Recognised for green framework

(From left) KWEST assistant vice-president Shahril Salam, Kok, KWEST assistant vice-president Imran Abdullah, Tee, Hizzan and Tan showing the GreenRE certification. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star

EASTERN and Oriental (E&O) Bhd’s Andaman Island Phase 1 in Penang has attained GreenRE Platinum Provisional Certification under the township category.

The master-planned urban island’s first and second developments measuring 102.3ha (253 acres), The Meg and Arica, were both also awarded the same certification under the residential category.

GreenRE is a green building rating tool by Real Estate and Housing Developers Association (Rehda) Malaysia.

E&O managing director Kok Tuck Cheong described the recognition as a testament to the group’s commitment to a sustainable future for generations to come.

“We remain dedicated to our ethos of doing things always for the better, and with sincerity, integrity and passion,” Kok told guests including Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow at a celebration at E&O Hotel in George Town.

In his speech, Chow said, “We welcome developments that have low-carbon footprints, sustainable practices and green construction methods as we want better living spaces for everyone.”

The RM60bil Andaman Island will span about 307ha (760 acres) in total. Reclamation for Phase 1 was completed in 2019 while works for Phase 2 and the remaining areas are ongoing.

It builds on the success of E&O’s first master-planned township, the nearby Seri Tanjung Pinang which earned the Diamond rating by Penang Island City Council (MBPP) for low-carbon zones.

Green initiatives employed on Andaman Island include adopting recycled building materials or those with low-carbon footprints, and improving life cycles of materials used.

Verdant spaces are embedded throughout the island for relaxation. Dedicated paths and seafront promenades will create a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environment, complemented by exclusive bus lanes.

These initiatives are aimed at reducing carbon-based fuel usage and relieving road congestion.

The island’s maiden development, The Meg serviced apartment scheme with 1,020 units, was launched in December 2021 and sold out in 13 months. Following suit was the 380-unit Arica which has enjoyed similarly encouraging take-up rates since its launch this March.

Both projects incorporate carbon footprint-reducing features like natural cooling and ventilation, energy and water efficiency plus recycling programmes.

Besides the residential components, some 30ha (75 acres) of the island will be allocated to commercial developments (retail, hospitality, education and medical).

Kok joined E&O Bhd executive chairman Datuk Tee Eng Ho, and development and construction management director Michael Tan as well as KWEST Sdn Bhd CEO Hizzan Hamid in receiving the certification from Rehda national council member Datuk Rick Cheng at the event.

KWEST is a subsidiary of Kumpulan Wang Persaraan (Diperbadankan) or better known as KWAP or Retirement Fund (Incorporated), which is collaborating with E&O on the 15 to 20-year development of Andaman Island Phase 1.

Also present were Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, state infrastructure and transport committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, local government, housing, town and country planning committee chairman Jagdeep Singh, environment and welfare committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, state secretary Datuk Mohd Sayuthi Bakar and MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.