PAM’s architects have over the years been developing and working more and more towards a more sustainable and green architecture. In 2008, the need for a localised Green Building rating tool became more evident especially in the light of increasing demand from building end-users for Green-rated buildings that would not overly and adversely contribute to the destruction of the environment. This was also inline with the objectives of many companies today where good corporate social responsibility (CSR) calls for them to only support environmentally friendly initiatives including their office premises.
In August 2008, PAM Council endorsed and approved the formation of the new Sustainability Committee who was tasked primarily to develop and set-up the Green Building Index and the accompanying Panel for certification and accreditation of Green-rated buildings.
In addition, Greenbuildingindex Sdn Bhd was incorporated in February 2009, a wholly-owned subsidiary of PAM and the Association of Certified Engineers of (ACEM), to administrate GBI accreditation and training of GBI Facilitators and Certifiers.
GBI accreditation for buildings is separated into three tiers. At the highest level is the GBI Accreditation Panel, the independent regulatory body for GBI accreditation. At the intermediate level are the GBI Certifiers, consisting of experienced professionals that conduct the assessment and accreditation of project submissions. On the front-end level are the GBI Facilitators, professionals who together with clients and design team to enhance their projects to meet or exceed GBI rating system requirements.
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GREEN BUILDING INDEX ACCREDITATION PANEL (GBIAP)
The GBI rating system will be regulated by the GBI Accreditation Panel (GBIAP), an independent committee consisting of PAM and ACEM professionals that will be reviewing and awarding the GBI rating to qualified projects. In addition, GBIAP also functions to:
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Review appeal cases, |
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Review and approve points for the ‘Innovation’ category, |
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Set standards and qualifications for GBI Certifiers and Facilitators, |
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Approve examination syllabi (including CPD requirements) for GBI Certifiers, |
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Maintain a register of GBI Certifiers, |
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Approve syllabus of training courses and examination and maintain a register of GBI Facilitators, |
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Manage conduct (including de-registration) of GBI Certifiers and Facilitators, |
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The decision of the Panel on granting GBI ratings, approval or dismissal of GBI Certifiers and Facilitators shall be final. |
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Maintain a register of all certified GBI Buildings |
The GBIAP is comprised of leading industry professionals recognised for their contribution in sustainable developments in Malaysia. They have been actively involved in every step of the rating system’s development, ensuring that the rating system is fully tested and compliant to both local and international standards and best practices. |
GBI CERTIFIERS
The roles and responsibility of GBI Certifiers are to perform the detailed assessment and accreditation of building projects submitted to the GBI Accreditation Panel for GBI Certification.
The prerequisites to take the GBI Certifier examinations are as follows:
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Professional Architect registered with the Board of Architects or Professional Engineer
registered with the Board of Engineers; |
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Minimum 7 years relevant working experience; AND |
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Undergone the GBI Certifier course, OR must have worked on a Green Building project
through to at least GBI Gold level or equivalent. |
Upon compliance with items 1 to 3, the individual may sit for the GBI Certifier examinations. Upon passing he/she can be registered as a GBI Certifier. |
GBI FACILITATORS
The roles and responsibility of GBI Facilitators are to provide services to enable building projects to achieve GBI accreditation.
The prerequisites to take the GBI Facilitator examinations are as follows:
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A registered member of the Board of Architects, Board of Engineers or Board of Quantity
Surveyors;
OR |
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A recognised degree in architecture, engineering, quantity surveying or other buildingrelated disciplines as approved by the GBI Accreditation Panel; and with a minimum of 3 years relevant working experience acceptable to the GBI Accreditation Panel;
OR |
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Other Building practitioners with a minimum of 5 years relevant working experience
acceptable to the GBI Accreditation Panel;
AND |
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Undergone the GBI Facilitator course. |
Upon compliance with items 1 to 4, the individual may sit for the GBI Facilitator examinations. Upon passing he/she can be registered as a GBI Facilitator. |
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