers. As such individual GBI certificates will not be issued to sub-sale parties.

A: No. The tax incentives originally adopted in Budget 2010 allow only for capital expenditure and do not cover such fees. GBI will be applying for their inclusion under future green building tax incentive schemes.

A: Tax incentive is on the difference in cost between the Green item and the base item. Therefore, if the base item is nought, then the green cost in the said example would be for the complete installation cost. Please refer to GBI website under the Resources Tab for the 17 March 2010 presentation slides on GBI Tax Exemption. For more details, please attend the regularly conducted GBI Tax Incentive talks by MGBC.

A: Green costs need to be categorized into the 6 GBI criteria and must be certified by the Principal Submitting Person of the project (details are normally prepared and signed off by the project’s QS and M&E consultant). There is no need to attach supporting documents for submission to GBI. However, such supporting documents need to be archived should the relevant authorities wish to check in future.

A: Please refer to the examples posted on the GBI website for this item. Please also attend the regularly conducted Tax Incentive talks (Green Cost Rebate) at the PAM Centre.

A: Click on the following link to view the updated list of Green Cost Rebate Signatories for submission to GBI:

GBI Qualifying Expenditure for Green Cost Rebate Signatories for submission to GBI (PDF)

A: GBI is constantly engaging the various local authorities on incentives for GBI rated buildings. The incentives given to-date differ with each local authority and are on case to case basis. Such incentives range from increase in Plot Ratio (DBKL), permission to develop to Maximum Plot Ratio (MBPJ), to reduction in Planning Fees (MPPP). However, there has been no standard list of incentives published by any of the local authorities and GBI will continue to pursue the matter.

A: Please note that QLASSIC reflects minimum good practice standard and Green Cost does not apply.

A: Greenbuildingindex Sdn Bhd (GSB) was registered on 23 Feb 2009, to manage GBI for the purpose of limited liability as a prelude to forming a Trust or Foundation in the long term. The shares of GSB are held by the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM) and Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM). ACEM is registered under the Registrar of Companies Act and are hence permitted to own other equities. PAM through 3 appointed trustees (because PAM which is registered under the Registrar of Society Act with no limited liability cannot hold business equity directly (circa 2009*). The fees collected from all registered projects are being ultilzed for funding; day-to-day operations, training & outreach program, publicity & advertising to promote development of green buildings. Therefore no individuals have or will ever benefit from GBI.

*Note that this Society ruling has since been changed in Oct 2011 and the PAM equities are now owned directly.

A: This myth arose amongst other reasons, from selective misinterpretation of the following tabulated fee structure (for new construction)

SIZE PF PROJECT TOTAL GROSS FLOOR AREA (m2) REGISTRATION FEES (RM)
SINGLE RESIDENCE Below 2,000 5,000
SMALL Up to 4,000 8,000
INTERMEDIATE 4,001 to 10,000 10,000
MEDIUM 10,001 to 30,000 20,000
LARGE 30,001 to 50,000 32,000
EXTRA LARGE 50,001 to 100,000 45,000
MEGA PROJECT Above 100,000
Assessment fee will be determined on a project-by-project basis

* Rates shown are as of the date of the application and registration and may be revised from time to time as appropriate.
* Rates shown are excluding Government Service Tax (GST)

– From the above table, the fee for 1,000 units of link house residential development @ RM5,000 per unit, it is misinterpreted that it will cost the developer an additional cost of RM5 million.

– This myth has been clarified by Sabah REHDA (SHAREDA) in the Borneo Post April 29 2011 as reproduced below;

“We were misguided on GBI registration fee as the RM5,000 fee is for individually developed bungalow unit. For a development of 1,000 units of doublestorey terrace houses each of 172sqm, the fee would be as low as RM65 per unit (under Mega Project charges). For 500 units, it is at RM90 per unit while the fee is RM200 each for 50 to 100 units.

– It is worthwhile to note that the GBI Registration is a one-off all-in fee that includes Certification and Site Verification visits (even to East Malaysia). There is also no additional charge for all rating categories be it Certified or Platinum level.

– As for GBI Facilitator services and charges, this will be market-driven and is not dissimilar to Singapore Green Mark Manager fee which can range from a ‘postman service fee’ to ‘enhanced service fee’. The significant development since the advent of GBI in May 2009 is that LEED A/P and GMM fees have all continued to spiral downwards in tandem with GBIF fees.

A: – Published data from LEED and Green Mark are remarkably similar with cost increase ranging from 0.3% (Certified level) to 8% (Platinum level).

– As for GBI costs, these are beginning to become available as registered buildings reach completion and the trend appears to reflect that of LEED and Green Mark green buildings. Certain residential high rise developers have declared insignificant cost increase to attain GBI Certified level. Amongst the completed commercial buildings, the world class Suruhanjaya Tenaga (Energy Commission) GBI Platinum building incurred a green cost premium of 6% and the GBI Gold rated First Avenue Office building registered a 9% green cost premium with its Thermal Storage Air Conditioning plant accounting for over half of this green cost.

– Building a green building, regardless whether if it is GBI or any other rating, requires knowledge, foresight and good planning, which migh not necessary require additional cost.

A: – GBI incorporate local by-law and regulations such as: UBBL, MS1525, MSMA, CIDB QLASSIC, CIDB IBS etc. Therefore, minor effort would be required to achieve certified ratings.

– Striving for GBI Certified rating will merely require designers and the project team to adopt fundamental good practice measures and awareness of a sustainable environment as aptly demonstrated by the various GBI conducted workshops. In fact this basic rating level is comparative with most if not all available green building rating tools. Any lower standard will veer towards green washing.

– Similarly GBI Silver rating will require the project team to adopt excellent practice measures on sustainability while achieving GBI Gold rating will put the building amongst the top 20% achievers in the country.

– Nonetheless it is true that GBI Platinum rating is indeed very difficult to achieve. This is where GBI lives up to its reputation of international billing and will expect only a handful of such world class buildings. If the complaint on GBI being difficult to achieve is premised on GBI Platinum rating then GBI would have achieved its goal.

A: – GBI is committed to ensure adherence to the terms and conditions of this government incentive scheme (the first of its kind in the world). The implementation mechanism places responsibility and liability on the project’s professionals who are regulated by their respective boards. The GBI Accreditation Panel serves as the checker for these cost submissions and approval is given by the President of the Board of Architects Malaysia.

– Submission of Qualifying Green Costs can only be done after the building has been awarded its CVA certificate. As of October 2014, XX projects have received final CVA certificates and Green Cost certificates have been issued to 6 buildings totalling over RM 36 million. Another XX are currently being processed with the remaining not likely to submit any claim due to insignificant cost incured to achieve their GBI certification.
UPDATE

– This myth may have arose due to the rejection of Green Cost claims for lifestyle installations such as gold plated water fittings, road humps and other initiatives that are unrelated to sustainability.

