The Malaysian Energy Commission’s headquarters building, the Diamond Building, located at Putrajaya, has won the Asean Energy Awards under the “new and existing building” category. The Asean Energy Awards is a regional competition that accords international recognition to entities that have applied the concepts, systems, and technologies of energy efficiency and conservation.
The Diamond Building has deployed technologies that reduce energy consumption and potable water usage, promote the use of sustainable building materials, and provide enhanced indoor environmental quality. The unique “diamond” shape of the building was designed according to the climate and solar path of equatorial Malaysia. The tilting façade allows self-shading for the lower floors, protection from direct sun rays into the building, and a smaller building footprint, resulting in a larger area for landscaping.
A central atrium was introduced to maximise the use of daylight: the interior space of the building has no glare and minimal heat entry. The Diamond Building uses three lighting controls: sensors that turn off automatically when daylight levels are sufficient; motion sensors for toilets; and multiple lighting circuits. Photovoltaic panels that are integrated into the metal deck roof to provide a second layer meet 10 per cent of the building’s energy needs.
Cooling in the building is provided through radiant cooling slabs, which have chilled water pipes embedded in them. This is complemented with the conventional cold air supply system.
The Diamond Building carries a Platinum Certificate from Malaysia’s Green Building Index and Singapore’s Green Mark. It has an energy efficiency index (EEI) of 85 kWh per m2 per year with an annual operation of 2,800 hours. Its energy consumption is 65 per cent lower than that of a standard Malaysian building whose average EEI is 210 kWh per m2 per year.
