In the heart of Malaysia, where the sun’s rays are a daily companion and the winds whisper through lush landscapes, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) is casting a future rooted in sustainability. Imagine waking up to a world where energy is not just abundant but also sustainable, where every flick of a switch supports a healthier planet. This is the vision we are tirelessly working towards, driven by a deep sense of responsibility to the environment and society.
Solar panels stretch across vast fields, absorbing the bright Malaysian sunlight, while wind turbines gracefully spin in the breeze. Hydroelectric plants harness the power of flowing rivers. These renewable energy projects symbolise TNB’s commitment to reducing carbon footprints and driving the nation towards clean energy.
The ambition behind TNB’s sustainable energy initiatives is reflected in our large-scale renewable projects as well as in the innovative design of their headquarters, TNB Platinum, where every detail serves a purpose. Completed in 2022, TNB Platinum is more than a workplace—it’s a living example of what sustainable architecture can achieve.
Located on a 13.6-acre site in Kuala Lumpur, TNB Platinum is a green oasis in the city. As reported by The Edge, The development features an arboretum forest with more than 1,380 forest plants, enveloping about 51% of the area. These plants form a multi-layer canopy that is carefully monitored for plant coverage, moisture, and nutrient levels. The tree species were specifically selected for their bird-attracting characteristics, which provide natural pest control and reduce the need for chemical interventions. Among the greenery are four office buildings that progressively step down from a 19-storey peak to the two-storey convention centre, named in honour of a former Tenaga chairman, Tan Sri Leo Moggie.
Water conservation is another important aspect of TNB Platinum’s design. The building integrates advanced water management systems, including rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and condensate recovery systems. These systems are designed to maximise water efficiency throughout the site, ensuring that both consumption and sustainability are carefully balanced. Educational signage around the premises not only helps visitors appreciate the importance of these systems but also deepens their understanding of the local flora, fostering a stronger connection with environmental conservation efforts.
TNB Platinum epitomises a commitment to the overall well-being of its employees, not just in design but also in shaping workplace culture and future workplace development, a crucial foundation to achieve TNB’s sustainability pathway goal of net zero emissions by 2050. Employees are also contributing to the site’s community garden, which is adorned with arches and netting to provide shelter from harsh weather while serving as climbing poles for vines and creepers. The garden features over 10 species of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, which employees are free to take and exchange.
The landscape design also includes extensive planting frames that harness the prevailing winds to naturally cool the buildings, which helps reduce air-conditioning costs by approximately 20%. The lush green areas are strategically placed to lower surface temperatures by up to 7 degrees Celsius. With around 50% of the site dedicated to green soft landscaping, the area acts as a natural heat exchange, allowing the winds to cool the ambient temperature as they pass through the site.
In addition, the choice of tree species with broad canopies was meticulously planned to create shaded areas that offer a respite from the heat, while still allowing sunlight to filter through. These shaded areas not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also contribute to reducing the ambient air temperature. The use of light-coloured pavements throughout the site further reduces the overall heat island effect, reflecting heat and helping to create a cooler microclimate by up to 20% compared with darker pavements. To enhance the educational experience, the plant species across the site have been labelled for visitors and employees alike to learn more about the local flora.[Source: The Edge Malaysia]
Recognising Excellence in Sustainability
These comprehensive efforts in sustainability have led TNB to being honoured with the Gold Award for Landscape Design at The Edge Malaysia-ILAM Sustainable Landscape Awards 2024, which reflects the meaningful impact of our green initiatives.
TNB integrates sustainability into its operations, from renewable energy initiatives to the design and function of its headquarters. TNB Platinum HQ Campus was designed to fulfill Green Building Index as Platinum rated building. TNB Platinum is re-assessed every three years to maintain GBI rating and ensure that the TNB Platinum is well-maintained. TNB Platinum’s Green Building Index (GBI) Platinum certification is a clear indicator of our dedication to green building practices. The design and landscaping of TNB Platinum not only meet the highest environmental standards but also contribute to the well-being of the employees and the surrounding community.
As we continue its journey towards sustainability, we remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The Gold Award is both a milestone and a motivation for TNB to continue driving the way in ESG practices. To read a feature on TNB Platinum, head over to The Edge Malaysia.
Celebrating this golden triumph, we welcome everyone to join in the journey towards a future where we can build a world where our energy choices today ensure a healthier tomorrow for all.
[Source: The Edge Malaysia]