A: GBI is recognized by Malaysian government and its relevant authorities. GBI rating tools are developed to suit the Malaysian local climate, culture and practice, integrating the local building codes making it uniquely appropriate in the Malaysian context.

A: GBI is internationally recognized for its credibility and is benchmarked against international standards. GBI is affiliated with and complies to World Green Building Council (WGBC) standards.

A: Accredited GBI Facilitators provide professional services to help design your project to achieve your desired green rating. They work with your consultant team during the design stage and will prepare the requisite submissions to GBI for certification. They will also be able to propose various design options for your consultants to consider that may be able to help save initial capital and also long term operational costs. The GBI Facilitator should be appointed as early in the project as possible so as to be able to gain the best benefit from the input. It is not compulsory to appoint a GBI Facilitator if your consultant team or others have the requisite skill to make the necessary submissions.

A: A GBI Certifier is assigned to each project upon registration. The Certifier is appointed by GBI for the purpose of carrying out the projects’ assessments. Following DA and CVA submissions the Certifier issues reports to the GBI Accreditation Panel to register and issue the GBI Certification. For larger and more complex projects, up to two GBI Certifiers may be appointed to assess a project. The cost of the GBI Certifier(s) is included within the GBI Registration Fee.

A: There are set criteria to be accredited as a GBI Facilitator. These are available on the GBI website in the “Resources” section. If you have the basic qualifications you will then have to attend the GBIF training course and complete the written exercises and examination. GBI maintains a list of all accredited GBI Facilitators. If you have been working in the building industry and especially on energy efficient buildings, you should apply for the course.

A: There are set criteria to be accredited as a GBI Certifier. These are available on the GBI website in the “Resources” section. GBI Certifiers are generally professionals with experience in the design, construction and commissioning of green, sustainable or energy- efficient buildings.

A:
1) For a green building, the design team consists of the whole design team led by the architect. Hence, the folly of dumping all green issues to the M&E consultant needs to be arrested.
2) For specialist green elements to be designed, the respective professional’s code of conduct and ethics apply, which permits the engagement of specialist consultants to undertake such scope, if it is not within the original service agreement. Likewise, a GBIF’s responsibility should also follow the terms of their service agreement.

A: GBI Facilitators are registered as individuals and as such an in-house GBIF meets the IN2 criterion.

A:
1) The GBIF fee guideline is but a guideline. It is up to the individual GBIF to quote whatever fee they are comfortable with. However, it should be noted that each building may need to be submitted separately for GBI certification.
2) There is no GBIF guideline on repetitive fee. Note that the respective professional boards (LAM and LJM) do publish fee calculations for repetitive work. 3) For GBI registration fee for such a development, please refer to GBI for a case-by-case review.

A: GBI has no intention of creating a separate guideline on facilitator’s scope and fees for NREB. The guideline for NRNC should be sufficient for the market to modify the scope of services to suit especially since the scope for NREB is expected to vary substantially for each building. With such a wide variation, the fee structure will also be of a wide range and GBI prefers the market to find its own level by using the NRNC model as a guide.

A: The fees payable for course exam retake are as follows:
1. MCQ exam retake = RM106 (Inclusive 6% of SST)
2. Group Project exam retake = RM212 (Inclusive 6% of SST)
3. Re-attend GBI Facilitator Course and Exam Retake = 50% discount from the actual price of the Course

Appointment of GBIF and GBI CxS for the same project:

i) GBIF and PSP/SP can be from the same organisation but must be different individuals.
ii) CxS and PSP/SP cannot be from the same organisation.
iii) GBIF and CxS can be from the same organisation but must be different individuals.

A: A list of registered CxS is available on the GBI website.

A: Please refer to the specific tasks of the CxS as posted on the GBI website.

A: The developer can submit his CxS nominee to GBI for approval on a case by case basis. Please download information from GBI website on: “What are the Commissioning Specialist’s roles, tasks and pre-requisites” to fully understand all the requirements. In this same file, GBI states the following:

GBI APPROVAL OF THE CxS
GBI will assess and approve individual CxS (upon request on a case by case basis for a specific building), engaged for each GBI registered project based on the prerequisites of such CxS as appended in the subsequent section. Meanwhile, a list of CxS recognized by GBI will be progressively posted on the GBI website.

However, it must be cautioned that the case by case approved CxS must fully fulfill the all the duties of a CxS as very clearly spelt out in detail in the web posting, or else at CVA stage the applicant may lose the relevant credit score.

As for submission for approval, follow the requirements listed in the CxS Registration Form (on the website). Should there be any shortfall in compliance, submit mitigating factors for GBI’s consideration.

A: The role of the CxS is clearly spelt out on the GBI website, and states: “GBI requires the CxS to be an independent, third-party expert who serves as an objective advocate of the owner, directs the commissioning process, and presents final recommendations to the owner regarding the performance of commissioned building systems. The design reviews and submittal reviews must be performed by a firm other than the design firm”. Therefore, if company C is not the design firm for the same project, then its CxS is permitted to be engaged. However, this CxS shall not be involved in implementation of the HVAC contract for the same project.

A: “The CxS must ensure that the building’s energy related systems are designed and installed to achieve proper commissioning so as to realise their full potential and intent”.
Please note that the CxS is not only involved in the commissioning of HVAC system but that of reviewing the design and installation for all the building’s energy related systems to achieve proper commissioning. Hence, if he can fulfil all these roles, then yes. However, if the CxS is only to carry out the HVAC system commissioning then he is not a CxS but merely the HVAC T&C engineer.

Appointment of GBIF and GBI CxS for the same project:

i) GBIF and PSP/SP can be from the same organisation but must be different individuals.
ii) CxS and PSP/SP cannot be from the same organisation.
iii) GBIF and CxS can be from the same organisation but must be different individuals.

A: For the original versions of the GBI tools, there was no prerequisite or mandatory requirements. All submissions for certification under all GBI Rating Tools (except township) registered after 30th June 2014, will be required to comply with EE1 (Minimum Energy Efficiency Performance) in line with the gazette of such requirements under the UBBL 1984 Amendments 2012. This mandatory compliance requirement will not be applicable to existing buildings where submission to the Local Authority for approval is not required. The provision of Energy Management System under EE1 will only be applicable if it is required by the current MS1525. As such, compliance to RTTV and/or Roof U-Value cannot be set aside.

A: For the purposes of EE1, ‘air-conditioned space’ applies to the entire building submitted for assessment.

A: Correct, it is not mandatory to provide EMS in this case under EE1. However, to gain credits under EE8, applicant must demonstrate an alternative methodology for monitoring energy use.

