This article first appeared in City & Country, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on December 30, 2024 - January 12, 2025

Being environmentally conscious is becoming more important now than ever, as climate change and resource depletion become increasingly pressing issues. Large corporations are being held accountable and governments are required to set net zero emission targets, yet it is not enough to reverse the effects of climate change and the damage it has done to our environment.

The National Climate Change Policy 2.0 report, which was published in September this year, states that Malaysia’s greenhouse gas emission has increased from 250 million tonnes of CO2eq (carbon dioxide equivalent) in 2005 to 330.4 million tonnes of CO2eq in 2019.

Undoubtedly, the property development and construction sectors are one of the highest contributors of carbon emissions in the country, emitting about 40% of Malaysia’s carbon footprint. Although efforts have been made by developers and contractors to reduce emissions including using more environmentally friendly construction materials and equipping projects with energy-efficient features, these initiatives are only for newly built and upcoming developments.

Then comes the question of what happens to older developments built 20 to 30 years ago? In the local scene, we have seen developers, architects and other creatives retrofit these spaces into green buildings. Homeowners, on the other hand, can opt to green remodel their homes, a practice that is slowly taking shape in Malaysia.

To further understand what it takes to green remodel a home, City & Country reached out to experts — Kuee Architecture principal architect and Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) member Shyuan Kuee as well as GreenRE Sdn Bhd senior assessor Nur Fateha Jamaluddin and marketing manager Juanita Lourdes — for their insights.

According to Nur Fateha, green remodelling refers to the process of upgrading or renovating homes with an emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency and eco-friendly materials.

“As more people are seeking ways to reduce their environmental footprint, their own homes are an excellent place to start. This approach focuses on reducing waste, conserving energy and water as well as using materials that are non-toxic and renewable,” she says.

While other parts of the world have been widely adopting green remodelling practices, Kuee says it is important to incorporate only features that are suitable for the country’s climate.

As such, Kuee, Juanita and Nur Fateha have put together a list of some of the energy-efficient technologies and designs suitable for Malaysian homes. In terms of passive design strategies, Juanita says the orientation and ventilation path of a home is important, as they determine how much natural lighting and ventilation it gets. For older homes that were not built with these in mind, she suggests positioning windows and doors in a way that maximises cross-ventilation, which reduces reliance on air conditioning.

Kuee concurs, adding that air flow in the house can also be maximised by installing naco windows,  louvres, vents or even grills for added safety.

To block direct sunlight while also allowing in daylight, Juanita says shading devices such as overhangs, louvred screens or awnings will do the trick. Installing reflective or insulated roofing materials minimises heat absorption, keeping indoor temperatures cooler, while cool or green roofs provide additional insulation and reduce heat build-up. In addition, using energy-efficient low-emissivity (Low-E) glass for windows reduces heat gain, improving thermal comfort and energy efficiency, she adds.

In terms of energy-efficient strategies, Juanita says lighting can significantly reduce energy consumption and costs in Malaysian homes. Replacing traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs with LED lighting is a simple, yet effective, upgrade, as LEDs consume far less energy and have a much longer lifespan, she says.

“To further conserve energy, motion sensors can be installed in less-used spaces such as bathrooms and storerooms, ensuring lights are only on when needed. Incorporating daylight integration features such as skylights or light tubes allows natural light to illuminate interior spaces during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting,” she adds.

Energy-efficient appliances also play a key role in reducing household energy consumption and costs. Juanita says: “Opting for energy star-rated appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines and air conditioners, ensures that these devices operate with higher energy efficiency, consuming less power while delivering optimal performance.

“Inverter air conditioners are another excellent choice, as they use advanced technology to adjust cooling output based on demand, consuming significantly less energy than traditional units. Incorporating smart-home systems, such as automated thermostats and lighting controls, allows homeowners to monitor and manage energy usage more effectively.”

Solar energy offers an alternative solution for sustainable electricity and heating in Malaysian homes. Installing photovoltaic (PV) systems takes advantage of the country’s abundant sunlight to generate clean electricity, reducing reliance on the grid. Solar water heaters provide an energy-efficient alternative to electric water heaters, using solar energy to heat water and significantly cutting down energy consumption, Juanita explains.

Efficient cooling systems are also essential for minimising energy use. She elaborates that ceiling fans serve as an energy-efficient alternative or supplement to air conditioning, reducing cooling costs. Natural ventilation, such as operable windows and stack ventilation, allows hot air to be expelled naturally.

Landscaping can also play a significant role in energy efficiency. Features such as green walls and vertical gardens help reduce the heat island effect by cooling the surrounding environment, while planting more trees and shrubs provides natural shading, lowering indoor temperatures and improving comfort.

For busy individuals and families, Juanita recommends monitoring systems to optimise household energy consumption for control and insights into their usage patterns. “Smart meters allow homeowners to track energy usage in real time, while Home Energy Management Systems automate energy adjustments based on consumption patterns, ensuring efficient use of resources.”

On how green remodelling can be different from conventional renovation methods, Kuee says green remodelling has higher upfront costs but long-term savings, and focuses on recycling material and minimising landfill waste. In addition, the planning and management of green remodelling projects require more effort and experience.

Juanita concurs and adds that green remodelling reduces energy and water bills through efficient appliances, proper insulation and renewable energy installations.

