CAMPUS buildings are where students spend a significant amount of time on academic, sporting and community activities.
Ensuring they have a conducive environment to engage in such university events is only one part of the equation; just as important is employing efficient use of resources for a sustainable built environment.
This approach to architectural design at its multi-purpose complex has earned Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) another green building recognition.
At the Malaysia Green Building Council (malaysiaGBC) Leadership in Sustainability Awards 2026 held on Aug 12, TAR UMT Arena was named the winner of the Leadership in Sustainable Design and Performance (Institutional – New and Existing Building) category.
The national awards recognise projects, organisations and individuals that demonstrate leadership and meaningful contributions to sustainability. The institutional category specifically evaluates educational facilities that go beyond basic “green” credentials, assessing how sustainable design translates into real-world operational performance, resilience, occupant well-being and long-term value for the institution and community.
The varsity, in an Aug 27 press release, said the latest recognition is a step forward for TAR UMT Arena, highlighting the building’s broader sustainability approach and operational impact.
“The facility balances energy and resource efficiency with user well-being, climate resilience and practical economic value.
“By demonstrating how a large-scale institutional facility can operate responsibly while supporting students and community activities, TAR UMT Arena serves as a practical model for future campus developments and higher education institutions,” it said.
It added that the award also reflects the varsity’s Beyond Education philosophy, which emphasises creating a positive impact beyond the classroom for students and even the wider community.
Spanning 1.5 million square feet across seven floors, the arena serves as a central hub for student engagement and university events. Its green building features include an energy-efficient building envelope and lighting systems, low-flow water fixtures to minimise water consumption, and environmentally responsible building materials.
Previous recognitions for TAR UMT Arena include the Green Building Index Gold Rating for Non-Residential New Construction Buildings, the Green Real Estate Platinum Rating and the Malaysian Carbon Reduction and Environmental Sustainability Tool five-star rating.
