By WU VUIDE
PENAMPANG: The Penampang District Council (PDC) has become the first government building in Sabah to receive green building certification, marking a significant step forward in sustainability and innovation in public service.
Deputy Chief Minister II and Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam presented the certification during the launch of PDC’s eAdu mobile application and Command Centre at the council.
Dr Joachim said the achievement is a clear testament to PDC’s commitment in addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy management and carbon emission reduction.
“This accomplishment reflects PDC’s commitment to sustainable building management through measures such as the installation of solar panels, the use of energy efficient equipment and LED lighting,” he said.
He added that the success aligns with the State Government’s objective to position Sabah as a smart and sustainable state that is responsive to environmental issues and the wellbeing of its people.
The certification is awarded to buildings that meet sustainability standards, including energy efficiency, water management, the use of environmentally friendly construction materials, and designs that support recycling and natural ventilation.
PDC’s achievement is also in line with the third core of the Sabah Maju Jaya development plan, which focuses on people’s wellbeing and environmental sustainability, including green technology and sustainable development.
Dr Joachim also praised PDC’s boldness in adopting new technology that not only reduces long-term operational costs but also contributes to global efforts to combat climate change.
The launch of the eAdu application and the PDC Command Centre marks a new era of digital governance and data driven management at the local government level.
The Command Centre is equipped with a CCTV monitoring system that supports not only safety and traffic surveillance but also disaster management during floods or unexpected incidents.
The eAdu application enables the public to submit complaints more easily, transparently and efficiently, in line with the vision of building a responsive, citizen-centred city.
“This new approach shows how PDC is advancing towards becoming a smart city, guided by technology and data to improve efficiency and the quality of life for its residents,” he said.
Dr Joachim expressed his appreciation to all parties who contributed to the project’s success, particularly former PDC President Francis Chong, Benny Ng and SHAREDA for their technical and professional expertise.
He urged other local authorities in Sabah to use this milestone as a benchmark to continue prioritising sustainability and innovation in their planning and development initiatives.
