The Merdeka 118 tower in Kuala Lumpur is set to be the first building in Malaysia to work towards achieving triple green platinum certifications.
THE integration of sustainability at workplaces is crucial to meet employees’ evolving needs as well as attracting the next generation of talent. This can be achieved by delivering a healthy and conducive workplace environment that allows people to work seamlessly and productively.
Set to shape the heart of Kuala Lumpur with green measures at the forefront, the Merdeka 118 tower is a development undertaken by PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd (PMVSB), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB).
The Merdeka 118 tower is set to be the first building in Malaysia to work towards achieving triple green platinum certifications for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Green Real Estate (GreenRE), and Green Building Index (GBI).
“The demand for sustainable buildings continues to rise in tandem with the growing consciousness surrounding good environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) practices,” says PNB Merdeka Ventures chief executive officer Tengku Datuk Ab Aziz Tengku Mahmud.
“As such, business owners are increasingly seeking to adopt green measures to create an eco-friendly, people-centric and future-proof workplace.
“With sustainable features such as LED lighting, rainwater harvesting systems, zoned daylight sensors, and the use of low emissivity glass, we strive to enhance the lives of occupants living and working in the Merdeka 118 tower as well as the surrounding communities,” he says.
To make the Merdeka 118 precinct sustainable and livable, secure parking facilities for bicycle racks as well as lockers and showers are provided to encourage employees to cycle to work to minimise carbon emissions.
PNB Merdeka Ventures has also been working with KL City Hall (DBKL) and Think City Sdn Bhd to enhance the connectivity and accessibility surrounding the Merdeka 118 precinct.
This is in addition to the dedicated parking spaces available for energy-efficient vehicles as well as the multiple public transit connections, including the new MRT station (Merdeka) as well as KL Monorail services (Maharajalela and Hang Tuah) and LRT stations (Plaza Rakyat and Hang Tuah).
PNB’s own offices within the 17 floors of the tower will be one of the few companies to strive for the WELL certification in Malaysia.
With this certification issued by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), PNB employees can benefit from the purposeful workplace designs and reinforce healthsome behaviours within their day-to-day functions at work – ensuring the work environment is at an optimal level.
Some of the features include the installation of air filters for better indoor air quality, ensuring acoustic privacy from intrusive noise, and committing to mental health and literacy promotion.
Standing 118 storeys high and catering to a wide spectrum of industries, the Merdeka 118 tower is one of the most sought-after corporate spaces in Kuala Lumpur.
As of early 2023, the Merdeka 118 tower has already attained an occupancy rate of 70%, attracting local and international tenants alike, including the largest bank in Malaysia, Maybank.
