GreenTech Malaysia: Advocating the Green Tenet

It is indeed a fitting swan song for Ir. Ahmad Hadri Haris, Group Chief Executive Officer of Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia) as he ends his tenure at this month’s end, with a laudable report card.

For those not in the know, GreenTech Malaysia is a not-for-profit organisation that falls under the purview of the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water Malaysia (KeTTHA). It is tasked with the development and promotion of green technology as a strategic engine for socio-economic growth in Malaysia.

Since Ir. Ahmad Haris joined in 2013, GreenTech Malaysia has held the torch to lead the nation’s green technology landscape via impactful projects under its four flagships; Green Malaysia Plan, Green Procurement, Electric Mobility and Sustainable Living.

[From left] Alun Jones, General Manager, Malaysian Exhibition Services, Datuk Ir. Mohd Aminuddin Mohd Amin, Senior General manager, Corporate Affairs & Communications, TNB, Elina Jani, Chief Executive Officer, Greentech Ideaslab and Acting Deputy Minister of Energy, Green Technology & Water, Y.B. Senator Datuk Seri SK Devamany during the soft launch of IGEM 2017

The organisation has developed 10 green policies and blueprints, including the National Electric Mobility Blueprint, Kedah Green Agenda, Selangor Green Action Plan as well as the recently sanctioned Green Technology Master Plan. These documents are aimed at guiding the intended authorities and sectors to incorporate green action plans within their area of jurisdiction, contributing to the reduction of nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Green Procurement Flagship

GreenTech Malaysia initiated the Government Green Procurement programme in 2013, as the public sector represents about 15% of Malaysia’s GDP. Through a ‘lead-by-example’ by Malaysian authorities, GreenTech Malaysia expects that the programme would have a trickle-down effect to influence the private sector to choose ‘green-compliant’ suppliers, creating more robust supply and demand in the local ‘green product’ market.

To date, GreenTech Malaysia has extended the programme to 12 Ministries and Agencies with the target to have all Ministries participate in the programme by 2017, collectively achieving 20% of green procurement by 2020.

To further allow procurers to easily identify certified green products and services, GreenTech Malaysia introduced the MyHIJAU Mark in 2015, a green recognition scheme that identifies green products and services with existing green certifications, which are then registered and listed in the MyHIJAU Directory. At present, there are 103 companies participating in the MyHIJAU Mark and Directory with 369 registered green products and services. GreenTech Malaysia targets to register 300 companies with 2,000 green products and services by 2020.

Electric Mobility Flagship

GreenTech Malaysia has embarked on several engagements with stakeholders and the public to create greater awareness on the feasibility of electric vehicles (EVs) for public and private ownership. One of the key initiatives is the Tesla Programme initiated in 2015, which saw the Government approved  100 Teslas to be imported into the country on a duty-free basis, to be leased to corporate leaders and key influencers to advocate the benefits of EVs. To date, the organisation has delivered 17 Teslas, adding to the 114 number of EVs currently on Malaysian roads.

In support of the increasing shift to EVs, GreenTech Malaysia launched its very own charging station network, ChargEV, in 2015, to provide EV users greater charging convenience. The ChargEV technology is developed in partnership with The New Motion, a global leading manufacturer for EV charging system.

GreenTech Malaysia has now installed 150 ChargEV stations across the nation with the support from the increasingly eco-minded premise owners and property developers. GreenTech Malaysia is confident of expanding the network further, particularly with the partnerships forged with PETRONAS Dagangan Berhad and BMW Malaysia.

“During our engagement with industry players and the public, we can definitely see the excitement for EVs in the market. The challenge of course was the price factor and also to shift Malaysians away from the norm and embrace new technology. It is, therefore, our role to continuously demonstrate the feasibility of EVs, to gain market acceptance,” Ir. Ahmad Hadri explained.

“After years of advocating, I am pleased to share that we are beginning to see a gradual shift to EVs as these have proven to be a practical solution to pollution while also helping drivers to save cost on fuel and maintenance and providing a green lifestyle option in transportation,” he added.

Sustainable Living Flagship

The Low Carbon Cities Framework and Assessment System (LCCF) has been extended to 52 local authorities currently, an impressive rise from 6 in 2013. This is a clear indication that more local authorities are prioritising the concept of sustainable cities for their municipalities.

The 52 local authorities and universities participating in the LCCF are:

GreenTech Malaysia hopes to have all 154 local authorities adopting the LCCF eventually, all the while keeping an eye on the target of cutting CO₂ emissions by 45% by 2030.

But That’s Not All

GreenTech Malaysia also plays the role of facilitator in The Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS). Today, GTFS boasts 28 international and local participating financial institutions such as Citibank, Standard Chartered, Public Bank and Maybank, from only 8 in 2010.

This scheme has financed 272 green projects, amounting to RM2.96 billion thus far. These projects are expected to contribute to the avoidance of 3.161 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent, creating a total of 4,645 green jobs and generating RM5.812 billion in green investments.

Ir. Ahmad Hadri explained, “Over the years, the GTFS has helped Malaysian financial institutions grasp the prospect of green technology ventures better resulting in a growing acceptance amongst banks to fund new green projects even in the absence of proven track record. This clearly signals the shift in mindset amongst conventional banks to include green impact in their considerations in addition to the usual financial criteria.”

The GTFS has now been recognised internationally for its successful role in spurring green investments. As a result, GreenTech Malaysia has been appointed as one of the founding members for the world’s first Green Bank Network in November 2015 and will be instrumental in facilitating the growth of green businesses within the ASEAN region.

In furtherance of GreenTech Malaysia making its mark internationally, The International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM) will continue to be utilised as a key platform, having successfully generated business leads of over RM10 billion in the past six years. This year, IGEM will take place from 11^th to 13^th October in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, targeting RM1.6 billion in business leads, 320 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors from over 20 countries.

Sharper Focus

In cognisance of the fact that the ‘Green’ agenda is a serious agenda, GreenTech Malaysia had established three subsidiaries between 2015 and 2016, with specific target key focus areas. They are GreenTech Malaysia Alliances Sdn. Bhd. (GTMA), GreenTech Catalyst Sdn. Bhd. (GTC) and GreenTech IdeasLab Sdn. Bhd. (GTI).

GTMA is focused on driving green businesses through strategic partnerships, while GTC is responsible to expedite the adoption of green technology through offering services in finance, entrepreneurship, standardisation and incentivisation. Meanwhile, GTI is tasked with developing green skills and promoting green events to spur the economy through customised green training programmes, on-ground public engagements and industry-level international exhibitions.

Ir. Ahmad Hadri espoused, “These subsidiaries will also assist the organisation to drive commercial projects as part of our strategy to become self-sustaining and support the national green agenda,” he added.

It looks like he has set the organisation on solid ground …. before passing on the baton.