Rain-Powered RSA : Inside EVCC™ PEDAS RSA ESG Infrastructure
- Levn admin
- May 18
- 3 min read
Updated: May 20

In an age of escalating climate concerns and rising ESG expectations, infrastructure must do more than support mobility—it must embody responsibility. EVCC™ PEDAS RSA, Malaysia’s flagship electric vehicle rest area along the PLUS North-South Expressway, is doing exactly that. Among its defining sustainability features is a 500,000-litre rainwater harvesting system, seamlessly integrated into its design and constructed using in-situ concrete casting—a hallmark of long-term durability and environmental intent.
This is not just water storage. It is a core ESG infrastructure feature that enhances resource resilience, reduces operational costs, and directly supports GreenRE Platinum certification.
Built on Purpose: An ESG-Centric Water Strategy
From day one, the rainwater harvesting system was designed as a foundational element of EVCC™ PEDAS RSA’s sustainability strategy. With a total capacity of 500,000 litres, the system collects and repurposes rainwater for toilet flushing and landscape irrigation—the largest contributors to non-potable water demand in any high-traffic rest area.
By shifting away from reliance on municipal treated water, the system provides not only cost savings and water autonomy, but also significantly reduces strain on regional water infrastructure. This aligns directly with the project’s environmental targets and long-term ESG goals.
A Global Comparison: Outscaling Germany’s Leading Airport Installation
To appreciate the scale of this tank, consider Frankfurt Airport—home to Germany’s largest rainwater harvesting system, installed in 1993. That system collects water from a 26,800 m² terminal roof and stores it across six tanks totaling 100,000 litres. The water is used for toilet flushing, plant irrigation, and air-conditioning system cleaning.
EVCC™ PEDAS RSA’s tank holds FIVE TIMES that volume, despite serving a rest area, not an international aviation terminal. This reflects a bold approach in applying world-class sustainability practices within a compact, public-serving infrastructure in Malaysia.
From Sunlight to Storage: A Closed-Loop System
The RSA’s solar-integrated BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic) roof plays a dual role—generating clean energy while serving as a precision catchment surface for rainfall. These roof panels are angled to maximize both solar efficiency and water runoff flow, channeling rain into a concealed siphonic drainage system.
These siphonic pipes are built into the structural columns, preserving the facility’s clean architectural lines. Rainwater flows directly into the underground tank via this pressurized system—minimizing spillage and maximizing collection during high-volume tropical downpours.

Engineered for the Long Haul: In-Situ Concrete Construction
The rainwater harvesting tank was cast in situ—a method where the concrete structure is formed and poured directly on site, rather than assembled from precast units. This construction technique provides:
Structural integrity, capable of handling hydrostatic pressure over decades
Monolithic waterproofing, reducing the risk of leakage or joint failure
Design flexibility, allowing the tank to be fully integrated beneath the site
Excavation was followed by the laying of a steel-reinforced base slab, cast-in-place vertical walls, and a concrete top slab with multiple access ports. Internal chambers were formed for sedimentation and pumping, while waterproof linings ensure water quality preservation.
This method of construction demonstrates engineering foresight, enabling the RSA to incorporate heavy-duty sustainability infrastructure beneath a high-traffic, commercial-grade facility.
Smart Monitoring, Sustainable Operation
Beyond construction, the system is digitally connected to the RSA’s building management system. IoT sensors monitor water levels, pump operation, and flow rates in real-time. This smart infrastructure enables:
Optimized water distribution based on usage patterns
Predictive maintenance for maximum uptime
ESG reporting with transparent data on water savings
Together, these features turn the tank from a passive structure into an active ESG asset, delivering both environmental performance and operational intelligence.
Contributing to GreenRE Platinum Certification
This rainwater harvesting system is central to EVCC™ PEDAS RSA’s bid for GreenRE Platinum status, directly contributing to core categories such as:
Water efficiency
Stormwater management
Environmental innovation
Resilience and resource circularity
By reducing dependence on municipal water, minimizing runoff, and integrating digital controls, the system represents a modern, future-ready response to Malaysia’s environmental challenges.
A Rest Stop That Leads
With a capacity five times larger than Frankfurt Airport’s benchmark installation, EVCC™ PEDAS RSA’s rainwater harvesting system isn’t just large—it’s visionary. It shows that climate-conscious infrastructure need not be confined to skyscrapers or international terminals. It can exist where people least expect it—on the highway, in the rest areas, in everyday spaces.
This is how rain powers more than plants and plumbing—it powers progress. It powers ESG.
#RainwaterHarvesting #GreenREPlatinum #ESGInfrastructure #EVCCMalaysia #SmartRSA #InSituConcrete #SustainableMobility #SolarBIPV #HighwayInnovation #ClimateLeadership
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