Design Village Sets the Standard : Malaysia’s First Platinum-Rated ESG Outlet Mall

Image Credit : Design Village , Penang

In the landscape of Malaysian sustainability, few developments have achieved what Design Village Penang has. Developed by PE Land (Penang) Sdn Bhd, this open-air outlet mall in Batu Kawan has been certified as the first Platinum-rated outlet mall under the GreenRE NRB standard, a milestone achieved on 27 December 2024.

But Design Village is more than a certification - it's a working example of how commercial spaces can embed ESG principles without compromising user experience or business performance. As Malaysia’s first privately developed EV mobility-focused rest stop, EVCC™ Pedas RSA takes direct inspiration from this pioneering model.

Design Village: ESG Retail, Reimagined

Design Village Penang was intentionally designed to support long-term environmental, social, and operational sustainability. Here’s how it leads by example:

✅ GreenRE Platinum Certification

Recognised as the first outlet mall in Malaysia to attain GreenRE’s Platinum rating, Design Village sets the gold standard for future retail and infrastructure projects.

☀️ 29% Renewable Energy Target

A total of 3,584 rooftop solar panels power the mall, generating 2,868 MWh annually. Over a decade, this system will prevent 39,037 tonnes of CO₂ emissions—a bold step toward low-carbon operations.

🏢 Energy-Efficient Building Design

The mall features:

• Solar-controlled glazing to reduce heat gain

• Natural ventilation strategies to minimise HVAC usage

• LED lighting throughout

• Automated energy management systems to optimise operational efficiency

🌿 Eco-Conscious Landscaping

An impressive 82% of its landscaped areas require minimal irrigation, thanks to drought-tolerant species—more than 20 varieties of plants were carefully selected to reduce water demand and improve biodiversity.

♻️ Holistic Sustainability Initiatives

• Zero Waste Composting System

• On-site EV Charging Hub

• Digital Directories to reduce print material

• Recycling stations across the premises

🐾 Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Wildlife displaced during construction was safely relocated to protected habitats, ensuring biodiversity protection even during development.

EVCC™ Pedas RSA : Translating ESG Principles to Roadside Infrastructure

Much like Design Village redefined sustainable retail, EVCC™ Pedas RSA seeks to redefine Malaysia’s highway rest stops through a deep integration of ESG values and user-centric design.

Key features of Pedas RSA include:

• GreenRE Platinum Target – The rest stop is designed to achieve the same high benchmark with bifacial solar BIPV roofing, rainwater harvesting systems, and natural daylighting for common areas.

• EV-Forward Infrastructure – The RSA will feature a dedicated EV forecourt, complete with 350 kW ultra-fast chargers, Tesla Superchargers, and solar-powered amenities, positioning it as the anchor of the EV Hub PLUS Expressway.

• Nature-Inspired & Circular Design – A circular building plan, open walkways, timber-style roofing, and smart landscaping strategies echo Design Village’s comfort-first, climate-conscious approach.

• Community Engagement – The RSA includes food courts, lifestyle retail, drive-thru pods, and public spaces—all designed to encourage longer dwell times and meaningful rest experiences rather than transactional stops.

Conclusion: A Shared Vision for Sustainable Public Spaces

Design Village Penang has shown that Platinum-rated ESG frameworks are not limited to corporate offices and luxury buildings. They are applicable—and beneficial—to commercial, public-facing, and even roadside infrastructure.

EVCC™ Pedas RSA is Malaysia’s opportunity to bring these standards to the PLUS highway network. By learning from the measurable impact and award-winning design of Design Village, Pedas RSA is on track to deliver a new category of sustainable highway development - functional, beautiful, and built for the future.

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