Water-Conscious Building Standards

UKM applies building standards to minimize water use in alignment with the Government Green Procurement Guidelines (GGP) 3.0 and the UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030. Under GGP 3.0, UKM promotes the procurement of environmentally friendly products and services, prioritizing water-efficient systems, such as fixtures that reduce water consumption and low-flow toilets. The implementation of rainwater harvesting systems is a key strategy to decrease reliance on treated water sources by collecting and reusing rainwater for non-potable applications. UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 further supports these efforts by emphasizing responsible water use policies, which encourage the installation of water-saving fixtures and sustainable landscaping practices using native and drought-resistant plants. This plan outlines commitments to identifying water resources on campus and preventing water pollution through strict monitoring and adherence to environmental regulations. By integrating these initiatives, UKM not only fulfills its obligations under GGP 3.0 but also advances its sustainability goals, fostering a campus environment committed to responsible water management and environmental stewardship.

Government Green Procurement Guidelines (GGP) 3.0

UKM adherence to the Government Green Procurement Guidelines (GGP) 3.0 and implementation of GGP 3.0 related to Water-Conscious Building Standards

  1. Commitment to Green Procurement: UKM follows the guidelines outlined in GGP 3.0 to promote the procurement of environmentally friendly products and services, including water-efficient systems. This commitment supports the broader goal of sustainable development and aligns with SDG 6.
  2. Water-Efficient Products: UKM incorporates specific criteria for selecting products that are water-efficient, such as fixtures that minimize water consumption, toilets designed for low flow, and water-saving irrigation systems for landscaping.
  3. Rainwater Harvesting Systems: The implementation of rainwater harvesting systems is a key aspect of UKM strategy to reduce reliance on treated water sources. These systems allow for the collection and reuse of rainwater for non-potable applications, significantly decreasing overall water demand.
  4. Sustainable Landscaping Practices: UKM emphasizes the use of native and drought-resistant plant species in its landscaping efforts. This approach not only conserves water but also promotes biodiversity and reduces the need for extensive irrigation.
  5. Compliance with Environmental Standards: UKM ensures that all procurement processes related to building standards are in compliance with the GGP guidelines, which mandate consideration of environmental impact, including water conservation.
  6. Monitoring and Evaluation: UKM actively monitors the effectiveness of its water conservation measures and makes adjustments as necessary to ensure compliance with GGP standards. Regular assessments are conducted to evaluate the impact of these initiatives on water usage and sustainability.
  7. Awareness and Training: To enhance water conservation efforts, UKM conducts training and awareness programs for staff and students about the importance of water-saving practices and the implementation of sustainable technologies in campus facilities.

By integrating these practices, UKM not only complies with GGP 3.0 but also contributes significantly to the sustainable management of water resources, reflecting a strong commitment to environmental stewardship and community well-being.

Government Green Procurement Guidelines (GGP) 3.0

Policy Created: 2021
Policy Reviewed: 2024

Source: https://www.myhijau.my/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/GGP-Guidelines-3.0.pdf

UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030

UKM is dedicated to aligning its initiatives with SDG 6 and the GGP 3.0 through:

  1. Identifying Types of Water Resources: UKM actively maps and identifies the various water resources available on campus, including surface water, groundwater, and rainwater harvesting systems. This comprehensive understanding allows for better management and utilization of these resources (page 36).
  2. Preventing Water Pollution: The university implements strict measures to prevent water pollution. This includes regular monitoring of water quality, managing waste disposal, and ensuring that all activities on campus comply with environmental regulations to protect local water bodies from contamination (page 37).
  3. Establishing a Policy on the Use of Water: UKM has developed a clear policy regarding water usage that promotes conservation and efficiency. This policy outlines guidelines for responsible water use in all university operations, encourages the installation of water-saving fixtures, and mandates the incorporation of sustainable practices in landscaping and building maintenance (page 37).

Through these commitments, UKM not only fulfills its obligations under GGP 3.0 but also makes significant strides toward achieving the targets set by SDG 6, ultimately fostering a sustainable campus environment.

  • Policy Created: 2022
  • Policy Reviewed: 2030

Source: https://www.ukm.my/kelestarian/data/publications/UKM-SUSTAINABILITY-STRATEGIC-PLAN-2030.pdf