A: The transfer of heat through walls (and also roofs) is impeded by the presence of a thin layer of relatively motionless air at the surface of the walls (and roofs). This thin air film offers some resistance to the heat flow and results in a temperature drop across the very thin layer of air. The surface resistance caused by this thin layer air film is affected by wind velocity, the thermal emissivity properties of the material, and the angles of the wall and roof surfaces. Therefore different resistance values for outside (and also inside) air films are often quoted. For the purposes of calculating OTTV and Roof U-values as required by MS1525 and the GBI rating tools, nominal values of surface resistances for walls and roofs given in the GBIF Course lecture notes are sufficient for use.

A: GBI is formulated so as not to stifle or restrict the creativity of designers. Therefore, GBI does accept performance and functionality control type designs provided you show reasonable justification.

A: The intent of EE3 is to ensure energy consumption can be monitored so as to enable implementation of energy efficient operations at all times. In this instance, if it can be demonstrated that one main meter (with no additional submeters since usage is <100kVA) is sufficient to monitor energy efficient operation of all energy consuming components, then this objective is met for the credit to be awarded.

A: With or without FiT approval, Renewable Energy produced can be connected to the grid and is being done so. There is no other mechanism to address the selling back of Renewable Energy to the national grid besides the FiT.

A: Maximum Demand applies to electricity billing under TNB C1 or C2 tariff, and is an option under the NREB tool but not the NRNC tool. For existing buildings, the MD (if applicable) will be known from its historical electricity billing.

A: Please consult your design team members to understand the difference between BIPV and PV units. Both qualify for the EE4 credits.

A: GBI does not stipulate that chillers must specifically comply with ARI Standards.
As for your reference to MS1525, the parameters listed in Section 8.11.1 refers to Standard Rating Conditions for which chillers must be tested to, and also that for applications in Malaysia, chillers must use the NPLV conditions to determine their energy efficiency COP values. Therefore testing to ARI or JIS or any other third party standards is acceptable provided these are conducted in accordance with the stipulated Standard Rating Conditions and NPLV conditions. Note that the energy performance of the whole building is what GBI is interested in as per criteria EE5 on BEI value, and not just the chillers. Please also note that GBI does not endorse or approve any make of equipment.

A: There is only one definition for NLA: Nett Lettable Area. NLA excludes staircase, toilet, etc… The “same’ NLA is used as the denominator in the calculation for both EE2 and EQ8. For EE2, all areas fitted with motion sensors (within or outside the office areas) can be included in the calculation. Therefore your sample calculation is correct. For EQ8, the compliance area must be within the NLA.

A: Gross Floor Area (GFA) is the total built up area of floor space within a building, including the thickness of external walls but excluding internal voids. For detailed GFA definition, please refer to the definition by Kuala Lumpur City Hall.

Gross Lettable Area (GLA) refers to the total functional use area for commercial purposes such as office, retail, cafeteria, restaurant, gymnasium and clubhouse inside the building but excluding all common areas and service areas. The sum of GLA, common areas and service areas should equal the GFA (excluding car park).

Nett Lettable Area (NLA) is the total rentable or saleable area and is the exact total functional use area for commercial purposes inside the building excluding all common areas and service areas. NLA is also the actual area cited in the Sales & Purchase Agreement to property buyer. Therefore NLA < GLA and NLA is GFA less all common areas (stairs, corridors, plant rooms etc…).

Note: GLA is used in BEI formula

A: The intent of EE8 is to provide for the ongoing accountability of building energy consumption over time. Hence, if it can be demonstrated that this objective can be achieved then the credit will be awarded. Providing EMS (though this is not mandatory) is one option. Other possible options include Installing e.g. timer switches and submeters in conjunction with proper and regular monitoring of energy use over time (through a dedicated energy management team/staff) can be suitable for this ‘small’ building.

A: OTTV measures the average heat gain into the building through its envelope. MS1525:2007 calls for this measurement to be made along the entire façade, even if the areas that the façade envelopes are non-air conditioned, e.g. toilets, stairs, pantry, etc.

A: OTTV calculation is for each individual building and should not be averaged.

A: OTTV calculation is for each individual building. Scoring for Advanced Energy Efficiency to be based on worse case scenario.

A: GBI is a building tool and OTTV for each building has to be calculated separately then tabulated and submitted. In order to score points in EE1, each individual building within the terrace type, semi-d type and bungalow type must achieve OTTV not exceeding 50W/m2. Prorating is not permitted.

A: If the ratio R1 for horizontal shading device is smaller than 0.3, as taught in the GBIF Course lectures, the SC value shall be taken as 1. In other words, the horizontal shading device is too small to have any significant effect on the shading of the window.

A: Yes. The OTTV does not make reference to VLT values. If the question is related to daylighting in EQ8 and in reference to MS 1525, then the VLT has a function in relation to the daylight factor. VLT is not a compulsory component in the GBI rating tool. Note that MS 1525 Section 5.4 Daylighting, 5.4.2 states; “In order to take advantage of daylighting, the visible transmittance of the fenestration system should not be less than 50 %”.

A: Low-E glass is a type of insulated glazing that helps to reduce the OTTV value through reduced solar heat gain, which in turn helps to reduce energy required for cooling. Please consult your Facilitator to explain the resultant points scored in the relevant categories.

A: The concept and depth of daylighting (which VLT relates to) and OTTV (which incorporates U-value and SC) are extensively taught at the GBIF course. The mathematical formula for OTTV itself is self-explanatory to any technically endowed individual. GBI is a holistic performance tool which allows designers the full repertoire of creative solutions to achieve the desired OTTV and BEI (as a building may be designed with minimal glazing or be fully glazed). Therefore, prescriptive reference values for glazing properties are not applicable, except for the recommended range of VLT values. Unfortunately GBI is unable to assist any individual in his business dealings. Please note that recently MGBC has started a GBI Professional Series to assist practitioners who wish to acquire in-depth knowledge on individual topics.

A: For the purpose of Shading Coefficient (SC), all components that contribute to the SC of the glass must be an intrinsic or integral part of the glass. Advertising sticker films do not qualify, as it is not an integral part of the glazing. Please refer to your GBIF and other design team members as OTTV calculations and parameters are well defined.

A: To derive EE5, building envelope derivation would need to be done and such a step would need to be submitted to verify the advanced EE calculations. Hence, EE1 calculations must be submitted separately.

A: The GBI Design Reference Guide stipulates that for NRNC EE1 (Minimum EE Performance), the signatory for the DA/CVA Criterion Sheet is the PSP i.e. the Architect. The GBIF Course has repeatedly emphasized that going green involves a holistic approach in design by the entire project team. Regardless of which party/parties contribute or assist in the final computation of OTTV and RTTV, the PSP must lead the team. It is a contractual arrangement as to who should compute the OTTV tabulations. However, for DA/CVA submission, the PSP must still be the signatory.

