Monday, March 29, 2010

Call for telcos to invest in green technology

:Business Times: Published: 2010/03/18
 
NOKIA Siemens Networks Malaysia said the government should take the lead and get telecommunication companies to equip their transmission towers with renewable power sources.

This is in line with the government's commitment to reduce the country's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to 40 per cent by 2020.

"Alongside the government, we strongly believe the telecommunications industry is uniquely placed to drive this," said Nokia Siemens Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Rainer Althoff.

The biggest environmental impact in a telecommunications network is energy consumption, which typically accounts for around 80 per cent of the total energy consumed, and up to 30 per cent of overall energy cost.

This means that telcos that invest in energy efficient technologies are not only able to reduce CO2 emissions but also make higher profits with lower energy spending.

"A key move would be for the government to encourage new off-grid base stations deployed in Malaysia from 2011 be based on renewable energy sources versus fossil fuel," he said.

Althoff told this to reporters at Nokia Siemens EnergiSmart Eco-Adventure Day - Greening Malaysia's Telecommunications Industry event in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, on Tuesday.

At present, Malaysia has about 20,000 base stations nationwide, powered by diesel generators.

"If 5 per cent were to use renewable energy, it would be a good start," Althoff said, noting that it is important that the government comes up with a policy to "force" telco players to invest in green technology.

With the expectation that electricity costs will shoot up by around 55 per cent in the next five years, telcos must cut their reliance on non-renewable energy resources.

In recognition of this, Althoff said the company is committed to improve the efficiency of its base stations products by up to 40 per cent by 2012.

Nokia Siemens aims to use renewable energy like wind and solar power to be the first choice for all remote base station sites by next year.

"A low carbon economy not only benefits the environment, but also feasible and holds great potential for sustainable growth in all industries," he said.

Recently, Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd announced it would invest up to RM100 million in its Deep Green programme to reduce CO2 emission by 50 per cent within four years.

Singapore's MobileOne also made a commitment to reduce its telecommunications network carbon print by 35 per cent by early 2011.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Electric Cars: Where to Plug In Away From Home?

From: Business Week

Plug-in electric vehicles have an edge over hydrogen-powered cars for a simple reason: The infrastructure to support them, the electric grid, is already in place. At night, you just connect the car to an outlet in your garage.
Unless of course, you don't have a garage. Now, Coulomb Technologies of Campbell, Calif., wants to provide service to city-dwellers and other drivers who lack handy access to an outlet for their cars. It's testing a subscription-based network in San Jose called ChargePoint, whose members use special key fobs to access outlets mounted on lamp posts, parking meters, or in parking lots. The power isn't free. Subscribers must register a credit card when they sign up for the service. Then, when they swipe the key fob, their usage is metered and charged to the card.
China is taking a different, top-down approach. It's starting to build a nationwide network of charging points to speed the adoption of electric vehicles. Electricité de France is working with carmakers on a similar idea.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Research on oil palm biomass to be ready next march

Thestar: Monday March 22, 2010

TAWAU: The comprehensive research on viable renewable energy, using oil palm biomass and palm oil mill effluent, currently being undertaken by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, will be ready in a month, Plantation, Industries and Commodities Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok said.
"The research is on-going. We will have the findings within a month. The research covers all aspects including economic viability, problems faced by parties involved and the actual number of oil palm mills which can geneate biomass-based energy.
"I can truly say this is one industry which has a huge potential to generate 1,335 megawatts of energy if all the palm oil biomass produced in the country is maximised to the fullest," Dompok told reporters after officiating a conference of the East Malaysia Planters Association here on Monday.
The conference themed, "Sustainable Growth For People, Planet and Profit" is organised by EMPA and sponsored by Sabah Softwoods Sdn Bhd.
He said despite the industry's vast potential, exorbitant start-up cost and capital outlay could pose challenges.
"One major issue to overcome will be the distant location of palm oil mills from Tenaga Nasional (TNB) and Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd (SESB)'s transmission line grids.
"Besides, the tariff offered by power purchasers in this country is 21 sen for per kw/hour, which is too low, while the industry needs to fetch between 29 sen and 30 sen for per kw/hour to remain profitable," Dompok added.
He said MPOB's research would also address this problem and the findings would be handed over to the government for further action as the issue of palm oil biomass renewable energy also involved other ministeries.
Dompok said palm oil mills nearer to TNB or SESB's transmission grid can take off first while mills located far away may take longer to take off.
"It has to be carried out in stages. We might need two phases to implement the activities," said Dompok, adding that the use of palm oil biomass as reneweable energy can solve the government's problem of ensuring adequate electricity supply in the country and Sabah.
"I wish to emphasise here that this is not the sole solution to the power supply problem in Sabah but it will complement the government's effort to overcome the shortage.
"What's more important is we will be able to clear palm oil estates (of the empty fruit bunches), and give a clean image to the industry.
Earlier, Dompok urged all 417 mills in the country to pursue the use of biomass and palm oil mill effluent in the production of renewal energy and organic fertiliser.
He said the goverment had allocated RM1.5 billion under the Green Technology Fund which can be utilised by mills to produce bio-energy.
"This fund provides loans with a two per cent subsidy from the government for producers and users of green technology. In addition, the government provides a 60 per cent guarantee on the loan," he added. - Bernama

Secondary water source vital in crisis

Thestar: Mar 20, 2010


KUALA LUMPUR: Harvesting rainwater and using groundwater are two ways to alleviate shortages in times of drought, said the Council for Water and Green Technology Professionals.
“A secondary water source provides more security, especially in times of crisis,” said its secretary-general Mohmad Asari Daud at a roundtable discussion on “Clean Water for Our Future” on Thursday.
Currently, he said, only 1% of the country’s water supply is from groundwater while 99% is derived from surface water.
He said that in Malaysia the quality of groundwater was generally better than surface water.
“The storage of rainwater should be encouraged as it can be utilised for cleaning purposes and watering plants at home,” added Mohmad Asari.


World Water Day falls on Monday and in discussing ways to obtain clean and an undisrupted supply, Malaysian Water Partnership chairman Datuk Syed Muhammad Shahbudin emphasised the need for an Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) system.
“There are 11 ministries as well as agencies and operators involved but they are not co-ordinated,” he said, adding that the IWRM system was not moving at the moment.
Other panellists at the discussion were Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association information secretary Zulkefli Muhammad and the Institute of Geology Malaysia’s hydro-geology expert Mohd Nazan Awang.
Malaysian Water Association immediate past president and Syarikat Air Terengganu’s former chief executive officer Datuk Wan Ngah Ali was the moderator.

