Malaysia Energy Commission Headquarters: Putrajaya, Malaysia

Malaysia’s Green Diamond

The diamond shape of the Malaysia Energy Commission HQ reflects its status as a crown jewel of sustainability in that country. It incorporates self-shading to provide diffuse daylighting and views for occupants, while reducing energy use — a critical consideration in a tropical climate. The Diamond Building is one of the country’s first buildings that goes beyond energy efficiency, incorporating sustainable design and strategies that reduce environmental impact. Examples include graywater recycling and on-site composting. The building uses nearly four times less energy than a typical Malaysia office building. The glimmering green façade of the Malaysia Energy Commission Headquarters known  as the Diamond Building stands in stark contrast to the surrounding brown concrete government buildings. It stands apart in other ways, too: its sustainable design and  building energy intensity of 20.6 kBtu/ft.