More buildings in KL start to show gains in energy efficiency
UFMI has retrofitted the commercial buildings of Uptown 1, Uptown 2 and Wisma Goldhill in Kuala Lumpur to streamline its energy consumption.
MORE Corporations worldwide are starting to show off their green credentials in the context of increasing public awareness on global warming and environmentalism.
The race to become greener often starts with energy efficiency in the workplace. After all, becoming more energy efficient has the dual impact of reducing a business’ carbon footprint and lowering their overhead costs.
The office buildings that dominate Kuala Lumpur’s skyline utilise large amounts of energy on a daily basis. With average electricity rates going up by 15% this year, businesses have made it their priority to streamline their energy consumption in order to remain competitive.
Building owners and corporations are looking for facilities management companies with ISO 50001 Energy Management Systems to help them integrate energy efficiency measures into their buildings as a value-added service
Uptown FM International Sdn Bhd (UFMI), a subsidiary of See Hoy Chan Sdn Bhd, has repositioned itself to meet this changing trend. Leading the way towards a sustainable future, UFMI has become the first facilities management company in the country certified with the international ISO 50001 standard for energy management system by certification company SGS, and Japan Accreditation Board (JAB) accreditation.
“We chose to implement the ISO 50001 framework because it is internationally recognised as one of the most rigorous standards for energy management. With this system, we are leading the way in the facilities management industry for more energy efficient practices. Buildings or facilities with high energy consumption are able to reap benefits from our effort to continuously improve energy efficiency,” says UFMI senior vice president Gavin Chong.
UFMI has retrofitted the commercial buildings of Uptown 1, Uptown 2 and Wisma Goldhill in Kuala Lumpur to streamline their energy consumption. As air-conditioning systems and lighting take up the bulk of electricity usage in buildings, energy optimisation in these areas has become UFMI’s main priority.
“Since April last year, we have made energy savings of between 10% and 15% in the buildings we manage. The savings we gain are passed directly to the building owners, substantially reducing operating costs and ultimately increasing their competitive edge,” says Chong.
In the context of corporate tenants aiming to reduce the environmental impact of doing business, ISO 50001 certification also boosts the desirability and image of commercial buildings.
“When a corporation takes up residence in an ISO 50001 certified office building, they are ensuring a greener workplace. It sends a message to their stakeholders that they are committed to sustainability and saving energy,” adds Chong.
Electricity consumption is expected to grow by 3.5% to 4.5% over the next five years, with economic growth spurring demand. It is imperative now that corporations, as one of the key consumers of energy, continue to pave the way for the efficient use of energy and more sustainable growth.
The See Hoy Chan group has a long history in residential property development, dating back to 1963. The group is behind the success stories of Taman Paramount, Taman Bahagia, Damansara Jaya, Damansara Utama and Damansara Uptown.
It builds on its established history and experience to constantly innovate. To this end, the See Hoy Chan group has continued to expand its expertise, diversifying its business interests into property investment, facilities management, interior design, parking management and so on.
This year, the group celebrates its 75th anniversary, proudly tracing its earliest origins back to a humble sundry store in Kuala Lumpur.