Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering students from SEGi University recently visited the Energy Commission Diamond Building in Putrajaya to learn about sustainable building concepts. The 36 students and 8 lecturers who attended were exposed to the building’s four main aspects of sustainable design: energy efficiency, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and outdoor environmental quality.
Delegates were shown the building’s iconic diamond-shaped dome, which was designed to meet the expected daylight and energy performance. Furthermore, the building is designed with a BEI of 85kWh/m2 per year at 2,800 hours usage – a 65% reduction in energy consumption. The building’s average BEI is currently 65kWh/m2 per year.
During the tour, the delegates were taken to the rooftop garden, where photovoltaic panels with a total installed capacity of 71.4 kWp were installed on a slanting roof using thin film telluride modules. The panels are expected to cover 10% of the building’s energy needs, producing 102,000 kWh of electricity per year. The energy generated by the panels saves RM40,000 per year or prevents 63,000 kg of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The Energy Commission Diamond Building is a notable example of Malaysian sustainable design. SEGi University’s engineering students were exposed to the concept of sustainable design and its importance in reducing carbon emissions as a result of their visit. The university thanked the Energy Commission Diamond Building for the educational experience that the delegates had had.
The visit provided an opportunity for SEGi University students to learn about the application of sustainable building concepts in real-world settings. The tour highlighted the importance of energy efficiency, environmental quality, and renewable energy sources in the development of sustainable buildings. The success of the Energy Commission Diamond Building in sustainable design can serve as a model for future construction and design projects in Malaysia.