Go green and save money

Thestar: :by CECILIA KOK | Mar 20, 2010


cecilia_kok@thestar.com.my
The onus is on us to contribute to a greener and healthier environment. StarBizWeek looks at some of the ways we can adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle.
SCIENTISTS and environmentalists are pointing to the drastic climate change and weather-related natural disasters happening around the world to substantiate their claim that global warming is worsening and we urgently need to conserve our natural environment.
Just think about the extraordinary dry spells we have been having so frequently in Malaysia.
Herein lies the importance of a green reform. While most people will agree on its importance, many are just not practising an eco-friendly lifestyle.
The main barrier in going green is the wide perception that such a lifestyle is inconvenient and costly as most eco-friendly systems and products are expensive.
But at the household level, going green does not necessarily have to cost a bomb. Just a fundamental change to one’s lifestyle can go a long way. Most of the time, it helps us save money too. Lets look at some age-old tips to be eco-friendly in a purse-friendly way.
Reducing utility bills
For a start, one can conserve electricity and water to reduce utility bills.
Some basic steps include ensuring all electrical appliances are switched off when not in use (most appliances still consume electricity even when on standby mode), replacing conventional electrical items such as light bulbs with energy-efficient ones, and by not letting the tap run incessantly especially when brushing teeth, washing hands, rinsing dishes and cleaning fruits and vegetables.
Clean water is becoming an increasingly scarce commodity nowadays, so recycle water whenever possible.
For instance, the water used for washing vegetables and clothes can be re-used to flush the toilet, among other things.
Harvesting rainwater for watering plants or outdoor-cleaning is also another wise option.
Think before you throw
It is always good to think twice before throwing anything away. By reducing waste, less will be going to the landfill.
For example, food waste can be used as fertiliser as it contains nutrients and minerals that can be easily absorbed by plants.
What’s more, by doing so one does not have to spend money to buy synthetic fertilisers anymore. Requesting for less packaging when shopping is also one way of doing more for the environment. One can use reusable bags instead of plastic bags when shopping for groceries.
And for those who shop in Selangor on Saturdays (which is observed as “No Plastic Bag Day”), one can avoid paying 20 sen for each plastic bag used.
To prevent having more trees being chopped down, one can start by consuming less paper.


Going paperless
Going paperless can help cut paper usage and ink. For instance, ATM receipts and emails do not have to be on hard copy unless absolutely necessary.
Whenever possible, one should try using both sides of the paper when printing documents.
Another way to recycle is to use the clean side of used paper or post-it notes. This way, one can save on stationery expenses.
Driving less is also eco-friendly too and helps reduce one’s petrol expenses. For those who may find this impractical, why not consider carpooling with a friend.
For short distances, walking is the most ecological mode of transportation and a healthy form of exercise.
Nevertheless, whichever eco-friendly mode of transport one opts for, it is always important to exercise vigilance in view of the rising crime rate in the country.
The list of eco-friendly tips that we have here is not exhaustive. There are certainly many other ways but the onus is on us to contribute to a greener and healthier environment.

Why developers should go green

Thestar: By OUR LIVING ENVIRONMENT
By ANGIE NG | Mar 20, 2010


THE El Nino phenomenon has been blamed for the current dry spell that has caused dams, rivers and canals to dry up in various parts of the country. While it is common for drier weather to occur during such time, thesoaring temperature has worsened the situation.
Many of us must be really concerned about the drastic climate change happening around us and the hot weather that we have to put up with almost on a daily basis. It has gone to the extent that even a heavy downpour will only provide temporary relief before the sweltering heat is on us again.The heat is evident even at night as it is nolonger as cool as before.
More people are turning on the air conditioner but this will mean higher energy consumption. There are many factors that may have contributed to the situation and it is about time concerted efforts are expended to arrest the situation.
Instead of just blaming it on El Nino or other natural conditions, we all have to take some responsibility for this state of affair. Just look around us and we’ll see why global warming is worsening and the carbon footprint has grown more serious this past decade or so.
Growing consumerism and high consumption for all kinds of goods and services is straining our production lines and the eco-system will be among the first to be hit.
Let’s see how in our own little way we can each take small steps and measures to save the environment from further deterioration. From making do with less, to opting for natural lighting and ventilation in our dwellings, there are a host of things that are within our control to help alleviate the snarling hot spells.
Having a platform where the common folk and corporate institutions can come together to uphold an environment-friendly way of doing things and upholding sustainability as a core value should be a good start.
A rating system to rate businesses and corporations that do not just claim to be “green companies” but actually “walk the talk” and adopt sound green practices in their business ventures and production processes will steer companies onto the green, sustainable path.

If people pay more attention to such companies and support them, it will naturally promote more environmentally-conscious companies.
As one of the frontliners in the country’s development process, the construction and property fraternity has a huge responsibility when it comes to ensuring more care is taken to promote a more sustainable environment. Basically, developers should push for a greater balance in their building methods and development plans.
Instead of just cutting and filling, a construction method that has resulted in many “balding” hillslopes and landslides, the better option will be more eco-friendly and sustainable construction methods that retain the natural terrains.
Wherever possible, healthy mature trees should be retained and not indiscriminately chopped down.
Looking at the few number of eco-friendly projects that truly observe holistic planning, designs and construction practices that promote greater co-existence and harmony between man and nature in the country today, there are still much that can be done by industry players.
Some are still not convinced that the sustainable way of development is a better option as there are more nitty gritty things to look into compared with conventional practices. Although it means having to walk the extra mile and more work for them, earning the reputation as one of the few “green and caring” developers will be worth the effort.
As the green movement gains further momentum, more buyers will opt to buy property from these developers and the accolade will translate into more tangible benefits such as higher sales for the companies.
Besides the landscapings and green lungs, every project, irrespective of whether it is residential or commercial, should give equal emphasis to natural ventilation, lighting and cooling features of buildings.
This is because the working population spend close to or more than a third of their time at the workplace and it will help if they have more natural ambience and an oxygenated environment to work in.
Deputy news editor Angie Ng believes that at the end of the day, there are more to be gained by being green crusaders.

