(From left) Avaland deputy chief operating officer Chee Kok Keong, Gan, Muztaza, Aw, chief financial officer Susan Jacob Secreto and deputy chief financial officer Shirley Leong at Avaland’s launch of its Sustainability Roadmap. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
PROPERTY developer Avaland Bhd, formerly known as MCT Bhd, has launched its “Sustainability Roadmap” that supports eco-friendly features in all its projects to benefit customers.
The roadmap is also to make available the best practices and deliver direction on methods to fit sustainable strategies.
“We are committed to prioritising sustainability in all our offerings to fulfil our mission of creating communities and enhancing lives for generations.
“Our approach will help ensure the creation of lasting economic, environmental and social value for all stakeholders involved,” said Avaland chief operating officer Aw Sei Cheh.
He said Avaland was currently working on other green initiatives with the Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (Rehda).
Aw said the company was also open to working with non-governmental organisations on green and environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives.
Guided by parent company Ayala Land Inc’s sustainability framework, Avaland’s Sustainability Roadmap is developed in line with its product standardisation manual, with four key focus areas that cover site resilience, resource efficiency, people mobility and connectivity, as well as local economic development.
“We are tapping in on the expertise of our counterparts in Ayala Land who have long been the champion of sustainable practices in their developments.
“Our roadmap is our first step towards sustainable development and to reduce carbon emission,” he said.
Avaland will incorporate energy-efficient technologies such as efficient air-conditioning mechanisms, water-efficient sanitary wares and fittings, and green cement.
Avaland green initiatives have borne fruit as six of its projects have received GreenRE certifications – Aetas Damansara (Platinum), Alora Residences (Gold), Amika Residences (Gold), Alira Subang Jaya (Silver), Sanderling (Bronze) and Casa Embun (Bronze).
GreenRE is the leading green building certification tool developed for the property industry in Malaysia.
GreenRE management committee head and Rehda Institute trustee Datuk Muztaza Mohamad presented the GreenRE certification to Avaland at the launch of the Sustainability Roadmap.
“We want to educate the public about GreenRE. It is better late than never,” he said, adding that the importance of ESG in business could not be overstated.
“ESG practices contribute to long-term sustainability, ethical operations and risk mitigation. Incorporating ESG factors aligns businesses with societal and environmental goals, fostering resilience and profitability in an increasing conscious and interconnected world,” he said.
Avaland also signed a memorandum of understanding with Alliance Bank Malaysia Bhd for the Alliance Bank Green Mortgage Financing Package, which aims to encourage home ownership of green-certified properties.
This collaboration enables purchasers of Avaland’s green-certified properties to enjoy lower interest rates from the current preferential rate, subject to customer’s lending profile.
Alliance Bank group chief consumer banking officer Gan Pai Li said the collaboration reinforces the bank’s commitment to fostering sustainable community and environment, while supporting its customers’ home ownership programme.
“We look forward to expanding our reach to key target markets, enable more businesses and customers to adopt sustainable practices, and create more meaningful impact for the community,” she said.
