The Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (the Centre) has secured the prestigious Green Building Index (GBI) certification under the Existing Building category, demonstrating exceptional achievement in retrofitting a 20-year-old building to meet contemporary environmental standards. This certification, marked by a BEI 4-star rating for conserving 219 kilowatt hours per square metre per year – equivalent to saving 333,970 trees and eliminating 5,478 tonnes of CO2 emissions – showcases the Centre’s substantial investment in environmental stewardship.
The GBI certification process evaluates buildings across six primary criteria: energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, sustainable site planning and management, material and resources, water efficiency, and innovation. The Centre’s success in meeting these rigorous standards is particularly noteworthy, requiring significant infrastructure upgrades and innovative solutions to transform an existing building into one that meets current global sustainability benchmarks.
“Achieving GBI certification represents a pivotal moment in our sustainability journey. This recognition validates our substantial investment in cutting-edge green technologies and innovative solutions, demonstrating what’s 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’s dedication to sustainability is evident through concrete actions across its operations. Under the material and resources criteria, the Centre implemented 100% food waste diversion in 2024, transforming food waste into organic compost and supporting local agriculture and sustainability initiatives.
In alignment with energy efficiency requirements, the Centre has transitioned to renewable energy through the Green Energy Tariff Programme, achieving this milestone well ahead of its 2050 target. This initiative has contributed significantly to the Net Zero Carbon Events (NZCE) goals, resulting in reducing 41% of greenhouse gas emissions by 2024 – substantially exceeding the initial target of 25% reduction by 2025.
Adding to these accomplishments, the Centre recently achieved ISO 41001:2018 Facility Management certification, further validating its comprehensive approach to sustainable facility management and operational excellence.
As organisations increasingly prioritise environmentally responsible choices, the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre remains committed to helping clients achieve their environmental goals. Its dedicated team works hand-in-hand with event organisers and suppliers to amplify sustainability efforts, including decarbonising the supply chain, encouraging ESG alignment, and ensuring transparent, ethical procurement practices that reflect its commitment to responsible business operations.
The Centre commits to annual sustainability reporting, ensuring transparent communication of its environmental performance and continuous improvement efforts.
“Our vision extends far beyond conventional venue management,” Burke concluded. “The substantial investments and innovations required to achieve GBI certification in an existing building demonstrates 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.”