Energy savers in demand

Thestar: By TEE LIN SAY | Mar 20, 2010


linsay@thestar.com.my
WITH the advancement of technology and energy conservation in a greener world, it is no surprise that light emitting diodes (LED) applications are hot in demand.
LED, which is used in general lighting, automobiles and television saves 70% more energy compared to a normal cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) and is gaining popularity although its high cost is the stumbling block.
Last year, the increasing demand for energy efficient television (TV) sets with vivid picture quality saw LED orders taking the market by surprise. This was mainly seen in the LED-BLU (back-light unit) shipments for LCD TVs and notebooks.
Growth in LED applications caught the entire supply-chain by surprise, with catalytic Samsung Electronics making a splash by introducing its LED TV marketing campaign during the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show. This innovation by Samsung rocked the LED world and helped sustain stable TV set margins despite higher panel prices.
Suddenly, there was an adoption into LED notebooks and other applications such as signages and lighting. This sudden increase in demand saw lead times increasing from the normal 4 to 6 months to 8 to 10 months in the second quarter of 2009. This momentum is likely continue in 2010, with UBS Research forecasting LED TV shipments to grow from 3.3 million units in 2009 to 28.7 million in 2010.
However, UBS remains cautious about 2011 as continued LED chip supply growth will likely overwhelm demand growth. For 2010, Macquarie Research expects the focus on LED TV to be on edge lighting technologies and thinness.
At recent trade shows, leading companies showcased two edge technologies as well as TV sets that were less than 5mm thick. “LED TV shipments are expected to reach as high as 30 million units in 2010 after 3 million to 4 million in 2009,” said Macquarie.
It also foresees the price gap between LED TVs and normal liquid-crystal display televisions (LCD) TVs to narrow to less than 20% especially with greater component supply. Meanwhile, UBS believes that the tight supply of chips should ease from the first quarter of 2010 and it expects overcapacity to remain under control until the fourth quarter of 2010. The research house belives growth in the LED segment, driven by TV is achievable as a similar rapid transition occurred when LCD TVs switched from 720p to 1,080p resolution.
 The penetration rate of 1,080p resolution TVs increased from 4% in 2006 to 27% in 2008. Furthermore, the issues of energy savings and better picture quality will also help this transition. Meanwhile, the second-fastest growth segment is lighting, which might have greater potential for longer-term growth compared with LED TV.

Will LEDs be viable?
Integrated circuit player, Globetronics Technology Bhd which derives 15% of its revenue from LED, is involved in processing wafers into LED dies for some of the multinationals in the country. Globetronics group chief financial controller Ng Kok Choon sees demand for LED increasing. “LED is commercially viable, but in terms of producing the applications, there is still a gap. Currently the industry players are putting in a lot of effort to decrease unit cost and increase the brightness of the LED.
This is because the brighter an LED the fewer LED required to produce the product.
“We have been seeing a certain element of conversion, and this is due to LED’s popularity as a green technology, which results in less energy,” said Ng.
Focus Dynamics Technologies Bhd chief executive officer Kee Twuan Tee feels that LED for commercial use will probably become fully viable over the next 5 years. “As energy bills make up 5% to 7% of most company’s operating expenses, more emphasis will be given to energy conservation,” says Kee.
Focus specialises in energy efficiency products as well as LED lighting for kitchen cabinets. Its clients include Signature Kitchen and Aino Kitchen. Meanwhile, D&O Ventures Bhd’s is involved in the packaging, assembly and testing of LEDs that are used mainly in automotives, general lighting, and display panels. Most of its products are exported to Europe, the United States, China, South Korea and Japan.
“We think the industry is going to grow strongly over the next few years due to a recovery in the global economy and advent of new LED applications such as the conversion of the TV market from cold cathode fluorescent lamps to LED TVs as well as the conversion of conventional lighting to LED lighting,” says D&O Ventures director Yeow See Yuen.
“Hence we will be increasing our capacity to ride on this new wave of demand which will see more LED-led applications coming onstream,” he adds. Yeow says that technological advances and growing volumes will eventually see the mass adoption of LED products, which will see LED applications becoming more commercially viable.
D&O has a packaging plant in Malacca and a module plant in China. It intends to set up a second panckaging plant in Laos which is expected to be operational by the second half of 2010.
Other tech players involved in LED are DSEM Technology Sdn Bhd, Pentamaster Corp Bhd, and Elsoft Research. They provide support for major MNCs involved in the LED business, such as Nichia, Cree, Osram, Lumileds and Avago.h

