In 2015, the United Nations adopted the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or the Global Goals as a universal call to action to ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030. With improved living standards, more people are going to live in urban areas. In Malaysia, it is projected that by 2050, 88 percent of the population will be living in cities. Given the projected growth, many property developers are rising to the challenge to create not only liveable living spaces but also sustainable ones.
Selangor Dredging Berhad (SDB) have continuously incorporated sustainable designs as part of its brand DNA. In its sustainability framework, SDB adopted five (most relevant) SDGs targets into its value creation approach and employed industry best practices in its design processes and development decisions. The objectives of SDB’s sustainability tenet are straightforward: That is to create a healthy, productive and self-sustaining environment for customers, and the community at large. To do this, SDB looks at three broad areas, namely its design approach, using innovative and green technologies and solutions and through strategic partnerships.
Rethinking The Design Approach
SDB believes that the home is more than a place. It is where you can achieve your happiness and physical well-being. As we adapt to the new norm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the home has become even more important, as it has doubled up as our workplace. For many of us, making sure that there are appropriate spaces is important to maintain our productivity, health and well-being when working from home.
SDB’s products feature designs and concepts that integrate the need for work and play. This approach also enhances the development’s versatility and performance to suit modern day living. For instance, SDB employs innovative architectures and designs that will help to reduce the total energy consumption by buildings, by optimising the use of natural sunlight and by harvesting rainwater where possible. Improved buildings’ energy efficiency can lower the residents’ utility bills.
Through visual sensory stimulation, SDB’s developments are built to evoke homebuyers’ senses and to deliver to them the feeling of happiness. SDB employs the rectilinear layout, which eliminates excess spaces in every unit and this proper spatial planning has been part of its design DNA that promotes expansive living for homebuyers and tenants.
At SDB’s SqWhere, the buildings are oriented to maximise natural lighting into the units, minus the glare of direct sunlight. SDB’s homes also featured uniquely large windows, balconies and wide spaces to optimise natural ventilation.
If you need a boost in vitamin D levels, you can set up your home office at the Sky Garden at SDB’s UNA Serviced Apartment along Jalan Peel, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur – and across the road from the vibrant Sunway Velocity – to reap the health benefits of natural sunlight while you work.
Investing In The Environment
As the population in any cities and townships increases, maintaining a connection to the natural environment is crucial to enhance liveability and quality of life. We need more green belts and parks in our built environment to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
One of the key sustainability features at SDB is its heavy emphasis on having lively green spaces and curated landscaping in all its developments. SDB aims to deliver exceptional living experiences for its homebuyers that extend beyond the confines of their homes but also into the public and shared spaces as well.
SDB incorporates the Biophilic approach in both the indoor and outdoor spaces in its developments. As the name itself suggest, the concept increases homebuyers’ and tenants’ connectivity to the natural environment which helps to enhance their physical, psychological and social well-being.
SDB’s Windows on the Park (WOTP) was awarded Gold during The EdgeProp-Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia (ILAM) Malaysia’s Sustainable Landscape Award 2020. The winning design consists of a larger than conventional 4.2-acre park which has been built not only to serve its residents but also to nurture the natural environment.
SDB believes that human shares an intrinsic nature to be linked to the environment they work and live in. Studies reveal that people are healthier and happier when they have a close connection to nature. As such, SDB created an ecosystem that will nurture this human-nature relationship to benefit homeowners’ and tenants’ physical and psychological well-being.
At WOTP, over 40% of the land area is allocated for landscaping that is filled with carefully selected trees and plant species and curated art pieces – bringing to life a green enclave for the residents.
Sustaining A Close-Knit Community
SDB recognises the various environmental, economic and social dimensions in all its developments in order to give homebuyers the peace of mind as well as the assurance that they have made the right choice for themselves and their family. The goal is to deliver the utmost living experience to all homebuyers. In doing so, SDB empathises with their needs and goes beyond the minimal requirements each time in all of its deliverables.
As SDB aims to build and foster a close-knit community in its developments, shared areas and facilities are carefully designed to create a conducive environment that will promote social interactions. There will be ample spaces for you to enjoy the company of your family and friends whenever you need. Those who are physically active can sweat it out in the gym or do a lap or two in the pool. Young children can expend their energy at the parks or dip in the pool or even have fun in the play area.
The level of residential segmentation and architectural flexibility at SDB’s developments allows residents to spend quality time with their family and friends. There are also co-working areas and decks for the residents to work.
In line with SDB’s sustainability commitments, the community extends beyond homebuyers. SDB also strive to create greater social impact in the community in which it operates, by ensuring that its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts are relevant to the needs of today’s society. Through strategic partnerships, SDB ensures that its CSR efforts are impactful, measurable and self-sustaining in the long run.
SDB’s CSR initiatives focus on creating opportunities and empowering special needs individuals to acquire skills that will prepare them for a life on their own.
Last but not least, SDB views partnerships with its customers and other stakeholders as a critical enabler to its long-term growth and business sustainability. For SDB, it is more than just a one-time-only relationship as it remains committed to serving and providing homebuyers with services that will continually add value to their investment. By doing so, SDB is forging a long-lasting and sustainable relationship with them and the community at large.
