@Green September/October 2023 | Page 4

04 EVENT

@ green | SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER . 2023

Recognition for sustainable efforts

Leading Malaysian corporations and institutions rewarded for adopting game-changing sustainability initiatives
Malaysia requires everyone to play their part in our race to net zero . The NEA participants have surely led the path with their ideas , innovation and implementation for all of us to emulate .” - Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad

THE Ministry of Natural Resources , Environment and Climate Change ( NRECC ) and the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation ( MGTC ) recently announced and awarded 29 winners of the National Energy Awards ( NEA ) 2023 . There were 114 submissions . NEA has been organised annually since 2018 to recognise leading Malaysian corporations and institutions for adopting game-changing sustainability initiatives in line with the nation ’ s Just Energy Transition , Net Zero and sustainable development agenda .

Of the 29 winners from Energy Management , Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Solutions categories , 23 represented Malaysia in the ASEAN Energy Awards on Aug 24-25 , in conjunction with the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting under the ASEAN Centre for Energy ( ACE ). This intergovernmental organisation represents the member States ’ interests in the energy sector ( see story below ).
Minister for Natural Resources , Environment and Climate Change , Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad stated : “ Aligning with Malaysia ’ s commitment to sustainable economic growth , the Ministry of Natural Resources , Environment and Climate Change organises NEA annually to raise awareness , acceptance and adoption of sustainable energy practices across all industries .
“ I applaud the strong participation by the entrants this year and believe they are all truly winners for championing sustainable energy practices .
“ Malaysia requires everyone to play their part in our race to net zero . The NEA participants have surely led the path with their ideas , innovation and implementation for all of us to emulate .
“ I am certain more businesses will
be inspired by their example and look forward to seeing increased participation in future editions of NEA .”
This year ’ s 114 submissions offered a commendable combined energy reduction of over 1.34 GW in electricity savings , equivalent to a carbon emissions reduction of over 23,000 metric tonnes per annum .
Of the final NEA winners , nine on in the Best Practices in Energy Management category , 11 for Energy Efficiency category and nine for Best Renewable Energy Projects category .
In the highly contested Energy Management category , four national hospitals received recognition for adopting proactive systematic monitoring and control systems to optimise energy consumption , decrease energy costs and reduce overall environmental impact .
In the Energy Efficiency category , an international school took the top award , with another national hospital being selected as the runner-up . This category recognises initiatives that adopt sustainable energy practices in a new or retrofitted building .
In the Renewable Energy category , there were submissions from solar , solar to hydrogen , biogas and mini-hydro projects across Malaysia .
The lead judge for NEA , Ir Chen Thiam Leong , said : “ As Malaysia makes serious strides towards combining robust economic growth with climate action , NEA will continue to play a crucial role in encouraging businesses to adopt sustainable practices .
“ This year , the panel of judges were very pleased by the numerous entries demonstrating efforts to make Energy Management , Energy Efficiency and RE mainstream .”
“ I wish the best of luck to those selected to represent Malaysia at the ASEAN Energy Awards , the region ’ s highest accolade for promoting the development and adoption of sustainable energy practices . I am confident they will also make their mark at the regional level .”
The prestigious AEA awards aim to raise public awareness about the best practices for reducing energy use in buildings , businesses , and other settings . The honour aims to motivate businesses to advance Energy Efficiency and the development of Renewable Energy sources that are more resilient , sustainable , and renewable . – @ Green

12 Malaysian sustainable energy project winners

TWELVE MALAYSIAN projects won the ASEAN Energy Awards ( AEA ) 2023 for adopting sustainable energy practices .
The AEA 2023 awards ceremony was held in Bali , Indonesia , on the sidelines of the recently concluded 41st ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting ( AMEM ). The AEA is an award aimed at encouraging and recognising greater adoption of sustainable energy practices by both the public and private sectors in ASEAN member States .
The AEA comprised three categories : Energy Efficiency and Conservation Best Practices Awards , the Renewable Energy Project Awards and the Clean Coal Awards .
A total of 23 Malaysian projects that won the National Energy Awards ( NEA ) were submitted for the AEA 2023 , in which 12 were declared winners for the AEA under various categories .
Minister of Natural Resources , Environment and Climate Change Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad led the Malaysian delegation to the 41st ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting .
He said : “ I hope the success of our Malaysian participants in the AEA will inspire other industry players to adopt sustainable energy practices , while contributing towards the country ’ s commitment to decarbonise .
“ As ASEAN gears up efforts in its race to net zero , we urge more industries , corporations , and individuals to lead the way on climate action to inspire the adoption of sustainable energy practices .
“ At the national level , the Ministry of Natural Resources , Environment and Climate Change will continue its efforts to encourage the adoption of sustainable energy best practices , including the organisation of the NEA to recognise and to explore further opportunities to spur the uptake of energy best practices .”

Malaysian Winners

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Best Practices Green Building Awards ( Large category ): Tzu Chi International School . Energy Management in Buildings and Industries Awards ( Small and Medium
Buildings category ): Johor Port Authority Building . Clean Coal Awards Clean Coal Technology Utilisation ( Large Industry category ): Jimah East ’ s Stesen Janakuasa Tuanku Muhriz .