In contrast, conventional renovations generally involve lower upfront costs because they rely on standard materials and processes. “These savings can be short-lived, however, as the less energy-efficient designs and materials used in conventional renovations often lead to higher utility bills and more frequent replacements over time,” Juanita explains.

Durability and material choices also set green remodelling apart from conventional methods. Green remodelling prioritises high-quality, durable materials such as bamboo, reclaimed wood or recycled steel, which are designed to last longer and require less maintenance. It also incorporates non-toxic, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints and finishes that promote healthier indoor air quality, she explains.

Conventional renovations, on the other hand, often use cheaper materials that may not last as long and could require frequent replacements, Juanita says. “These materials may also contain chemicals that have a negative impact on indoor air quality, making green remodelling a healthier and more sustainable long-term choice.”

Although green remodelling poses higher upfront costs, there are cost-effective ways to incorporate energy-efficient features into homes.

Kuee says: “Always start small, according to your budget. Then, look for green remodelling-related subsidies from the government or other bodies. The ultimate cost-effective and environmentally friendly way is to be more creative and innovative by using recycled materials to build simple things like feature walls.”

Similarly, Juanita says homeowners can start by installing enough panels to cover basic energy needs, such as lighting or heating water, and gradually expand the system as budgets allow. Adding on to what Kuee says, Juanita is also of the view that homeowners can take advantage of incentives and tax credit from the government, to reduce solar panel installation costs.

Elaborating on that point, Nur Fateha says: “The incentives offered by the government are only for companies, not individuals. But some local authorities such as the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) offer tax rebates for green homes.”

In April, MBPJ launched the assessment tax rebate campaign for homeowners who adopt environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions at home. Eligible homeowners of individual properties, for example, who have no tax arrears with the council received a tax rebate of up to RM500.

Apart from that, Tenaga Nasional Bhd (KL:TENAGA) introduced the Solar For Rakyat Incentive Scheme (SolaRIS) in March this year. The scheme was launched by the government to attract new installations of PV systems among homeowners to increase the renewable energy capacity to 70% by 2050 and to reduce carbon emissions.

For further savings, Juanita says, choosing grid-tied solar systems without battery storage initially can lower expenses since these systems are less costly compared to those with energy storage.

“Also, before investing in solar panels, it is important to insulate and optimise energy efficiency in your home. Maximising energy efficiency through insulation, sealing and the use of efficient appliances can reduce overall energy demands, which in turn decreases the size and cost of the solar system needed. Using high-performance insulation materials helps maintain indoor temperatures, and upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors prevents energy loss and further enhances efficiency.”

While the importance of green construction has been increasingly emphasised, Kuee says many still think “green remodelling is ineffective and unnecessary”.

Juanita says many may not fully understand green building practices, technologies or their long-term benefits, which can lead to hesitation or poor decisions. “Resistance to change is another barrier, as homeowners or family members may be hesitant to adopt new systems or practices, such as smart-home technologies or water-saving fixtures.

“These barriers can be resolved through education and demonstration by explaining the financial and environmental benefits of green upgrades, supported by clear data or real-world examples. To make the transition smoother, user-friendly technologies and designs should be chosen, and changes can be introduced gradually — for example, starting with a few low-flow faucets before replacing all fixtures in the home.”

Juanita says homeowners can also consult professionals such as architects, designers or contractors who specialise in green building.

Another common challenge, she says, is the limited availability of sustainable materials. Some eco-friendly materials may not be readily available locally, causing higher costs or project delays. To overcome this challenge, she suggests that homeowners prioritise local sourcing by choosing materials that are both sustainable and locally available. Alternatively, affordable and widely available eco-friendly options, such as bamboo flooring or recycled steel, can serve as effective substitutes.

Lastly, uncertainty about the return on investment (ROI) can make homeowners sceptical about green remodelling. Many are unsure about the tangible benefits or payback period of eco-friendly upgrades, Juanita says.

“A professional energy audit can help identify potential savings and areas for improvement. Detailed cost estimates, using tools such as calculators or software, can forecast energy and financial savings for specific upgrades. Highlighting the impact of green features on a property’s resale value can also reassure homeowners that these investments enhance marketability and long-term value,” she advises.

Successful green remodelling projects in Malaysia include the Sekeping Retreats series by landscape architect Ng Sek San, says Kuee.

“Ng and his team have taken over some old properties and turned them into great examples of green modelling of houses. By adopting natural lighting, maximising natural ventilation, using recycled materials and introducing appropriate vegetation in the house compound, he has built some of the most attractive tropical living abodes in the country.”

Nur Fateha cites the example of the Women’s Aid Organization Shelter Home by Veritas Design Group.

Previously a house built in the 1960s, the shelter was struck by lightning and partly destroyed by fire. The design idea was to keep portions of the old structure for the administration zone and create two-storey annexes for the residential zone. In between the administration and residential zones, there is a green courtyard that serves as a communal space.

Overall, the design concept of the shelter focuses on passive and active cooling strategies, recycled material and optimised use of renewable energy, Nur Fateha says. The Women’s Aid Organization Shelter Home is the first child care centre in the country to be Platinum-certified by GreenRE.

These insights show that green remodelling does not have to be complicated. It requires one small step to make a larger change for the future.

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