A: MS 2095:2014 section 3.5 and section 3.6 stated:

Reflective Insulation is a material with the reflective surface within an enclosed air space Radiant Barrier is a material with reflective surface laminated onto woven, foam, etc which has a resisted conductive element.

RSI Booklet (R1)

A: Kindly refer to the attached RSI Booklet (R1) dated 14 April 2020 for the examples on how to calculate the u-value of the Enclosed Air Space.

RSI Booklet (R1)

A: The BEI formula is downloadable from the GBI website together with calculated examples. For office buildings, the normalised operating hours is also clearly stipulated as 2,700 hours per annum. Finally, please note that no manipulation of data is permitted.

A: Please refer to MS1525:2007 Chapter 10 – Building Energy Simulation Method for the elaborated approach. Dynamic Energy Modelling is necessary to ascertain accuracy of targeted BEI for EE enhancement criteria for DA submission for Gold or Platinum ratings. Note that simulation is not necessary if DA is not submitted.

A: Approved softwares listed in MS1525 Clause 10.5 include DOE-2, TRNSYS, ESP, IES, EnergyPlus, etc… which conform to requirements of ASHRAE Std 140, CIBSE: AM11 or equivalent.

A: The BEI for Retail areas and Malls will be based on 84 operational hours/week instead of 52 (for Office). BEI for Hotel and Service Apartments & Hospital will be based on 24/7 operational but rationalized for Diversity & Storage Factors. BEI for Other Categories will be considered on a case-to-case basis. The table below lists the corresponding BEI values and credit points;

A: For mixed development consisting of office and retail mall space, where the latter constitutes not more than 25% of the total GFA, then use the BEI formula which is now reproduced under FAQ K-6 together with the example on WOH adjustment. If retail space constitutes 75% or more of the total GFA, then use the BEI for Retail Mall as published under FAQ K-4. If retail space is more than 25% but less than 75% of the total GFA, then calculate the BEI for office space and retail space separately, and the lower credit score will apply.

A: The BUILDING ENERGY INTENSITY (BEI) formula is appended hereunder and it has an allowance for floor vacancy to be excluded should any of the Leased Units not be occupied at CVA stage.

BEI = [(TBEC – CPEC – DCEC) / (GFA(excluding carpark) – DCA – GLA * FVR)] * [52/WOH]

Where;

• TBEC : Total Building Energy Consumption (kWh/year)
• CPEC : Carpark Energy Consumption (kWh/year)
• DCEC : Data Centre Energy Consumption (kWh/year)
• GFA (excluding carpark) : Gross Floor Area exclusive of car park area (m2)
• DCA : Data Centre Area (m2)
• GLA : Gross Lettable Area (m2)
• FVR : Weighted Floor Vacancy Rate of GLA (%)
• 52 : Typical weekly operating hours of office buildings in KL/Malaysia (hrs/wk)
• WOH : Weighted Weekly Operating Hours of GLA exclusive of DCA (hrs/wk)

Terminology:

• TBEC refers to total building energy utilised for all landlord and tenancy areas.
• CPEC refers to total energy utilised for the carpark area (which is not air-conditioned) and typically covers artificial lighting, lifts, mechanical ventilation fans, sump pumps and plug loads (car washing facilities). Installations serving the whole building (such as hydraulic pumps and fire pumps) shall not be included.
• DCEC refers to total energy utilised for operation of the Data Centre equipment and for controlling its indoor environment (air-conditioning, mechanical ventilation, lighting and plug loads).
• GFA (excluding carpark) refers to total built up gross area of the building excluding the carpark.
• DCA refers to gross area of the Data Centre.
• GLA refers to the total functional use area for commercial purposes such as office, retail, cafeteria, restaurant, gymnasium and club house inside the building but excluding all common areas and service areas. The sum of GLA, common areas and service areas should equal the GFA excluding car park.
• FVR is the weighted floor vacancy rate of office, retail and other functional spaces of GLA. The floor vacancy rate of GLA is equal to the non-occupied lettable area divided by the GLA, in terms of percentage.
• WOH is the weighted weekly operating hours of GLA exclusive of the DCA.

E.g.:

• A building has GLA of 5400 m2 comprising 5000 m2 office (including 80 m2 data centre) and 400 m2 retail areas of which the corresponding operating hours are 55, 168 and 65 hrs/wk respectively.
• Then WOH = [(5000-80)*55 + 400*65] / (5400-80) = 55.75 hrs/wk.

A: Yes. Note that GBI rating system is for the whole building and not for Core & Shell application only.

A: The NRNC rating tool requires energy consumption of landlord and tenants to be calculated / simulated in order to compute the projected BEI for DA submission. Core & Shell designs are not permitted under the current GBI rating system; hence DA submission must include the design loads for all areas. The GBI tools call for CVA to be conducted when the building is either at least 50% occupied or 12 months after CCC. This requirement is intended to enable fit-outs to take place for the CVA to be conducted meaningfully. Non fit-out areas (termed as vacant areas) at CVA stage are to be excluded under the BEI formula.

A: The NRNC rating tool requires energy consumption of landlord and tenants to be calculated / simulated in order to compute the projected BEI for DA submission. If the provision of a ‘lighting power budget’ load together with typical lighting layout arrangement can meet this computational requirement then it is acceptable.

A: GBI emphasises on sustainable maintenance and requires building to perform efficiently at all times, and believes that degradation can be addressed with proper maintenance, replacement and upgrade.

A: For factory rating, please refer to the INC or IEB rating tools where the factory process machinery is assessed under Energy Use Intensity (EUI) and not Building Energy Intensity (BEI).

A: Please note that the terminology of BEI is Building Energy Intensity and not Index. For airports, the GBIF should opt for Airport BEI and not use the Office BEI formula. In this regard, all airport systems must be included. The GBIF or Owner’s Coordinator shall collate BEI for existing airports and propose improvements to justify EE5 credit score based on improvement percentage using the Office BEI formulation as template (ie normal MS1525 BEI = 200 to 220; credits start at 150 with improvement of at least 25% onwards)

A: The hospital BEI is for a 24/7 operation which equals to 168 operational hours/week. The WOH adjustment factor does not apply for 24/7 operation ie 168/WOH or WOH/168 is unity.

