The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) has achieved a major milestone in sustainable urban development by securing the esteemed Green Building Index (GBI) certification under the Existing Building category. This recognition underscores the Centre’s remarkable success in retrofitting a 20-year-old facility to meet modern environmental standards.
Awarded a BEI 4-star rating, the certification reflects the Centre’s efforts in conserving 219 kilowatt hours per square metre annually—equivalent to saving 333,970 trees and eliminating 5,478 tonnes of CO2 emissions. This accomplishment highlights the Centre’s long-term commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.
The GBI certification process assesses buildings based on six core criteria: energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, sustainable site planning and management, materials and resources, water efficiency, and innovation. Securing this certification required extensive infrastructure upgrades and forward-thinking solutions to align with global sustainability benchmarks.
“Achieving GBI certification represents a pivotal moment in our sustainability journey. This recognition validates our significant investment in cutting-edge green technologies and innovative solutions, demonstrating what is possible when legacy venues embrace bold environmental transformation,” said John Burke, General Manager of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
“Our success in meeting these stringent standards reflects our team’s dedication to pioneering sustainable practices in the business events sector.”
The Centre has embedded sustainability into its operations through tangible actions. Under the materials and resources criteria, it achieved 100% food waste diversion in 2024, converting food waste into organic compost to support local agriculture and green initiatives.
In line with energy efficiency goals, the Centre transitioned to renewable energy via the Green Energy Tariff Programme, reaching this milestone ahead of its 2050 target. This initiative has significantly advanced the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) agenda, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 41% in 2024—far surpassing the original target of a 25% reduction by 2025.
Further reinforcing its leadership in sustainable facility management, the Centre has also secured ISO 41001:2018 Facility Management certification, reflecting its comprehensive approach to operational excellence and environmental responsibility.
As sustainability becomes a top priority for organisations, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre remains dedicated to helping clients achieve their environmental goals. The Centre collaborates closely with event organisers and suppliers to advance sustainability initiatives, including decarbonising the supply chain, aligning with ESG principles, and implementing transparent, ethical procurement practices.
With a commitment to annual sustainability reporting, the Centre ensures transparency in tracking its environmental performance and continuous improvements.
“Our vision extends beyond conventional venue management,” Burke concluded. “The substantial investments and innovations required to achieve GBI certification in an existing building demonstrate our fundamental commitment to environmental stewardship.
“This achievement proves that with the right leadership and dedication, legacy buildings can be transformed to meet and exceed modern sustainability standards, paving the way for a more environmentally responsible future in the business events industry.”
For further details on the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre’s ESG initiatives, visit the Newsroom and Sustainability Hub at www.klccconventioncentre.com or connect on social media (Facebook: @klccconventioncentre, LinkedIn: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Twitter: @klccconvention, Instagram: @klccconventioncentre).
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