Pursuing a better energy sector

Thestar: Monday March 22, 2010

Policy Perspective - By Datuk Noriyah Ahmad

Malaysia must address its energy security issue to support the economy towards a higher growth trajectory
THE domestic energy landscape has changed considerably over the years. From being an energy-rich country a decade ago, Malaysia will soon be joining other countries that have to rely on imports to meet domestic demand.
Hence, energy security is a crucial issue that needs to be addressed to support the economy towards a higher growth trajectory. A holistic approach addressing the issues of energy supply, demand and pricing needs to be undertaken.
Prior to 1970, Malaysia imported virtually all its petroleum requirement. Following the Government’s conscious effort in the 1970s to develop petroleum resources, Malaysia has become a significant player and net exporter of petroleum products.
Major discoveries made in 1970s and 1980s provided the impetus not only to develop our own resources, but also to add value to these resources. Since its inception in 1974, Petroliam Nasional Bhd (Petronas) has been entrusted with the orderly development of national petroleum resources. The Petroleum Development Act 1974 vested Petronas with the entire ownership and exclusive rights of exploring and obtaining petroleum whether onshore or offshore of Malaysia.
Since then, massive investments and re-investments have been made to develop Malaysia’s petroleum industry. These include the development of refinery complexes in Malacca, liquefied natural gas complex in Bintulu, integrated petroleum and petrochemical complexes in Kertih and Gebeng, petrochemical plants in Labuan, Bintulu and Gurun, as well as integrated development of upstream and downstream gas supply infrastructure throughout Peninsular Malaysia. These deliberate efforts were based on long-term planning.
Malaysia’s oil reserves of about 5.5 billion barrels are relatively small compared with those in Saudi Arabia (260 billion barrels), Iran (138 billion barrels) and Iraq (115 billion barrels). Likewise, Malaysia’s gas reserves of 88 trillion cu ft (tcf) are much smaller in comparison with Russia (1,680 tcf), Iran (1,046 tcf) and Qatar (900 tcf).
For the longer term, maintaining the present level of oil production of about 660,000 barrels per day could be challenging. Over the years, our geological structure has matured. All major discoveries have already been developed and in production for more than 30 years. In fact, our oil and gas reserves are now depleting. In the case of gas, production is declining at about 10% per annum.
In addition, the remaining oil and gas fields are of lower quality due to high carbon dioxide content. The development of these fields will be more challenging due to the physical nature of the fields which are relatively small in size, scattered and far away from the existing production facilities.
Therefore, the cost of developing future resources will be much higher and may not be economically feasible. Moving forward, the nation will be increasingly dependent on imported petroleum. In fact, about 25% of gas supplied to the domestic market is now imported.
Besides petroleum, Malaysia has some coal deposits, mainly in Sabah and Sarawak. However, due to remoteness and quality factors, only a small percentage of local coal is being mined while a sizeable amount is imported to meet the requirement for power generation. Large hydro resources have also been developed over the years throughout the country but there remains some potential for future development.
Renewable sources of energy are also abundant in Malaysia, the significant ones being biomass, biogas and solar. The development of mini and micro hydro still remains potentially attractive in certain parts of the country. Although renewable energy has a promising future, it requires some time before its full potential can be unleashed. Based on this scenario, Malaysia is projected to be a net importer of energy by 2019.
As in any developing nation, energy consumption per capita in Malaysia is still low but is expected to expand at a rapid rate in tandem with economic development. Energy intensity with respect to gross domestic product has over the years also shown an increasing trend.
In terms of source, petroleum products constituted about 54% of energy demand in 2008 followed by natural gas (24%), electricity (18%) and coal and coke (4%) (see Chart 1).
In terms of demand by sector, the industrial sector dominated the energy use with 43% share, followed by transport (36%), residential and commercial (14%), non-energy use (6%) and agriculture (1%) (see Chart 2). In terms of volume, consumption increased by 51.2% from 29,699 kilo tonnes of oil equivalent (ktoe) in 2000 to 44,901 ktoe in 2008.
The transport sector was the main user of energy in 2000. However, in 2008, the industrial sector accounted for 43% of the total energy consumed, surpassing the transport sector at 36%. The main types of energy consumed by the transport sector were petrol and diesel. For the industrial sector, the main forms of energy used were gas and electricity. While the growing demand by the transport sector was matched by supply, industrial sector demand for gas increased at a much faster pace compared with supply.
The situation is especially perturbing in Peninsular Malaysia as more industry players, including those producing low value-added products, are switching to gas to make quick savings from a much cheaper gas price. Should we allow this to continue? And are we being fair to those industries which do not have access to piped gas? Attempts to address the gas supply shortage by temporarily re-allocating 100 million standard cu ft per day (mmscfd) of gas from the power sector to the industrial sector in 2009 has only enabled a fraction of the new demand being met. It is projected that an additional 100-200 mmscfd of gas is required every year until 2015 if demand for gas is to be met (see Graph 1).
Energy market in Malaysia is highly distorted. While petroleum products such as petrol and diesel are linked to market prices, gas prices and electricity tariffs are regulated by the Government.
Energy prices have also been used as a means to extend assistance to selected groups and to attract foreign direct investments. This is untenable. Such practices have also led to non-optimal allocation of resources and a host of other ill effects. For instance, the capping of gas prices below market level has caused a surge in demand for gas, particularly from industries. Although gas prices have been revised twice since 2008, the substantial difference between the regulated and “market” prices remained wide.
The temporary re-allocation of additional gas (in 2009) from the power sector to the industrial sector saw industries queuing to obtain gas either for expansion of existing operations or starting new ones. By March 2010, the additional gas to the industries has been snatched up.
Efforts to bring additional gas supply from abroad may be challenging and may not be attractive to industry players. How could we attract new gas suppliers – importing at higher market prices and yet selling at subsidised prices? Hence in meeting increasing demand as well as attracting new suppliers, the gas pricing-related issues need to be addressed.
We need to remind ourselves that our oil and gas resources are finite and non-replaceable. What we inherited from the earlier generation is also meant for the generation after us as they too have equal rights to these resources.
The era of cheap oil and gas is over. We need to accord proper value to our resources. Hence, for the future, gas should be utilised by strategic industries to produce high value-added products. Our domestic resources are depleting yet we are still selling them at subsidised rates. The nation needs to wean itself from subsidies. The longer we delay the move to market-based pricing, the more profound its impact on us later.
To entice more gas supplies to Peninsular Malaysia, gas prices have to transition in such a way that it could incentivise others to import. Indeed, optimal allocation of resources is best left to market forces to determine. Nevertheless, fair competition among industry players needs to be ensured.
Assistance to target groups, especially low-income groups and highly-promoted industries, needs to be extended in other forms besides energy prices. A new mechanism should be institutionalised to ensure that only selected target groups receive this assistance. Cash rebates and other fiscal incentives are options that could be considered for this purpose.
  • The writer is director-general of the Economic Planning Unit, Prime Minister’s Department.


  • Monday, March 15, 2010

    Going green with buildings

    Thestar: Saturday March 13, 2010

    By THEAN LEE CHENG and TEE LIN SAY

    starbizweek@thestar.com.my
    Goldis and Ken Holdings believe this is where property development is heading.
    THERE was a time some 20 years ago when being green was fashionable. Many felt it was just hype; like most passing fads, it would go away. It did not.
    Instead, being green took on different hues. While issues like forest degradation and saving turtles continue to matter, being green has taken on a new persona. It has gone corporate.
    GTower’s green rooftop. The grass is irrigated by harvested rain water. Inset: Colin Ng
    In the property sector, the green movement is making its mark on buildings. Two current examples are Goldis Bhd’s GTower, a Grade A++ office building in Jalan Tun Razak, and Ken Holdings Bhd’s Ken Bangsar, a serviced apartment on commercial land. Both are commercial developments. And there are others.
    GTower comprises an office and executive suites, a 180-room business hotel and a club that caters to its guests and tenants, while Ken Bangsar has over 80 units.
    Going green has been an exciting challenge and adventure for Goldis head of corporate investments Colin Ng and Ken Holdings managing director Kenny Tan as it involves not only the hardware but the software as well, such as sourcing for carpets and planter boxes made with recyclable materials.
    “We initially wanted to build an energy-efficient building and were advised to just ‘go green’ instead. The effect of this was the cost of glass used tripled, cost of air-conditioning system and lighting went up by a third each,” says Ng.
    Says Tan: “A green building always has higher value. This is the trend moving forward for property developers. Caring for the earth is a social responsibility of all parties.”
    There are five pillars to satisfy in order to get the coveted Green Mark award. Audits are done every two years. The pillars are:
    Energy efficiency
    This includes air-conditioning, heating and lighting. Air-conditioning takes up as much as 45% of commercial energy consumption. That part of the building which bears the greater heat from the sun will have more concrete and less glass.
    Incidentally, GTower is among the first to use double glaze which traps layers of air in between. This helps reduce noise pollution and heat.
    Generally, buildings relying more on natural lighting will use more glass. This means there will be greater usage of air-conditioning. To solve this, GTower advocated the use of an energy-efficient air-conditioning system which includes a chiller plant system.
    GTower will also have motion sensors in toilets and staircases. Lights will automatically switch on when sensors are activated by movements in these areas.
    Lobby and car parks will have photo sensors. Escalators and lifts will have dual mode systems in which escalators will operate on a slower speed when not in use. For parts of the building that gets direct heat from the sun, less glass is used.
    Ng says some of the lighting used is about RM200 a piece compared to non-energy saving ones priced at RM30 a piece.
    The company discovered that being green does not stop with the hardware. In order to get recognition from Singapore’s Green Mark scheme, carpets, timber, furniture and its fit-out had to be made from recyclable materials.
    For example, its timber deck is made up of timber and 60% rice husk. Some of its planter boxes are made from timber doors recycled by a Chinese company.
    The wooden strips on part of its club floor and walls come from the timber deck in Menara Tan & Tan. The buzzword, says Ng, is recycle and reuse.
    To reduce heat, the top of roofs will also be landscaped and some walls – or vertical greening – like the one in the lobby, will be embellished with real plants using an irrigation grid-like system from Canada.
    Over at Ken Bangsar, its key features includes the orientation and sunshade of the building, the type of paint used, the noise level and water consumption among others.
    Putting his engineering knowledge to use, Ken Holdings executive director Sam Tan created an air tunnel in the building’s lobby area to ensure a continuous cool environment.
    To save energy, motion sensors are used. As air conditioning makes up the bulk of energy usage in a household, Ken Bangsar used only multi-split inverters for its air conditioners to ensure 60% energy savings.
    Water efficiency
    Because of the country’s large amount of rainfall, GTower will harvest rain water to irrigate the landscaping and vertical greening. The idea is to reduce the use of potable water for its rooftop gardens. The company will also collect condensate water from its air-conditioning units.
    Ng also claims that GTower has water-efficient fittings in toilets, shower and pantries.
    Ken Bangsar is the first residential development to provide water closets (WCs) with eco-friendly and water-efficient built-in bidet seat covers. The penthouse units enjoy the luxury of the world’s most technologically advanced WC, the Toto Neorest, chalking up yet another first in the country.
    Site and project management
    GTower will also be linked to the light rail transit (LRT) line for the convenience of guests, and waste will be recycled. Says Ng: “Our proximity to the LRT is a green factor because we want to encourage our guests to reduce emission of carbon monoxide (CO). Our car parks will have special spaces for hybrid cars.”
    Like GTower, Ken Bangsar also boasts extensive landscaping. Right from the start, a sunk cost of RM500,000 was spent building a reinforced concrete wall to cover up two unsightly reservoirs as well as landscape the entire 200 metres along Ken Bangsar.
    Indoor environmental quality
    Goldis has also installed a system to monitor the level of CO in basement car parks. Once it exceeds a certain level, the system will pump fresh air into the basement car parks. It will also have a system to monitor the carbon dioxide inside the building.
    Innovative installations
    The Green Mark scheme also looks at other environment-friendly measures such as the use of salt chlorinators in swimming pools, the presence of a recycling corner and various other cooling systems.
    Ng says the cost of constructing GTower is marginally higher (15% more) than that of a non-green building. He says if the company had embarked on this project five years ago, the cost would have been lower.
    Kenny says developers are initially apprehensive about constructing green buildings as the cost of construction is easily 18% to 20% higher.
    Those that spearhead the movement may face challenges, like Ng, who had to source for fittings made from recycled materials from around the world, simply because Malaysia did not have them.
    Nevertheless, both companies went into it despite the challenges because they believe this is where the green movement is heading.