A: Please refer to the GBI NRNC Data Centre Tool. Data Centres, in lieu of BEI values, use the PUE metrics; where PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) = Ratio of Total Facilities Power to IT Equipment Power. Use BEI or PUE if either building or IT equipment power use constitutes more than 75% of the total energy use. Otherwise, calculate both BEI and PUE with the lower point score being applicable for award of points. Corresponding Credit Points to PUE values are:

PUE ! 1.9 = 2 points;
PUE ! 1.8 = 3 points;
PUE ! 1.7 = 5 points;
PUE ! 1.6 = 8 points;
PUE ! 1.5 = 10 points;
PUE ! 1.4 = 12 points;
PUE ! 1.3 = 15 points.

A: The data centre rooms per se shall use PUE while the office areas shall use BEI with the lower of the 2 credit score being applicable.

A: If such info is not available, you may then use the default GDC Plant COP of 3.8

A: Assessment of the building floor plate will be for the built-up portion consisting of permanent structures.

A: NO, ASHRAE 62.1 is more stringent than the UBBL.

A: Yes, however you must then ensure that calculations for all other criteria (e.g. water use, sewerage discharge, etc…) are based on the same population density and not pick and choose for advantageous applications.

A: Yes, but please note that the same minimum distances to openings and air intake inlets must be applied.

A: Not Acceptable

A: Please consult your GBI Facilitator or Acoustics consultant on the expected standard for your particular building.

A: 1) Internal noise level applies to all occupied areas including the convention halls etc.
2) Compliance with AS (or any other GBI recognised standard) is acceptable.

A: All labelling schemes recognised by GEN (Global Ecolabelling Network). Please refer to the following website: www.globalecolabelling.net

A: Please refer to FAQ L-7. GBI recognises all labelling schemes recognised by GEN (Global Ecolabelling Network) or GREENGUARD, which is an independent body specialising in the area of chemical emissions. Please also refer to the following website: www.globalecolabelling.net as well as MGBC’s “GreenPagesMalaysia” product directory: www.greenpagesmalaysia.com.

A: SIRIM Ecolabel is recognised by GBI and is listed under GEN (www.globalecolabelling.net) Green Label Plus (Italy) is not listed under GEN and is not recognised by GBI.

A: GBI addresses Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and hence the use of low VOC paint is applicable to the internal of the building. However, use of low VOC paints on external surfaces is encouraged as it is consistent with promoting good practice, hopefully leading towards the removal of VOC in the construction industry.

A: Please refer to the table below for the nottoexceed VOC limits for Paints and Coatings.
Product/Coating Type VOC Limit g/L (less water)*

A: All carpets installed in the building interiors must meet the testing and product requirements of the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) Green Label Plus program. The carpets must not exceed the emission standards for total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), 4PC (4Phenylcyclohexene), formaldehyde, and styrene. All carpet adhesives should not exceed the VOC limit of 50g/L (less water). All hard surface flooring which includes vinyl, linoleum, laminate, wood, rubber flooring must be certified as compliant with FloorScore Test Standard or internationally recognized green label schemes accredited by the Global Ecolabelling Network (GEN).

A: Please refer to the table below for the not to exceed VOC limits for Adhesives and Sealants.

A: Loose furniture is akin to electrical appliances where although there is no specific GBI criteria governing the latter’s quality but if energy guzzling appliances are used then the BEI (EE5) will suffer and points will be lost. Similarly, although EQ3 and MR4 strictly relates to fixed installations for the base building (since loose furniture like electrical appliances will be brought in much later), noncontrol of these loose furniture (ie. use of non-low VOC products) will result in potential of loss of points for EQ14 and EQ15 at CVA when actual site measurements / verifications are conducted for VOC and odour.

A: YES, if the net effect of the air speed, temperature, humidity, etc. is within the comfort range as recommended in ASHRAE 55 with relevant localized parameters as listed in MS1525.

A: NO, unless air-side strategy is by means of direct tempered fresh air supply to workstation; low level displacement, UFAD or personalised ventilation.

A: A show house will eventually be sold and occupied and as such is still treated as a normal house. Survey the staff manning the show house.

A: Innovative design is required, e.g. consider opening up and introducing windows in food courts and seating areas, and introduce some windows to retail units located at the perimeters of ground floor. For Mall design external views include views to the sky for skylights.

A: MS1525-2014 lists DF of >6% as intolerable. In the recent updated MS1525-2014, there is a correction to the values of Daylighting. The MS1525 is based on temperate Northern values. The correct values are as follows (GBIF to note): Intolerable DF > 6.0%, Bright DF 3-6 %, Average DF 1-3 %, Dark DF 0-1 %.

A: Retail malls need to consider use of atrium skylighting and/or perimeter wall daylighting. Area calculation includes retail space, public area and BOH office. For multi storey malls the required percentage value is halved.

A: Daylight factor exceeding 3.5% is not suitable for the working environment of an office space and hence no credit points will be given.

A: Kitchen is part of habitable space. Simultaneous measurement is required.

A: Daylight Glare Control requires the need to reduce discomfort caused by glare from natural light. The objective is to ensure daylighting system is designed with adequate and proper glare control in order not to negate the benefits of daylighting. A manual or automatically controlled blind represents one of the accepted means for glare control. Where external shading devices can effectively eliminate glare to the workspace then the objective is met. Please also refer to the elaborations listed in the Design Reference Guide.

A: Refer to MS 1525-2014 for other applications.

A: EQ10 requires that the lighting levels do not exceed those recommended in MS1525. Therefore a lower ambient lighting level supplemented with appropriate task lighting is well within the intent of EQ10.

A: 1) For GBI NRNC v1.0, the carpark component is excluded. 2) If ballasts are used for the Convention Centre light fittings, then these must also be of the high frequency types, i.e. the 90% compliance relate to all fittings using ballasts.

A: Yes, this item is clearly presented in the GBI facilitator course.

A: EQ12 promotes connectivity of the building occupants to the external environment. Subject to the reasoning in the submission documents, GBI will consider exempting areas which are prevented by operational requirements to comply with this criterion. GBI may also consider awarding innovation point if the applicant is able overcome their operational requirements creatively to comply with this criterion.

A: a. Do not use banned chemicals.
b. Encourage to avoid using chemicals and instead employ preventative means or alternative ways for pest control including mechanical or electronic means.
c. Recommend to google “The IPM Practitioner” and similar. Finally please bear in mind that GBI is a performance based rating system which requires the objective of each criteria to be met to earn credit points.

A: The POE sample size should be at least 10% of the occupant population with the following exceptions:

Projects with occupancies < 100 pax, mininum of 20 respondents

Projects with occupancies > 1,000 minimally 100 respondents

A: You may use the cost of the system formwork in conjunction with the explanation given in the relevant Design Reference Guide.

