Friday August 3, 2012

Company ventures into green technology with Econation Centre

By KHRISTY CHOO
metro@thestar.com.my
Photo by AHMAD MOHSIN DADAMEAH

AS A global leader in green technology, Panasonic is known for their eco showrooms in Japan in line with the vision of current chairman Fumio Ohtsubo to venture into green and energy business solutions.

Recognising the potential of Malaysia becoming a developed nation that is also environmentally sustainable, Panasonic Malaysia began to brainstorm ideas and energy solutions to steer Malaysians towards adopting a more sustainable way of life.

The result was the construction of a state-of-the-art Econation Centre fully equipped with total energy solution, which is to create, store, save and manage energy.

At the opening ceremony, Panasonic Malaysia managing director Jeff Lee explained the importance and purpose behind the development of the centre.

New concept: The newly unveiled Panasonic Econation Centre with the rainwater retention pond.

“It will act as a platform to showcase, conceptually and physically, the idea of sustainable living and the latest green technologies to the Malaysian community and industries.

“It will be a centre that facilitates continuous improvements to the venture of eco and comprehensive solutions through research, creative innovations, education, commercial strategies and professional discussions,” he said.

Located in Section 16, Petaling Jaya, this centre is designed to interact with the natural elements of earth to create an all-rounded efficient and energy-saving site.

A prominent component of the centre is the double roof structure fitted with solar modules, with the purpose of generating energy from sunlight.

Another feature is the energy efficient air conditioning and purification system installed in the building.

Venturing outside, one would notice the landscaping and heat reflection along with a rainwater retention pond.

With all these measures in place, this Econation centre will theoretically generate a surplus of 24MWh energy yearly, taking into consideration the forecasted energy consumption.

Eco Solutions Department head Tan Chee Hon explained that the statistics translated to a reduction of approximately 12 tons of carbon dioxide emission, the equivalent to 600 trees being saved per annum.

The opening of this centre will undoubtedly place Panasonic one step closer in their aim to become the world’s number one green innovation company in the electronics industry by 2018, as a way to commemorate the 100th anniversary of their founding.

The Panasonic Econation Centre will open its doors from Aug 6 onwards, with Mondays to Thursdays allocated for trade only.

The centre will open to the general public on Friday and Saturday, and admission is free. Opening hours are from 10am to 5pm daily.