    Thursday, March 11, 2010

    HK-based Sun Bear to invest RM5.2b in Sabah plant

    Thestar: Thursday March 11, 2010

    By DANNY YAP

    danny@thestar.com.my KUALA LUMPUR: Hong Kong-based Sun Bear Solar Ltd, a global player in the solar energy industry, will be investing RM5.2bil in a solar glass manufacturing plant in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park, Sabah.
    Datuk Jalilah Baba says the project signifies another step taken by Malaysia to reduce its global carbon footprint.
    The first phase would cost RM2.2bil and involved the purchase of fixed assets, including the building of two glass manufacturing lines for the 300-acre plant, said Lee Judd, chairman of its wholly-owned subsidiary Sun Bear Sdn Bhd.
    “The second phase, costing RM3bil, will kick off six months later and involves the development of two larger glass manufacturing lines. The plant will be fully operational by the first quarter of 2012,” she said yesterday at a media briefing on the plant.
    Judd said Sabah was the ideal site for the plant because of the abundance of raw materials in the state for the manufacture of various types of glass, a critical component in the production of many value-added products such as solar panels.
    Moreover, Sabah also has good logistics and infrastructure, as well as manpower and expertise for the plant which potentially could be the largest glass manufacuring plant in the world over time.
    Malaysian Industrial Develoment Authority (Mida) director-general Datuk Jalilah Baba said Sun Bear initially approached Mida on the possibility of setting up the plant in Malaysia in 2007.
    “We worked closely and had many meetings over the past two years or so to provide Sun Bear the critical information it required, especially on the supply of raw materials,” she said.
    Jalilah said the new solar glass plant had the potential to create great spin-off benefits for the economy via the production of high-value innovative products, the introduction of new and advanced solar technologies and the creation of potential downstream industries in lighting, green buildings, home applications and solar heating.
    “The plant will create about 1,200 employment opportunities in the country,” she said, adding that there would also be a significant multiplier effect in income generation in various new fields that required special skills.
    Jalilah said the solar project signified another successful step taken by Malaysia to reduce its global carbon footprint.
    “The advancement of Malaysia’s renewable energy industry is no longer an option, but a necessity to transform the country into a high-income based economy,” she noted.
    Under the 10th Malaysia Plan, Malaysia targets to generate 217 MW peak from solar, thereby increasing its solar contribution to 1.5% from 0.0013% currently. (MW peak refers to the maximum energy obtained when the sun is strongest.)
    As a high-technology driven industry, solar manufacturing had the potential to contribute up to 4% of the country’s gross domestic product this year, said Jalilah.

    Green financing scheme

    Thestar: Thursday March 11, 2010

    KUALA LUMPUR: The Credit Guarantee Corp Malaysia Bhd (CGC) is teaming up with CIMB Bank to promote Green Technology Financing Scheme among producers and users of green technology.
    CIMB, the country’s second largest financial services provider, will finance up to RM150mil for the scheme while CGC has been mandated to provide 60% guarantee to borrowers. - Bernama

    Tuesday, March 9, 2010

    Green News in Businessweek

    Reading pleasure news from Green Bussinessweek,

    Thanks for visiting myGREENSAVOR. Appreciate to those following this blog to be in follower list.

    Regards.

    Thursday, March 4, 2010

    Teknologi Hijau Mainkan Peranan Penting Dalam Model Ekonomi Baharu

    Bernama: 26/11/2009

    KUALA LUMPUR, 26 Nov (Bernama) -- Teknologi hijau akan memainkan peranan yang penting dalam model ekonomi baharu kerana ia akan menjadi jentera pertumbuhan baharu negara ini, kata Menteri Tenaga, Teknologi Hijau dan Air Datuk Seri Peter Chin Fah Kui.

    "Perdana Menteri Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak mahu menggalakkan penggunaan teknologi hijau untuk mendorong pertumbuhan ekonomi dalam model ekonomi baharu.

    "Kami membincangkan tentang pertumbuhan hijau dan pembiayaan hijau dan bagaimana ia boleh dilakukan menerusi proses pembangunan hijau.

