KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 9): The Shah Alam City Council dominated the Malaysian Low Carbon City Awards 2023 by securing the highest number of accolades. A total of 23 of its developments received the Diamond Recognition for its achievements in reducing carbon emissions.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), through the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation (MGTC), organised the Malaysian Low Carbon City Awards 2023 to recognise the ongoing efforts and commitment of local authorities and organisations in promoting sustainable and low carbon urban development.
It is also in line with the country’s commitment to achieve the target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity (against the gross domestic product) by 45% in 2030 and achieve net zero emissions as early as 2050.
NRES Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad emphasised the importance of sustainable development and the role of local authorities, as well as strategic cooperation from various parties to create low-carbon cities.
“The role of local authorities is also very significant in fostering a sustainable culture and lifestyle, taking into account the views and needs of various layers of society and actively involving the local community in implementing sustainable and inclusive development,” he said during the launching of the 2023 Low Carbon City Awards ceremony on Feb 7.
Award recipients comprise local authorities and organisations that have implemented GHG emission reduction initiatives through the Low Carbon Cities 2030 Challenge (LCC2030C) programme.
The recognition for the year 2023 involves the awarding of 85 Diamond Recognition for the achievement of reducing carbon emissions from five main elements, namely energy, water, waste, mobility and greenery.
The Diamond Design category won by Petaling Garden Sdn Bhd for Setia Warisan Tropika and Setia Eco Templer Sdn Bhd for Setia Eco Templer. This award is given to buildings that have the potential to reduce GHG emission through the implementation of low-carbon city strategies at the design level.
Meanwhile, 15 Provisional Certificates were given for the development of low-carbon benchmark data and action plans in low-carbon zones and partners.
This year, four special awards were presented, including the “Most Active Local Authority” award won by the Shah Alam City Council, the “Highest Carbon Reduction for Zones” award won by the Pasir Gudang City Council, the “Highest Carbon Reduction for Partners” award won by Texas Instrument Malaysia, and the “Highest Carbon Reduction for Special Partners” award won by Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Tun Razak in Melaka.
The total reduction of GHG emissions recorded in 2023 is as much as 3.03 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent and the amount of carbon sequestration achieved through this initiative was 45,195.22 tonnes of carbon dioxide, which is equivalent to the planting of 76.89 million trees or a reduction of 665,765 cars from the road for a year, with an estimated annual car journey of 28,184km, according to the ministry.
LCC2030C participation for recognition of 2023 achievements is now open until Aug 30, 2024.
Source: The Edge