8.1 |
Q |
NR EQ4, R EQ5
Does the use of low VOC paint apply to the whole building i.e. internal and external, or only applies to internal as its intent is to reduce detrimental impact on occupant health from finishes that emit internal air pollutants? |
| |
A |
GBI addresses Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) and hence the use of low VOC paint is applicable to the internal of the building.
However, use of low VOC paints on external surfaces is encouraged as it is consistent with promoting good practice, hopefully leading towards the removal of VOC in the construction industry.
|
8.2 |
Q |
NR - Hospital
We would like to inquire some information regarding the GBI rating for new construction of green hospital. Please provide us the following information:
1. Which category does a green hospital belong to?
2. If we are to refer to existing rating tools, is there any variation on certain items, for example BEI of the building as the energy consumption of hospital is higher due to the equipments? |
| |
A |
For new green hospital construction, use the NRNC tool.
BEI for hospital can be found under FAQ 3.12.
|
8.3 |
Q |
Registration Fees
We previously registered with GBI and paid the full fee for a whole development of 80,000m2 GFA. However, the development is now revised to 3 phases of completion. The GFA for phases 1 and 2 total 13,721m2, which is significantly less than our previous registration. We would like to know the revised registration fee and request for the balance to be refunded to the client.
|
| |
A |
If the 13,721m2 includes all the necessary amenities for the purpose of the targeted DA scoring, a resubmission of the new proposed areas needs to be furnished together with full information of the various components to GBI for review of registration fee.
|
8.4 |
Q |
RNC SM
In our scoring calculation, we wish to use the development plan of the whole site (though construction will be in 3 phases), since this would meet several criteria and enable the project to score a significant number of credit points, e.g. component of commercial and community development, percentage of landscape with native species, bus terminal etc. However, by the time the first 2 phases are completed, all these amenities would still be under construction. Our question is, would we have problem getting CVA since the said site features are still under construction during CVA? Or, shall we delay the CVA until the whole site amenities are developed?
|
| |
A |
For CVA, all amenities, commercial & community development, percentage of landscape, and bus terminal required for the RNC would need to be completed in order to score the necessary targeted points provisionally given at the DA stage.
|
8.5 |
Q |
GBI Township
If we opt to submit under the GBI Township tool (the site is of 22 acres), is it correct that at least 50% of its buildings has to be GBI certified, which means 50% buildings has to be registered for GBI and duly assessed? Does this mean that for township registration, we have to have 50% of the buildings also registered and paid for? This seems to be a lot costlier than just the township registration alone.
|
| |
A |
The GBI Township registration fee is a nominal fee for a township status. The fee for Township is published here. The fee is nominal due to the fact that it recognises 50% of buildings are committed to be GBI rated. Township rating requires a lot more considerations to deal with infrastructure, landscape areas and transportation. Please refer to the Township Tool for further details.
|
8.6 |
Q |
INC - Core & Shell:
I received an enquiry to apply for GBI Gold rating for 4 units of bungalow type factory and 16 units of semi-D factory. The factories will be sold to different end users and we do not know what the factories will be used for. Kindly advise if this kind of application can be accepted as GBI does not have a rating tool for core & shell factory rating.
|
| |
A |
GBI rating tools have been developed to suit our local climate, local culture and local practice that amongst other considerations, require the whole ‘base’ building to be properly designed and sustainably maintained to remain green.
Current GBI tools apply to a whole building and not a portion or part of the premise.
There is no GBI tool for core & shell at this point in time.
|
8.7 |
Q |
Tax Incentive
I understand that Green Cost is the capital expenditure incurred to obtain the GBI Certification. However, is the extra material and labour costs considered as Green Cost as well?
For example, under EE2 Lighting Zone, there is a point for provision of motion sensors or equivalent to complement lighting zoning for at least 25% NLA.
Does the Green Cost under this criterion include only the sensors or the system as a whole (sensors, wiring connections & extra labour cost)?
|
| |
A |
Tax rebate is on the difference in cost between the Green item and the base item. Therefore, if the base item is nought, then the green cost in the said example would be for the complete installation cost.
Please refer to GBI website under the Resources Tab for the 17 March 2010 presentation slides on GBI Tax Exemption.
For more details, please attend the regularly conducted GBI Tax Incentive talks at PAM Centre.
|
8.8 |
Q |
NRNC - Core & Shell
Can GBI assess shell and core building i.e. shop office with unknown future tenants?
|
| |
A |
Current GBI tools apply to a whole building and not a portion or part of the premise.
There is no GBI tool for core & shell at this point in time.
|
8.9 |
Q |
NR - BEI
For "open air" pedestrian mall (no roof), can it be assessed as a naturally ventilated mall?
|
| |
A |
Assessment of the building floor plate will be for the built-up portion consisting of permanent structures.
|
8.10 |
Q |
NR - SOHO
For Soho units (work and residential combined) - Do we use residential or commercial rating tool?
|
| |
A |
Follow the classification by the Fire & Rescue Department, Malaysia (FRDM) – if FRDM deems the building under commercial classification (where fire sprinkler installation is required) then use NRNC; if classified as residential (where there is no need for fire sprinkler installation) then use RNC.
|
8.11 |
Q |
NR EQ4, R EQ5 - VOC
Is there any list of labelling schemes which is listed in GBI in which we can work with? It is always better to comply with GBI's list rather than submit some other specifications which are vague and may not be approved by GBI.
|
| |
A |
Please refer to FAQ 3.17. GBI recognises all labelling schemes recognised by GEN (Global Ecolabelling Network).