    "Berikutan perbincangan tersebut, kerajaan baru-baru ini telah mengumumkan peruntukan sejumlah RM1.5 bilion sebagai pinjaman kepada syarikat-syarikat yang membekalkan dan menggunakan teknologi hijau.

    "Bilangan syarikat mungkin tidak banyak, tetapi jika ramai yang menggunakannya dari industri ini, saya yakin RM1.5 bilion itu akan ditambah.

    "Teknologi hijau boleh menjadi pemangkin untuk mendorong industri," katanya kepada pemberita selepas merasmikan Pameran dan Persidangan Teknologi Hijau dan Produk Eko Antarabangsa di sini Khamis.

    Chin berkata inisiatif ini diambil untuk mempercepatkan pembangunan teknologi hijau.

    Beliau berkata kerajaan akan mengambil langkah untuk mempromosi Malaysia sebagai hab teknologi hijau dan perkhidmatan berkaitan.

    "Melihat kepada pertumbuhan kita dalam industri hijau, kita patut melihat banyak perubahan di bawah Rancangan Malaysia Ke-11.

    "Teknologi hijau akan menjadi fokus ekonomi kita. Walau apa yang anda lakukan, kereta anda akan lebih efisyen, kita akan ada lebih banyak kereta elektrik dan hybrid.

    "Pemaju perumahan akan membina lebih banyak rumah hijau apabila orang ramai menyedari kepentingan teknologi hijau," katanya.

    Mengenai Persidangan Antarabangsa Teknologi Hijau dan Produk Eko, Chin berkata ia akan menjadi wadah ke arah perlaksanaan Dasar Teknologi Hijau Kebangsaan.

    "Kerajaan percaya ini adalah hala tuju ke arah alam sekitar lestari dan untuk mencipta budaya perniagaan untuk pertumbuhan ekonomi yang berterusan," katanya.

    Persidangan empat hari itu, dengan tema "A Green New Deal", bertujuan mempromosi industri teknologi hijau yang akan membantu menjana ekonomi, mencipta peluang pekerjaan, menghapuskan kemiskinan dan mengelakkan bencana alam.

    Persidangan itu akan diadakan bermula 14 hingga 17 Okt 2010 di Pusat Konvensyen Kuala Lumpur.

    -- BERNAMA

    Wednesday, March 3, 2010

    Malaysia Announces Conditional 40 Per Cent Cut In Emissions


    From Mokhtar Hussein

    COPENHAGEN, Dec 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysia has agreed to reduce its carbon dioxide emission to 40 per cent by the year 2020 compared to the 2005 levels subject to assistance from developed countries.

    Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the cut was conditional on receiving the transfer of technology and adequate financing from the developed world.

    "I would like to announce here in Copenhagen that Malaysia is adopting an indicator of a voluntary reduction of up to 40 per cent in terms of emissions intensity of GDP (gross domestic product) by the year 2020 compared to 2005 levels," he said in his speech at the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 here, on Thursday,

    United Nations data shows Malaysia's carbon emissions in 2006 stood at 187 million tonnes or 7.2 tonnes from each Malaysian.
    Najib also said that Malaysia was committed to ensure at least half of its land area remained as forests as pledged at the Rio Summit.

    "Currently our national natural forests and agriculture crop plantations cover 75 per cent of the country's land area," he said during the 15th Conference of Parties (COP15).

    Stressing the importance of the Kyoto Protocol, Najib said developed countries which were not party to it should take steps in reducing carbon emissions as agreed to in the Bali Action Plan.

    "Malaysia calls on the developed countries to collectively commit in Copenhagen to an aggregate reduction of 49 per cent by 2017 compared to the 1990 levels," he said.

    Describing the task to combat climate change as a "Herculean endeavour," the Prime Minister said the key element to future cooperation was to recognise, adopt and work out the realisation of the fair principles of equity to the atmospheric space and resource.

    "At the same time, we must have ambitious environmental aspirations.

    Combining these two factors will be essential for success.... in Copenhagen and thereafter," he said.

    Najib also said there should be transparency and fairness and that any decision or outcome must arise from the negotiations in which all countries participated.

    "Any document that is placed into the process in a unilateral manner would be counter productive and risks the failure of Copenhagen. This would be a catastrophe that our mother earth can ill afford," he said.

    Najib also described the proposed US$10 billion fast track funding as "mere pittance" and inadequate saying that studies had revealed that developing countries required long-term financing of at least US$800 billion a year for purposes of adaptation and mitigation of climate change.

    He then called on the developed nations to commit US$200 billion per year by 2012 on the way to the US$800 billion per year required thereafter.

    He said if a more accurate temperature rise target of 1.5 degrees centigrade was to be adopted, the funding required by developing countries could be as high as US$1.5 trillion annually.

    "Indeed, if we think about it, this is not too high when compared to the many trillions of dollars recently used in bailing out banks and companies," he said.

    Najib also suggested that the developed nations should commit to cut their emissions by well over 100 per cent compared to the proposed 80 percent cut.

    He said if developed countries cut their emissions by 80 per cent, it would imply a cut of 20 per cent by developing countries in absolute terms and a cut of 60 per cent per capita because of population growth.

    "This was an almost impossible task given the imperative of high economic growth. Therefore the developed countries have to commit to cut their emissions by well over 100 per cent.

    "In other words they need to have negative emissions so that the developing countries will still have some carbon space," he said.

    Najib also expressed concern on the threat of trade protection under the guise of addressing climate change.

    "For Copenhagen to succeed there must be a clear statement that developed countries shall not take trade related measures such as carbon tariffs and border adjustment measures against the product, services and investments of developing countries.

    "Otherwise, we would have a totally unacceptable situation where developed countries give one dollar with one hand and remove 10 dollars with the other," he said.

    More than 100 world leaders are attending the summit which saw demonstrations outside the Bella Centre, the venue of the conference which began Dec 7.

    Najib had earlier said that he hoped world leaders would at least give their political commitment in the efforts to save the Planet if a legally-binding agreement could not be achieved during the Copenhagen talks which will end Friday.