A: GBI reiterates the need to understand the objective of each criteria for interpretation. The objective is to be able to sort out a minimum of 6 materials and in a most practical way. For example. if the expected quantity of paper and corrugated cardboard can be contained in one bin, then there is no need for 2 bins at each collection point / floor to separately deposit these 2 items. These 2 items can subsequently be separated at the main sorting area. Hence, normally a total of 3 bins would suffice at each depository location. Keep in mind that in line with the GBI objective, the materials must be recyclable. Allowing organic or liquid waste to be mixed into say paper waste or even glass waste such as bottles would immediately turn it into general waste as most recyclers would not accept contaminated materials which require an extra step of cleaning before they can be reused. Materials can be mixed provided they can be readily separated before being recycled. This applies whether it is Automated Waste Collection Systems (AWCS) or conventional.

A: All the certificates listed may be furnished at the CVA submission stage, but as a minimum, copies of the Chain of Custody documents are required.

A: Physical compliance with MR4 (and related credits in other GBI rating tools) for Sustainable Timber will be assessed at CVA stage; i.e. wood used for the base building as well as the tenancy fit-outs will all need to meet the credit requirement. As for tenancy areas not fitted out at CVA stage, these will be treated as vacant areas (which will be verified in future for compliance at the GBI certification renewal stage after 3 years). Therefore, the GBIF is advised to include requirement for certified timber in the tenancy / leasing agreement for full compliance if this credit point is to be scored.

A: 1. Criteria point in this instance is based on the value (50%) of the total wood-based material used in the project.
2. Yes, IF at least 50% of the wood-based products used are certified and in compliance with Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS). Copies of Chain of Custody (COC) documents from FSC or MTCS, as relevant, are required as proof of compliance during the CVA stage.

A: The project will score 2 points for this criterion only if both the refrigerant AND the clean agent (fire suppression system) used are of non-synthetic (i.e. natural) products.

A: There are few mandatory criteria in the NRNC or any other GBI tool; hence there is no exemption for the Development Density criterion if this credit cannot be scored.

A: For CVA, all amenities, commercial & community development, percentage of landscape, and bus terminal as required under the GBI Tool would need to be completed in order to score the necessary targeted points provisionally given at the DA stage.

A: Prayer room provision is acceptable (to suit the size of the development) provided it is open for public use.

A: A showcase bungalow will eventually be sold and occupied and as such is still treated as a normal bungalow. Provision of a religious room in the bungalow does not qualify. Note that credit is awarded as an encouragement to select sites close to basic community amenities and the planning of new residential areas to encourage the provision of local amenities.

A: NO. Please note that QLASSIC can be applied for even after completion of a project.

A: The requirements to qualify for the QLASSIC point:
1. Contract to state clearly that construction quality shall be not less than a QLASSIC score of 70 and specifications shall follow tolerances as stated in CIS7
2. Type of construction method statement. e.g Precast concrete structure, hollow core slabs, etc
3. Letter in advance to apply to CIDB to inform them that this project will be applying for QLASSIC assessment and the areas of assessment.
4. Project Quality Plan to be submitted.
5. Method statement to clearly state that all materials, components, fixtures and fittings to comply to relevant Malaysian Standards in the specifications

A: a. No. b. No.

A: Yes.

A: The architect is absolutely right to ask for the SRI value as elaborated hereunder; For a surface to stay cool, it needs two key attributes: reflectivity and emissivity. Reflectivity measures how well a material bounces back radiation. But since all surfaces absorb some heat, we also need to consider emissivity, or how good a surface is at radiating heat back out into space. The ‘solar reflectance index’ (SRI), defined by ASTM E 1980, incorporates both reflectivity and emissivity. The combination of reflectivity and emissivity means that light-coloured polymeric roof membranes and coatings, which are good emitters of heat, tend to perform better than metallic surfaces, which can be more reflective but which heats up more because of its low emissivity. Please refer to Table 1 for better understanding of the 2 terms.

A: Yes, this fulfills SM10 requirement.

A: Yes, your calculation may be based on Statutory requirements and / or take 5% of the total number of carparks provided to comply with SM9, whichever is the lesser.

A: Yes, it can be considered as a Transport Hub if there is another mode of transport (e.g. Bus) that intersects and connects. Note the need to also comply with other requirements of having adequate covered waiting area.

A: As of RNC Version 3, if the conditions of a criteria are not met, the points are not transferable.

A: So long as MSMA compliance is achieved, the credit is given. Subsequent revision of the tool may place this under pre-requisite with no credit allocated. The issue of fairness does not arise as subscribing to sustainability should not limit any good practice beyond minimal requirements.

A: MSMA requirements must be complied with for the 1st Credit point. Additional credit points rewarded are performance-based for GBIF to demonstrate compliance. Foreign guidelines do not apply unless specifically permitted.

A: SRI is a measure of the solar reflectivity of the product. If a material chosen has no SRI, we can generally accept the SRI of a similar material and finishes / colour. Concrete does a very good job of reflecting solar energy. For the stamped concrete, and assuming it is also coloured, you may use the SRI value of 0.4 to 0.5, depending on colour. The lighter the colour, the higher the figure.

A: The Energy Audit Report should serve its intended purpose of retrofitting / upgrading the existing building to achieve energy efficiency thereby contributing to greening the building. You may refer to the following websites for scope of energy audit services; www.maesco.org.my and/or www.greentechmalaysia.my

A: Yes. Please refer to the Design Reference Guide for details.

A: The GBIF should not mix up construction contract requirements with GBI credit requirements. If the project desires to score for this credit, then the GBIF and Design Team must ensure that the compliant requirements are clearly stipulated in the tender documentation and specifications, and not the other way around.

A: No. Potable water consumption refers to the total building water usage including domestic water consumption by building occupants, general cleaning and washing, air conditioning cooling tower make up, swiimming pool and water features, and landscape irrigation

A: Cooling tower makeup water shall be included if using treated (potable) water taken from the water mains. For buildings with water-cooled air conditioning system serving not less than 50% of the NLA, the percentage in reduction of potable water consumption as denoted under NRNC WE1, shall be halved; i.e. 1 point for 7.5% or more reduction, and 2 points for 15% or more reduction.

A: Common area usage should include the following: Public toilets, Gym toilets, general cleaning, swimming pool usage, landscape water, pantry for community halls, etc. Water consumption values used should be obtained from authoritative source/s such as Code of Practice etc., and sample case studies are provided in the GBIF Course.

A: No, the criteria calls for recycling of waste water and condensate water is not classified as waste water.

A: Landscape irrigation requirement is dependent on the type of plants and may be affected by the use of drip or sprinkler irrigation systems. You do not superficially pump up the irrigation water consumption for point chasing as this will do an injustice to your client and your professionalism.

A: GBI is a performance based tool and encourages you to submit innovative, practical and well substantiated rationale for consideration.

A: Flowrates and values used should be obtained from authoritative source/s such as Code of Practice etc., and sample case studies are provided in the GBIF Courses.

