Redefining Roadside ESG : Lessons from Malaysia’s Platinum-Rated Caltex Bukit Gantang
- Levn admin
- Aug 7
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 21
Image Credit : Caltex Malaysia
As Malaysia advances toward a low-carbon future, few roadside developments exemplify this shift as clearly as Caltex Bukit Gantang (Southbound) ; a pioneering fuel station that has achieved the highest level of sustainability recognition under the GreenRE Platinum rating for existing non-residential buildings.
More than just an upgrade, this transformation serves as a national reference point for integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into highway infrastructure.
Now, as EVCC™ Pedas RSA emerges as a new class of EV-centric, privately developed Rest Service Area (RSA) along the PLUS Expressway, the success of Bukit Gantang offers valuable insights into building ESG-ready infrastructure with long-term commercial value.
1. A Model of Sustainability in Operation
Located strategically along one of the country’s busiest intercity routes, Caltex Bukit Gantang (Southbound) demonstrates that sustainability retrofits, when executed with precision, can redefine legacy infrastructure.
The station underwent a comprehensive environmental upgrade to meet stringent GreenRE Platinum benchmarks under the ENRB (Existing Non-Residential Building) framework. These enhancements were not cosmetic—they fundamentally improved operational efficiency, environmental impact, and customer comfort.
Key Sustainability Enhancements:
Solar PV integration (86 kWp) to reduce dependency on grid electricity
Rainwater harvesting systems to manage non-potable water usage
High-efficiency LED lighting and inverter HVAC systems for energy conservation
Low-VOC materials and improved thermal zoning to enhance indoor air quality
Smart metering and IoT dashboards to enable real-time energy monitoring and leak detection
2. Integrating EV Infrastructure Ahead of the Curve
In line with Malaysia’s growing EV adoption, the station also introduced a 50 kW DC fast charger, operated through public charging platforms. While modest in scale, this infrastructure provided an important charging node along a key highway corridor, bridging the gap for early EV users.
This move reflects a broader truth: EV-readiness is no longer optional for roadside development—it is fundamental. Even a single charger can attract new customer segments, extend visit durations, and increase ancillary spend.
3. ESG Reporting That Aligns with Capital Markets
What distinguishes Caltex Bukit Gantang is not only its physical upgrades, but also its ability to quantify and communicate ESG performance—a practice increasingly demanded by investors, regulators, and credit agencies.
From energy savings and water reuse to reduced operating costs and improved environmental quality, Chevron Malaysia’s transparent approach demonstrates the importance of measurable and auditable ESG indicators.
4. User Experience Remains Paramount
Despite the technical upgrades, Caltex Bukit Gantang retains a familiar, customer-friendly experience. Its clean layout, intuitive wayfinding, and standard fuel amenities remain unchanged—underscoring that sustainability enhancements need not interfere with brand consistency or customer satisfaction.
Similarly, EVCC™ Pedas RSA combines environmental excellence with consumer-focused design: a high-capacity EV charging zone, world-class restrooms, a surau, drive-thru offerings, and a retail hub—engineered to deliver both comfort and performance.
5. Translating Insights to EVCC™ Pedas RSA
Caltex Bukit Gantang | EVCC™ Pedas RSA |
Retrofit to GreenRE Platinum | Purpose-built to exceed GreenRE Platinum benchmarks |
Single EV charger | Multi-brand EV charging hub, scalable to support future demand |
Fuel-centric service | Integrated retail and EV lifestyle destination |
Operational sustainability metrics | Full-site ESG dashboard and performance monitoring system |
GLC-led initiative | Privately developed, investor-grade ESG asset |
Raising the Bar for ESG Roadside Development
Caltex Bukit Gantang has set a national precedent for how ESG principles can be embedded in highway infrastructure. It has proven that sustainability, operational efficiency, and commercial viability are not mutually exclusive—but can in fact reinforce one another.
EVCC™ Pedas RSA builds upon that foundation, advancing it into a new development model where electric mobility, data-led ESG governance, and user-centric design converge to deliver a next-generation RSA for Malaysia.
Conclusion
Redefining roadside ESG means going beyond compliance—it requires intentional, transparent, and scalable execution. Caltex Bukit Gantang demonstrates what’s possible with commitment and clarity. EVCC™ Pedas RSA takes that vision forward, reimagining what a modern rest stop can and should be in the electric mobility era.
By integrating the lessons of the past with the technology and sustainability imperatives of the future, EVCC™ Pedas RSA is not just building a stop - it is building a benchmark.
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