    -- BERNAMA

    UPDATE 1-Malaysia Tenaga sees power demand up 3 pct in FY2010

    Reuter: 14 Dec 2009 22:25:39 PST
    * Tenaga sees 3 pct rise in power demand in FY2010-CEO
    * Commercial demand saw big jump in Oct-Dec -CEO
    * Tariffs revision hinges on government's call on gas price
    KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 15 - Malaysia's largest power firm Tenaga Nasional expects power demand in the country to rise 3 percent in the financial year 2010 to August as the economy bounces back from a recession, the company's chief executive said.
    The Southeast Asian country's electricity demand for the three months to December was already up by more than 3 percent from a year ago, Che Khalib Mohamad told a news conference after the company's annual shareholder meeting on Tuesday.
    Power demand from commercial and domestic customers grew substantially during the three months, with demand from commercial customers, such as shopping complexes, offices and hotels, growing by almost 6 percent, he said.
    "Based on our current estimates, power demand will grow 3 percent" in fiscal year 2010, said Che Khalib.
    Power demand shrank 2.6 percent in the fiscal year 2009 to August, the company said.
    The economy is expected to expand by 2 to 3 percent next year after shrinking by 3 percent this year, according to government forecasts.
    The energy minister last week said it was studying a request by Tenaga to raise electricity tariffs. The cabinet in July rejected a proposal for a 4.9 percent price hike.
    The government has said it will review the price of natural gas, a key fuel source for Tenaga, as well as the power tariffs Tenaga charges its customers every six months under a new fuel cost regime.
    State oil firm Petronas supplies natural gas to Tenaga at a subsidised price. Natural gas accounts for about 60 percent of Tenaga's total fuel costs.
    Shares in Tenaga fell 0.9 percent by the midday break. The wider market was down 0.1 percent. The stock has gained 36 percent in 2009, lagging the benchmark stock index's 44 percent rise.

    Bernama - TNB Expects Power Demand To Average Minus Two Pct In 2009


    News - PLF In The News
    20 August 2009
    Bernama
    KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) expects demand for electricity to average at minus two percent this financial year from an earlier projection of minus 3.5 percent.
    This followed higher demand in June and July, said president and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Che Khalib Mohamad Noh.
    Demand dropped by only 2.3 percent in June, he told reporters on the sidelines of the Perdana Leadership Foundation Industry Insights Seminar 2009 here on Thursday.
    TNB had earlier reported a peak demand this year of 14,029 megawatts (MW) on June 17, but Che Khalib said the last couple of days had seen demand rising up to 14,200 MW. In 2008, the peak demand was at 14,007 MW.
    "In the current scenario, our demand has gone up. We see significant demand from the steel industry which had gone full swing, the cement industry and also hotels and shopping complexes," he said.
    The domestic sector saw between five and six percent increase in electricity demand in the last two months, with that of the commercial sector up by four percent while the industrial sector, which had registered negative growth last year, was now seeing positive demand.
    Asked on its effect on the group's profitability for the current financial year ending August, Che Khalib said net profit would still not be better than last year.
    "Net profit is not better as we had been hurt by the exchange rate while operating profit is not bad, not better than last year but better than we expected," he said.
    Earlier, in his presentation at the seminar on "Challenges and Opportunities in Malaysia's Energy Sector", Che Khalib touched on the sustainability of the sector.
    Among others, he said TNB wanted the government to revisit the policy on natural gas export as the country was still facing gas shortage.
    At the same time, another energy substitute, coal, also posed a challenge as the resource had to be imported but its prices were currently high, Che Khalib said.
    To raise its renewable energy capacity, he said TNB would be looking at tapping the hydro resources in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak for the long term.
    Che Khalib also urged the government to be selective on the kind of foreign direct investments (FDIs) coming into the countries as to whether the projects are energy-efficient.
    He said that some projects such as aluminium and cement making consumed a lot of energy.
    -- BERNAMA

    Malaysia Wants to be the Region's Green Energy Hub

     From: Innovation Norge, 2009

    Malaysia is keen to become the centre for green energy in the region.
    The solar power sector is earmarked by the Malaysian Industrial Development Agency (Mida), the foreign investment agency in Malaysia, as a new source of growth for the economy. To promote investment in this sector, Mida offers incentives for companies embarking on this business in Malaysia.
     
    Up till June 2009, Malaysia has attracted more than RM 12 billion in investments from the solar photovoltaic industry through foreign direct investments. The following foreign players have set up their production facilities in Malaysia:
    • Q-Cells AG from Germany is setting up a cell production plant in Selangor (in central-west of the peninsular) with a total capacity of 520 MWp.
    • First Solar Inc., from the USA - production from its four plants in Kulim, Kedah (in north-western of the peninsular) is expected to reach 790 MW of solar module by late 2009, representing more than 70% of First Solar's worldwide capacity.
    • SunPower Corp., also from the USA, is setting up its solar cell fabrication plant in Melaka, in south-western of the peninsular. The plant will be able to produce up to 1.000 MW of solar power modules when completed in 2010.
    Green Initiatives are Catching Up PoliticallyMalaysia's energy demand may reach the equivalent of 74 million tonnes of oil a year by 2020, while electricity usage growth could be as high as 6,1% annually.
    Ensuring the sustainability of energy supply is important, as underined in the 9th Malaysia Plan, a 5-year development plan that will end in 2010 (the 10th Malaysia Plan will take effect in 2011). From inculcating an energy-efficiency culture to designing buildings that optimise energy usage, the Malaysian Government will be adopting measures to reduce wastage by enhacing energy efficiency.
    The newly established Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry is now making a stand to promote green technology. The National Green Technology policy, which was launched this July, is set to promote low carbon technology and ensure sustainable development. Also, an Energy Efficiency Master Plan is being worked out by the Ministry to meet its mandate. Collaboration with overseas universities on green technology will also be explored.
    ...and CommerciallyPerak, a state in north-western peninsular, will become the first state in Malaysia to adopt the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for solar energy. Expected to be implemented in 2011, PPA, a financial scheme first introduced in the USA - allows users capital-free access to solar equipment over a long-term contract to buy electricity at a fixed price lower than that charged by utility companies. The Red Solar (M) Sdn Bhd, the local company behind this PPA arragement, targets to produce 100MW of PhotoVoltaic cells per annum by 2011.
    On the construction industry's front, the Malaysia Institute of Architects (PAM) and Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM) has developed the Green Building Index this January, which incorporates recognised practices in environmental design and performance that will serve to promote environmentally-friendly buildings in Malaysia.
    A property-developing company in Malaysia, Sime Darby, has embarked on developing Energy Efficiency (EE) and sustainable townships. 13.200 houses currently under construction in its two townships will be equipped with EE building materials, such as solar power heating and energy-saving light bulbs.

