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The Future is Certified Green : Inside 1 Utama’s ESG Evolution

Updated: Aug 21

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Image Credit : 1 Utama Shopping Mall


1 Utama Shopping Centre - one of Malaysia’s most visited and expansive retail destinationsachieved a national milestone: it became the first shopping mall in Malaysia to earn the full GreenRE Platinum certification under the Non-Residential Building (NRB) category. This recognition validates nearly 30 years of consistent environmental leadership by Bandar Utama City Sdn Bhd, 1 Utama’s developer and operator.


More than just an accolade, 1 Utama’s Platinum Rating under GreenRE ENRB v3.2 offers a real-world blueprint for sustainable, large-scale public infrastructure—one that speaks directly to the future ambitions of EVCC™ Pedas RSA, Malaysia’s first privately developed Rest Service Area (RSA) and a cornerstone of the EV Hub PLUS Expressway.



1 Utama’s ESG Excellence: A Green City Within a City


Spanning over 5 million square feet, 1 Utama is far more than a shopping centre - it’s a climate-conscious ecosystem that integrates biodiversity, digital innovation, renewable energy, and community-focused urban planning. Its GreenRE Platinum certification is backed by operational data and long-standing green policies.



🌱 Key GreenRE-Certified Features of 1 Utama:


1. Energy Efficiency through Smart Cooling & Automation

  • Utilises ice thermal storage and chilled water systems for efficient air-conditioning.

  • Centralised building automation systems (BAS) optimise energy consumption in real time.


2. On-Site Renewable Energy

  • Incorporates rooftop solar PV and BIPV panels, reducing dependency on grid electricity.


3. Water Conservation & Recycling

  • Fully operational rainwater harvesting system.

  • Greywater reuse for landscape irrigation and cooling towers.


4. Waste Management & Circular Economy

  • W.I.S.E. food waste management system diverts organics from landfills.

  • Hosts 1RECYCLING CENTRE, an in-mall recycling hub for paper, plastic, glass, and e-waste.


5. Biodiversity & Biophilic Design

  • The Secret Garden rooftop sky-park houses over 500 species of flora and is one of the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia.

  • A four-storey indoor rainforest featuring 100 native tree species fosters urban biodiversity.


6. Green Leases & Digital Sustainability Tools

  • Collaborates with tenants on Green Lease Partnerships to enforce energy-efficient fit-outs.

  • Integrates eco-digital tools like ForestONE (tree-planting app), 1PAY e-wallet, and ONESHOP e-commerce to reduce waste and paper dependency.


7. Commitment to Net-Zero

  • 1 Utama has set science-based targets to become a net-zero mall by 2050, aligning with global climate goals.


This integrated approach makes 1 Utama a living model of ESG in action—balancing profitability with long-term environmental stewardship.



What This Means for Roadside Infrastructure: The Case for EVCC™ Pedas RSA


While 1 Utama sits in the heart of a thriving township, its ESG model holds deep relevance for EVCC™ Pedas RSA, which will serve highway travellers and electric vehicle users along the PLUS Expressway.


As EVCC Pedas RSA aims for Platinum Rated GreenRE certification, it translates 1 Utama’s urban-scale sustainability strategies to a roadside mobility hub setting:

1 Utama Feature

EVCC Pedas RSA Adaptation

Rooftop solar PV & BIPV

Bifacial solar BIPV canopies covering drive-thru zones and carparks

Rainwater harvesting

Integrated rainwater systems for restroom and landscape use

BAS & energy optimisation

Smart EMS (Energy Management System) linking EV chargers and lighting

Urban biodiversity & sky parks

Circular green plaza, shaded prayer rooms, and native plant landscaping

Public education on ESG

Interactive digital displays highlighting energy and water performance metrics


Towards a Greener PLUS Expressway


EVCC™ Pedas RSA is more than a rest stop—it’s a decarbonised destination, designed to:


  • Serve EV users with 350 kW ultra-fast chargers and Tesla Superchargers,

  • Reduce carbon footprint via solar generation and water conservation,

  • Provide lifestyle amenities that enhance dwell time while educating the public about sustainability.


By adopting and adapting the ESG philosophies of 1 Utama, EVCC™ Pedas RSA is creating a new category of infrastructure—where mobility, rest, commerce, and climate responsibility converge.



Conclusion: 1 Utama Proves ESG is Scalable—and Essential


1 Utama’s Platinum GreenRE rating isn't just a certification - it’s a public commitment, a roadmap, and a working example of ESG success in high-traffic, revenue-driven infrastructure.


EVCC™ Pedas RSA follows this lead - not in retail scale, but in environmental impact - proving that any development, even along the highway, can and should aspire to Platinum sustainability standards.





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