A: The savings shall be based on consumption from fittings where water efficient fittings could be applied namely water closets, showers, wash basin taps, sink taps, ablution and bib taps.

A: On-site installation of flow/pressure limiters do not qualify for WE4 credits. Note that flow/pressure limiter forms an integral part of a water efficient fitting assembly and GBI recognises the performance test of such water efficient fitting assembly by any recognised independent international, national or other thirdparty testing reports. Refer also FAQ O-10. However, for existing buildings where additional devices installed can result in the reduction in potable water consumption, then points will be awarded corresponding to the qualifying percentage reduction over existing 3 year average water consumption record as depicted in WE4.

A: No. You do not specifically need to have WELS certification to score points for water efficient fittings. GBI scores are based on the performance of the fittings and will recognise any independent international, national or other third-party testing reports.

A: NO. The requirement calls for ALL urinals. However, at least 90% may be acceptable if valid reasons given are acceptable to GBI.

A: Updated list of approved Innovation items including qualification details is as appended below:

   Approved List of Innovations (18 August 2020)

Innovation in Design & Enviromental Design Initiatives	Qualification Details	NR	R
Advance Air Filtration	Serve at least 50% of NLA.
Air & Dirt Separator System for Chilled Water System	Provide for 100% of chilled water system.
Auto Condenser Tube Cleaning System	Provide for 100% of chilled water system (water-cooled chillers)
Bioswales	Provide for at least 25% of building perimeter.
Central Conveyance System (waste or material handling)	Serve at least 50% of NLA for NR and 100% of all residential units
Central Vacuum System	Serve at least 50% of NLA.
Charging Station for Hybrid or Electric Car	To provide at least one EV charging station with the spare electricity provision for future installation of EV charging station for each parking bay serving 5% of the total project parking (up to a maximum of 20 bays). Spare capacity of the electrical provision should be sufficiently designed for simultaneous charging for all EV charging stations provided at the parking bays in the future. Capacity of the EV charging station used in the design can be referred from the EV information from Malaysia GreenTech Corporation (MGTC) website. Design assumption should be properly indicated in the Building User Manual (BUM) to facilitate the future installation of EV charging station.
Cold Aisle Containment System	Provide for entire Data Centre air-conditioning system (applicable to Data Centre building only)
Co-generation / Tri-generation	Serve at least 90% of the building’s cooling capacity.
Condensate Water Recovery	Account for at least 50% of installed AHU/FCUs.
CUI ≤ 0.45 m³/m²
Dessicant Heat Recovery Wheel	Account for at least 50% of total building exhaust air system
Dynamic Balancing Control Valve System for chilled water piping system	Provide for 100% of chilled water system.
Electrochromic Glazed Façade	Provide for at least 10% of glazed façade.
Energy Efficient Appliances	RNC (V.3) only: For all residential units, provide at least two types of 5-Star Energy Efficient appliances [approved by Suruhanjaya Tenaga (ST)], one of which must be air-conditioners.
External Shading Devices	Provide for at least 50% of glazed façade.
Fire System Water Recycling during regular testing	Provide for all Sprinkler and Wet Riser systems. Not applicable to Hose Reel system.
Heat Pipe Technology	Provide for at least 75% of PAHUs for purpose of RH control/improvement.
Herb Garden	Provide for at least 10% of landscape area or 20m2 whichever is the larger. For single residential dwelling provide for at least 25% of landscape area.
Industrialised Building System	Achieve CIDB IBS score ≥ 50%
LED Façade Lighting	Only where façade lighting is mandated by Local Authority
Light Pipes	Provide for at least 1% of NLA.
Mixed Mode / Low Energy Ventilation System	Serve at least 10% of NLA.
Non-Chemical Water Treatment System	Provide for all cooling tower circuits (Note that chw circuit need not be included)
On-site Composting	Recycle landscape and organic waste (kitchen waste) to meet at least 50% of landscape fertilizer needs.
Parking Guidance System	Provide for non-allocated car park bays.
Real time energy and water usage display and other educational features/facilities	To be installed in prominent public area
Recycling of Condensate Water for evaporative cooling	Evaporative cooling to include use of all condensate water recovered from at least 50% of installed AHU/FCUs.
Refrigerat Leak Detection & Recovery Facility	Provide refrigerant leak detection coverage for every chiller in accordance with specialist vendor’s recommendations to effect automatic refrigerant pumpdown to external storage tank sized to recover full refrigerant charge for the largest chiller within each plantroom.
Regenerative Lift	Provide for at least 50% of installed lifts.
Self-cleaning Façade	Provide for at least 90% of façade area.
Sewer Waste Recycling System	Applicable to plant installed within building to recycle sewer waste into fertilizer products, e.g. pellets.
Solar Hot Water System	Provide for all showers.
Solar Thermal Cooling	Generate at least 10% of total cooling capacity.
Thermal / PCM / Thermal Mass Storage System	Account for at least 25% of total cooling capacity.
Turbine Ventilators	Provide for all applicable roof (pitched roof).
Vacuum Degasser Cleaning System for chilled water piping system	Provide for 100% of chilled water system.
Vertical Green Wall system	Provide for at least 10% of external wall/façade. Note that vertical greenery which is not an integral part of building façade may be included in the total greenery computation.
Waterless Urinals	Provide for all urinals.
Mquit Program	Proof of appointment of a registered consultant and Mquit Health Certification are required.
Universal Design	Comprehensive compliance with the relevant Malaysian Standard, MS1184 (universal desin and accessibility in the built environment – code of practice) and MS1331 (code of practice for access of disabled person outside buildings)
Drainage Filtration System (The Plastic and 3 R Innovation Point)	Click here for your further reference. (Note: This item is not eligible for RNC V3 as it has been claimed under SM10)

Footnote: NR includes INC & IEB

A: An appeal for innovation points may be submitted but it will be unlikely to be given unless the increase is very substantial.

A: Preservation of existing trees will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis with regards to the impact achieved and not merely on the percentage of existing greenery. Applicant is required to submit details and justification for GBIAP’s consideration.

A: If the rationale is for provision as shading device, tree shading (and adjacent tall building shadow shading) are not deemed to be ‘permanent’, and therefore do not contribute to the innovation point for External Shading Devices.

A: Fencing wall is not considered as part of the building facade. However, vertical greenery on fencing wall can contribute to SM12.

A: For RNC, GBI encourages the non-usage of air-conditioning. Hence, use of any types of air-conditioner will not qualify for innovation point. Please note that for home appliances, the government has already developed the Energy Star Rating scheme which includes Split Units and the use of 5-star rated air conditioning units together with other enery efficient appliances could be considered

A: For RNC, GBI encourages the non-usage of air-conditioning. Hence, use of any type of air-conditioners will not qualify for innovation point. Please also note that R410 is a HFC refrigerant with zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) but a high GWP (Global Warming Potential).