    Source: theStar, New Straits Times, Corporate websites of Q-Cells, First Solar and SunPower

    Tuesday, March 2, 2010

    UPDATE 1-Petronas sees delay in Malaysia's oil importer status

    Reuter: Thu Jun 5, 2008 9:59am EDT

    (Adds details, quotes)
    KUALA LUMPUR, June 5 (Reuters) - Malaysia's recent petrol price increase is expected to delay the country from becoming a net oil importer by 2011, state oil firm Petronas PETR.UL said on Thursday.
    "It will be postponed if the demand does not grow at the rate that it should grow," Chief Executive Mohd Hassan Merican was quoted as saying by state news agency Bernama.
    He added: "If the rate is reduced from six percent (demand growth annually) to four percent, it will be extended by three to four years to 2014 or 2015."
    Malaysia raised petrol prices by 41 percent on Wednesday and the government has said it will start using global market rates for fuel in August to prevent subsidies from eating up a third of its budget.
    The government would save 4 billion Malaysian ringgit ($1.23 billion) on fuel subsidies and twice as much by raising the price of natural gas.
    But Malaysia is a net oil exporter and earns 250 million ringgit a year in revenue for every $1 rise in crude prices.
    Mohd Hassan said for Malaysia to become a net importer, domestic demand in the country should outpace the domestic production.
    "We will still produce for a few years but our production may not be sufficient to meet domestic demand so we become net importer," he said. (Reporting by Niluksi Koswanage; Editing by James Jukwey)

    Pusat Teknologi Hijau Nasional dibentuk


    KUALA LUMPUR: Atas kesedaran bahawa teknologi hijau berpotensi menjadi sektor penting dalam pembangunan ekonomi, kerajaan telah mencadangkan untuk menstruktur semula Pusat Tenaga Malaysia sebagai Pusat Teknologi Hijau Nasional.

    Semasa mengumumkan perkara itu di sini hari ini, Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Razak, berkata Pusat Teknologi Hijau yang baru diwujudkan itu akan bertanggungjawab untuk merumuskan pelan tindakan teknologi hijau negara.

    "Pusat ini akan berfungsi sebagai pusat tumpuan bagi menetapkan piawaian dan menggalakkan teknologi hijau. Bagi meningkatkan kegiatan kesedaran hijau dan mengamalkan gaya hidup mesra alam sekitar, peruntukan sebanyak RM20 juta akan disediakan," katanya ketika membentangkan Bajet 2010 di Dewan Rakyat.
    Najib yang juga Menteri Kewangan dalam ucapan sulung pembentangan Bajet selama 90 minit itu berkata, kerajaan juga akan menganjurkan pameran antarabangsa mengenai teknologi hijau pada April 2010 yang dijangka akan menarik pakar dan syarikat terkemuka dalam teknologi hijau.

    Beliau berkata, kerajaan juga berhasrat untuk membangunkan Putrajaya dan Cyberjaya sebagai perbandaran perintis dalam Teknologi Hijau bagi mempamerkan pembangunan perbandaran yang lain.

    Katanya, Bajet 2010 juga akan memberi keutamaan kepada produk dan perkhidmatan mesra alam sekitar yang mematuhi piawaian teknologi hijau dalam pemerolehan kerajaan.
    "Bagi menggalakkan teknologi hijau, kerajaan akan mewujudkan dana berjumlah RM1.5 bilion. Dana ini akan menyediakan pinjaman mudah kepada syarikat-syarikat yang membekal dan menggunakan teknologi hijau.

    "Bagi pembekal, pinjaman maksimum sehingga RM50 juta dan bagi syarikat-syarikat pengguna RM10 juta. Kerajaan akan menanggung dua peratus daripada jumlah kadar faedah," katanya.

    Sebagai tambahan, Perdana Menteri berkata kerajaan akan menyediakan jaminan 60 peratus bagi jumlah pinjaman dengan baki 40 peratus oleh institusi kewangan.

    Katanya, permohonan pinjaman boleh dibuat melalui Pusat Teknologi Hijau Nasional dan skim itu akan bermula pada 1 Januari 2010 dan dijangka memberi faedah kepada 140 buah syarikat.
    Dalam menggalakkan bangunan hijau, Najib berkata pemilik bangunan yang mendapat Indeks Bangunan Hijau (GBI) dari 24 Oktober, 2009 sehingga 31 Disember, 2014 akan mendapat pengecualian cukai yang menyamai dengan perbelanjaan modal tambahan dalam mendapatkan sijil seperti itu.

    GBI ialah indeks rating hijau mengenai bangunan-bangunan mesra alam sekitar yang menjimatkan kos utiliti dan mengekalkan kualiti alam sekitar.

    Najib juga mengumumkan bahawa pembeli bangunan dengan sijil GBI daripada pemaju akan diberikan pengecualian duti setem untuk instrumen pindah milik.

    Jumlah pengecualian itu menyamai dengan kos tambahan yang terbabit dalam mendapatkan sijil GBI dan pengecualian itu akan diberi kepada para pembeli yang melaksanakan perjanjian jual beli dari 24 Oktober 2009 sehingga 31 Disember, 2014. - Bernama

    Monday, March 1, 2010

    DiGi akan labur RM100j bagi program Deep Green

    Berita Harian: 1, Mac 2010.

    Oleh Shahrizan Salian
    shahrizan@bharian.com.my

    DIGI Telecommunications Sdn Bhd (DiGi) akan melabur sehingga RM100 juta dalam tempoh dua tahun akan datang untuk program Deep Green iaitu bagi membangunkan opsyen tenaga boleh diperbaharui dalam operasinya.

    Pelaburan berkenaan sejajar matlamat syarikat untuk memastikan operasinya dapat mengurangkan pelepasan gas karbon dioksida sebanyak 50 peratus menjelang 2012.

    Operasi DiGi melepaskan gas terbabit menerusi penggunaan tenaga yang sangat tinggi, yang mana bidang telekomunikasi dan teknologi maklumat (ICT) dikenal pasti sebagai antara penyumbang utama pelepasan gas karbon dioksida di bumi.

    Laporan menyebut sektor telekomunikasi dan teknologi maklumat akan mengatasi sektor penerbangan sebagai penyumbang utama pelepasan gas karbon dioksida ke muka bumi.
    Ketua Tanggungjawab Korporat DiGi, Vimal Kumar, berkata syarikat akan membelanjakan peruntukan itu untuk mencari penyelesaian terhadap cara meminimumkan penggunaan tenaga dalam operasinya.

    Katanya, program berkenaan akan diperluaskan kepada semua pihak yang merangkumi pekerja syarikat, pengguna perkhidmatannya dan masyarakat umum.

    “Kami akan menggerakkan program ini sehingga 2012 yang mana sepanjang tempoh itu DiGi akan membelanjakan antara RM50 juta hingga RM100 juta bagi mencari opsyen tenaga boleh diperbaharui yang sesuai,” katanya ketika ditemui di Shah Alam, baru-baru ini.

    Buat permulaan, Vimal berkata syarikat menjalin kerjasama dengan Partners of Communities Organization (Pacos), sebuah badan bukan kerajaan (NGO) untuk membangunkan opsyen tenaga boleh diperbaharui di Kampung Lumpagas, Sabah.
    Katanya, DiGi membelanjakan RM90,000 untuk membantu Pacos melaksanakan projek mikro hidro di penempatan berkenaan yang kemudian akan dijadikan penyelesaian kepada tenaga boleh diperbaharui.