SYNOPSIS

The need and urgency of sustainable development for the built industry is way beyond the deliberation stage (unless one resides in an unconnected part of the globe). Energy Efficiency can be deemed to be the prelude to Sustainability, and locally we did not fare too tardily having developed our MS1525 in 2001. It is only unfortunate that our infamous bureaucracy delayed the incorporation of MS1525 into our UBBL until late 2012.

However, of more significant concern (and damage) is our local modus operandi where Energy Efficiency (and now Sustainability) is regarded as the sole responsibility of the M&E Engineers. The sad reality is that it is taking local Architects far too long (at least since 2009) to become conversant and to take the lead role in sustainable design. Hence, it is not at all surprising that many, if not almost all, local Civil Engineers have hardly heard of or have participated in the need for sustainable civil engineering designs (which encompass infra and structural engineering).

This presentation will serve to highlight the role Civil Engineers can and should play to realize the Sustainable (Green) agenda and the need for a holistic design approach by all relevant players.


BIODATA OF SPEAKER

Ir. TL Chen is a practising Mechanical Engineer with over 35 years experience in the Building Services Industry, and was a co-author of all 3 editions of MS 1525 since 2001. He is an ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer and lectures regularly on Energy Efficiency and Sustainability globally. In 2009, he lead the development of Malaysia’s own Green Building Index rating system, which has gained international recognition and garnered government support in the form of Green Cost tax incentives (recently extended to 2020).

Chen has served as President of the Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM); the Institution of Fire Engineers Malaysia (IFEM); ASHRAE Malaysia Chapter; and the Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation. He also serves as Advisor to the Malaysian Air-Conditioning & Refrigeration Association (MACRA) since its inception.

In recognition of his contribution to the engineering fraternity, he was honoured with the ACEM Gold Medal Award in 2010.