A: Innovation credit may be considered only if solar water heater is provided for all bathrooms.

A: This product does not qualify for additional innovation point. Its relevant water saving features will contribute to the reduction on use of potable water under the WE (Water Efficiency) criteria.

A: Water recycling must be provided for both Wet Riser system AND Sprinkler system where these are installed. Note that for high rise residential buildings exceeding 30.5m, Wet Riser systems are required but Sprinkler systems are not necessarily. If water recycling is incorporated for the Wet Riser system serving the whole building AND the Sprinkler system serving the Car parks then this conforms to the credit requirement. If this building is less than 30.5m i.e. no Wet Riser system is provided, then recycling of the Sprinkler system serving the Car parks qualifies for the innovation point. Please note that water recycling during regular testing is not applicable for hose reel fire systems.

A:
Please note that the GBIAP is the final body that approves the award of points for GBI criteria and as such can overrule any inadvertent oversight by the GBI Certifier be it during consultation session or site inspection.

For this particular innovation point on Fire System Water Recycling, the GBIAP has ruled that water recycling for fire system applies only to the fire sprinkler system during regular monthly testing where the pumps have to demonstrate their performance to meet approved flowrates. Note that recycling water from the sprinkler flow switch test pipes and/or testing of pressure switches to activate pumps (both of which constitute a very much smaller water volume) are encouraged but by themselves will not be eligible for the innovation credit. Similarly, for the Wet Riser system, recycling of water from pump test activation of pressure switches do not qualify for this credit. It is to be noted that testing of the WR outlets at a pressure of 75psi will require physical water spray distance for verification and hence the water is not recycled.
However, if you feel that your particular WR system installation is such that the full pump water flow can be recycled during testing, then please submit your piping schematic and installation photos for our consideration and verification.

A: If the whole development is registered under one certification, and at least one of the buildings is installed with either wet riser or sprinkler system or both systems and water recycling during regular testing is incorporated then the innovation point is given. However, if the development is submitted under separate certifications, then only the building with the required system is eligible while the others are not.

A: No.

A: Can be considered if bicycle use is part of the overall Transportation Plan for building occupants and visitors, e.g. provision of bicycle lanes, showers and locker rooms for cyclists must also be included.

A: For RNC Version 2, innovation point is awarded if T5 and/or LED lighting is provided for at least 90% of common spaces and the LED lighting efficacy shall not be less than 80 Lumens per Watt. However for Version 3, no innovation point will be awarded as this credited under EE4. For NRNC, use of efficient light fittings (including LED of not less than 80 Lumens per Watt) for the interior spaces will reduce the BEI value which is covered under EE5 and hence does not qualify for innovation point in this instance. For NRNC façade lighting using LED, innovation point will be awarded provided the LED lighting efficacy is not less than 120 Lumens per Watt and the total lighting load (façade and interior spaces) does not exceed MS1525 requirement calculated on Watt per sq.m of the internal floor area.

A: i) First of all, for NRNC and NREB Version 1.0, in lieu of FTE, 5% of the total parking bays is acceptable. ii) Future versions of the tool will consider provision of electric chargers to be a prerequisite to meet the green parking bay criterion. iii) Meanwhile for Version 1.0 of the tool, for charging stations to qualify for innovation point, such stations provided should be located at the relevant parking bays and be reasonably sufficient to service the number of allocated parking bays. Performance based design provision is acceptable including easy future extension to increase number of chargers to suit demand, etc.

A: Thus far only Regenerative Lifts are approved under Innovation. Gearless lifts are not entitled for an innovation credit as this technology is not new and also because EE features for lifts already contribute directly to the project’s score under EE5 – Advanced Energy Efficiency.

A: Hybrid Destination Control System for elevator does not qualify for Innovation point.

A: Where desiccant heat recovery wheels are used, these must account for at least 50% of the relevant building air exhaust system.

A: Electrostatic filters – YES. MERV 13 filters alone – NO. Note that such filters must serve at least 50% NLA.

A: Facilitator to furnish details to justify consideration. Note that percentage of NLA served is also important.

A: No, HEPA filters if used for normal office application, will increase static losses. For certain applications such as hospitals and clean rooms, such filters may be a necessity.

A: Eligible for 2 separate Innovation points and both must be installed in all AHUs and serving not less than 50% of NLA. The ‘at least 50% NLA’ is intended to allow for non installation of Electrostatic filter or UV treatment in FCUs, split units (and special justified cases) as such installation may not be practical. However, all AHUs should have such installation to provide improved IAQ for all tenants/floors and not selected tenants/floors, as the latter will constitute ‘point chasing’.

A: As a trained GBIF, you would be expected to evaluate and advise your client on the merits and demerits of ‘potential’ innovative items and not merely base such on claims by vendors. Meanwhile, GBI will continue to update the listing of approved innovation items on the GBI website.

A: No. Pre-occupancy IAQ management is already credited under EQ14 and protection of duct materials under EQ5.

A: For NRNC, refrigerant leakage detection must be provided for the whole main plant (isolated split units for example are exempted). For NREB, the 90% requirement is to cater for challenges for existing buildings with more than one main plantroom. As for the provision of refrigerant storage tanks, these should be capable of catering for the largest chiller in each main plantroom.

A: No point will be given if the system is not operational at CVA.

A: Note that PTS in hospital application is not similar to a CVS (Central Vacuum System). PTS is a common system in any modern hospital hence no innovation point will be granted.

A: Innovation points are considered for items that will exhibit or contribute significant impact to the sustainable agenda. For the listed items 1) to 4) above, these are deemed to be standard practice and/or authority safety compliance items and hence do not qualify as innovation. Items 5) and 7) are already credited under their respective main criteria, and they are certainly not unusual applications. Item 6) will be subject to submission of details for evaluation of the impact including practicality and function ability for such a provision. Due to the complexity and variant nature of petrol stations where the office areas may be very small, please attend a Consultation Session (bringing along a layout plan of the petrol station) for a more detailed discussion as to whether that particular station can be accepted for a GBI rating.

A: Yes. Comprehensive compliance with the relevant Malaysian Standards, MS1184 (universal design and accessibility in the built environment – code of practice) and MS1331 (code of practice for access of disabled person outside buildings) may qualify for a point under IN1.

Yes (for existing building only). Proof of appointment of a registered consultant and MQuit Health Certification are required.

Restorative Design – Extensive use of landscaping, artworks and other design elements to enhance the health & wellbeing of occupants.  Please note that this IN1 credit was previously referred to in the Interior (ID) Tool & Design Reference Guide as ‘Psycho Escapism’.