Please also refer to the following website: www.gen.gr.jp as well as MGBC’s “GreenPagesMalaysia” product directory: www.greenpagesmalaysia.com.
|
8.12 |
Q |
Tax Incentive
I understand that GBI is recognised and supported by at least 6 town councils. DBKL, MBPJ, MPPP are giving various incentives to encourage more GBI rated buildings in their respective locality. Is it possible to know what types of incentives are actually given to developers? We hope to use such information to appeal to our town council as well.
|
| |
A |
GBI is constantly engaging the various local authorities (LA) on incentives for GBI rated buildings. The incentives given to-date differ with each LA and are on case to case basis. Such incentives range from increase in Plot Ratio (DBKL), permission to develop to Maximum Plot Ratio (MBPJ), to reduction in Planning Fees (MPPP). However, there has been no standard list of incentives published by any of the LA and GBI will continue to pursue the matter.
|
8.13 |
Q |
RNC IN1
Can we get a point for innovation in RNC, if we install spilt unit with inverter technology in every condo unit instead of using the conventional one? This is to encourage more energy efficient appliances used.
|
| |
A |
For RNC, GBI encourages the non-usage of air-conditioning. Hence, use of any types of air-conditioner will not qualify for innovation point. Please note that for home appliances, the government has already developed the Energy Star Rating scheme which includes Split Units.
|
8.14 |
Q |
RNC IN1
For water closet installed in every condo unit, a manufacturer claims to have a super smooth surface to reduce stains for effortless cleaning up and prevent germs; thereby using less water and detergent to clean up the toilet. They have a green label certificate as well. Is it possible to be entitled to an innovation point?
|
| |
A |
This product does not qualify for additional innovation point. Its relevant water saving features will contribute to the reduction on use of potable water under the WE (Water Efficiency) criteria.
|
8.15 |
Q |
RNC IN1
For RNC Innovation point, can we score a point if we provide air-con system with R410 environment friendly refrigerant for each unit?
|
| |
A |
For RNC, GBI encourages the non-usage of air-conditioning. Hence, use of any type of air-conditioners will not qualify for innovation point. Please also note that R410 is a HFC refrigerant with zero ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) but a high GWP (Global Warming Potential).
|
8.16 |
Q |
OTTV
Please advise who would provide the OTTV & RTTV calculations for a given project for GBI Submission. Should it be the Architect/ M&E Engineer/ GBI Facilitator/ Other Consultant (such as ESD Consultant)?
(Note: It was suggested during the GBI Facilitator Course that the OTTV calculation should be done by the Architect. However we need to confirm/clarify this)
|
| |
A |
The GBI Design Reference Guide stipulates that for NRNC EE1 (Minimum EE Performance), the signatory for the DA/CVA Criterion Sheet is the PSP i.e. the Architect. The GBIF Course has repeatedly emphasized that going green involves a holistic approach in design by the entire project team. Regardless of which party/parties contribute or assist in the final computation of OTTV and RTTV, the PSP must lead the team. It is a contractual arrangement as to who should compute the OTTV tabulations. However, for DA/CVA submission, the PSP must still be the signatory.
|
8.17 |
Q |
NREB
We intend to apply for GBI certification for our newly completed building but find it hard to score in three specific parts of the Non-Residential Existing Building (NREB) assessment criteria, namely:
1. Part 3 - Sustainable Site Planning & Management (SM)
2. Part 4 - Material & Resources (MR)
3. Part 6 - Innovation (IN)
Please advise us how to score in these areas.
|
| |
A |
Please consult a GBI Facilitator or attend the regularly conducted GBI Facilitator Course.
|
8.18 |
Q |
NRNC MR7
We are a local manufacturer of fire fighting equipment. One of our fire suppression system uses Inert gas- mixtures of Argon(Ar) and Nitrogen(N2) as agent to put out fire. Under GBI NRNC MR7 criterion, since Argon and Nitrogen are natural gases, does this mean we can score the full 2 points on this criterion?
|
| |
A |
The project will score 2 points for this criterion only if both the refrigerant AND the clean agent (fire suppression system) used are of non-synthetic (i.e. natural) products.
|
8.19 |
Q |
Tax Incentive
We have been briefed that the tax exemption is only applicable to buildings which have received the final GBI Certification and that the validity period of the GBI certification is from 24 October 2009 until 31 December 2014.
Is this still valid? When is it eligible for application of these incentives?
|
| |
A |
The green cost incentives remain valid. Application can be made upon obtaining the final (CVA) GBI Certificate.
Please refer to GBI website under the Resources Tab for the 17 March 2010 presentation slides on GBI Tax Exemption.
For more details, please attend the regularly conducted GBI Tax Incentive talks at PAM Centre.
|
|
