Tips On Building an Eco-Friendly Green Home in Malaysia

by Ng Yew Weng    Updated: Feb 19, 2024 17:28 PM

Table of Contents:

• What is a green home?

• How to build a green home

-Opt for sustainable materials 

-Implement renewable energy systems

-Enhance water efficiency 

-Improve the controlled environment 

-Prioritise green technology 

• Pros and cons of a green home

• Build an eco-friendly green residence with Progressture Solar

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Want to build an eco-friendly green home in Malaysia? This article outlines the many ways Malaysians can minimise the carbon footprint of their residences and live more sustainably.

At Progressture Solar, we have successfully managed over 740 completed and ongoing clean energy projects, resulting in the generation of 78,840MWh of clean energy and the prevention of 59,760 tonnes of carbon emissions annually. Based on our extensive experience within the sustainability sector, these are the top tips for building an eco-friendly green home in Malaysia.

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What Is a Green Home?

A green home, also known as a sustainable or eco-friendly home, is a home that has a minimal impact on the environment while providing a healthy and comfortable living space for occupants. According to GreenRE [1], a green home uses less energy, water, and other natural resources. It also produces less waste. 

Green homes are built with various construction and design principles that prioritise energy efficiency, resource conservation, and environmental responsibility. They benefit the environment and provide many advantages to homeowners, such as improved indoor air quality and lower energy and water bills.

How To Build a Green Home

If you want to build an eco-friendly home in Malaysia, here are five essential tips to help you get started:

1. Opt for Sustainable Materials 

When constructing your green home, choosing sustainable materials not only maximises the lifecycle of your products but also reduces the depletion of natural resources. Furthermore, The Malaysian Reserve [2] reports that many homeowners use sustainable building materials to reduce their energy use. Some eco-friendly decisions you can make include:

Sourcing Sustainable Products

Wood is environmentally friendly, whereas other materials like cement significantly contribute to carbon emissions in construction. Select locally produced and accredited sustainable wood or fast-growing bamboo that is an excellent substitute for conventional hardwoods. Bamboo usage supports local communities and reduces the need for slow-growing trees.

Using Eco-Friendly Paints

Go for paints and finishes with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These paints release fewer harmful chemicals into the air, making your indoor environment healthier for you and your family.

Prioritising Durability

In Malaysia’s climate, long-lasting materials need minimal maintenance and can withstand high humidity and tropical conditions. For example, metal roofing has a longer lifespan while reflecting sunlight and reducing the need for excessive air conditioning.

Integrating Recycled Materials

From reclaimed bricks and wood to recycled metal and glass, using recycled materials in your home construction minimises waste and reduces the demand for new resources. As an example, consider using recycled plastic for work surfaces and cupboard doors. Additionally, recycled concrete aggregate for driveways and walkways reduces landfill waste and requires less energy than traditional concrete.

2. Implement Renewable Energy Systems

Renewable energies, such as solar panels, play a crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint of your environmentally friendly home. Unlike coal or fossil fuel-powered energy, zero-carbon sources like sunlight can power everything in your home without harming the environment. If you’re considering how to energise an eco-friendly home in Malaysia, there are a few ways to do it:

• Opt for solar panel installation to generate energy for your home  

• Explore programs like Net Energy Metering (NEM), which lets you sell any extra energy generated back to the grid 

• Consider upgrading to TNB’s Green Electricity Tariff (GET) 

Solar energy is practical and sustainable in Malaysia due to abundant sunshine all year round. By installing solar panels, your home’s appliances, lighting, and other electrical devices will be powered by the sun. This reduces your dependence on non-renewable energies and leads to significant savings on your energy bills over time.

3. Enhance Water Efficiency

Conserving water is crucial, especially in a country where water scarcity is sometimes an issue. To promote water efficiency in your eco-friendly home, consider installing a wastewater purification system that repurposes greywater from sinks and showers, making it suitable for reuse in other parts of your household. You may also implement rainwater harvesting and recycling systems to collect and reuse rainwater for various non-potable purposes such as irrigation and toilet flushing.

4. Improve the Controlled Environment

Malaysia’s weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rainfall and scorching heat. To create an eco-friendly green home that’s comfortable year-round, implement a controlled environment system that capitalises on green design, such as:

Smart Placement

Design windows and doors to benefit from natural wind flow for cooling and cross-ventilation, reducing reliance on air conditioning.

Airtight Sealing

Fit doors and windows with tight seals to retain cool air, curb constant cooling needs, and conserve energy. Also, consider regularly cleaning or replacing air conditioner filters.

Green Surroundings

Position your home near tall trees or buildings for improved sun protection. Furthermore, a well-designed garden around your home naturally cools your surroundings and provides shade.

5. Prioritise Green Technology

image from IKEA

Green technology improves how your home uses energy and light. For example, energy-efficient lighting such as LED lighting saves energy while lasting longer than average lightbulbs. Smart lighting that turns on with movement or timers also conserves energy when unused.

Moreover, smart home technologies enhance the efficiency and convenience of your green home through automatic sensors that control your home’s air conditioning and lights. An energy usage dashboard gives you simple ways to see how much energy you're using for better energy conservation.

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Pros and Cons of a Green Home

Pros	Cons/Challenges
More Energy Savings  Energy-efficient green homes reduce energy consumption and decrease utility bills.	High Upfront Costs  Constructing green homes costs more upfront due to specialised materials and technologies.
Lower Environmental Impact  Green homes have a lower carbon footprint with reduced greenhouse gas emissions.	Limited Availability  Finding suitable green building materials and skilled professionals might be challenging.
Improved Indoor Air Quality  Green homes promote healthier indoor air quality through better ventilation systems and low VOC materials.	Maintenance Considerations  Some green technologies require specific maintenance practices to ensure optimal performance.
Higher Resale Value  As eco-friendliness gains importance, green homes tend to have higher resale value due to their sustainable features.	Design Limitations  Adhering to certain green design principles could limit architectural creativity and options.

Building an eco-friendly green home in Malaysia involves a comprehensive approach that integrates sustainable materials, energy and water conservation, green spaces, and technological efficiency. Each eco-conscious decision you make when designing your green home will contribute to a brighter future for your household and the environment.

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Build an Eco-Friendly Green Residence with Progressture Solar

At Progressture Solar, our goal is to construct the most reliable, safest, and highest quality solar PV systems for commercial and industrial buildings. We work with the best brands across the globe to ensure the durability and reliability of every element—from solar panels and inverters to wires and bolts.

Powered by our vision of a net-zero future, we believe that adopting sustainable solutions plays a pivotal role in addressing global warming and achieving ambitious climate change mitigation goals.

Learn how we can ease your journey towards an eco-friendly green building by viewing our services or talking to an expert today.

Why You Can Trust Progressture Solar

Progressture Solar is committed to helping businesses achieve net zero by offering tailored solutions for specific needs. As a leading clean energy provider and net-zero partner, our in-house team of experts and professionals reviews our content for accuracy. We also use updated data, facts, and expert advice in all our content.

Reference 

1 GreenRE. “Homeowner Guide to a Green Home.”  

2 The Malaysian Reserve. “How to Build a Sustainable Home.” November 2023. 

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