Preparations toward sustainability and energy efficiency in buildings begun about a decade ago with many aspects of tangible and intangible results such as the existence of a The Ministry of Energy, Green Technology & Water (MEGTW - Low Energy Office), The Malaysian Energy Center (Green Energy Office) and the forthcoming office building for the Energy Commission known as the Green Office. Other initiatives are the high efficient motor, the increase of the electricity tariffs, the introduction of the Renewable Energy as the 5th Fuel Policy with a national campaign known as the Suria 1000 where the use of solar electricity for the building industry is encouraged. At the same time there needs a parallel development for the critical mass otherwise initial noble efforts would be jeopardized due to lack of knowledge and skill support infrastructure. Training has been going on but only for specific tasks initiated either by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) or government agencies. But as for the architecture profession, the efforts fully depended on individuals’ interests and passion. This slows the process of assimilation and adaptation. There should be a thorough awareness throughout the practicing and academic architects as to the seriousness of having green buildings as the next future direction for Malaysian buildings. This paper does not attempt to set an agenda for education in architecture but rather to espouse the idea. It sets to show one way to accelerate the change in the mindsets of architects as a whole towards designing for architectural sustainability, is to revamp the architectural courses and curriculums in institutes of higher learning.
Book: one author
Pollan, Michael. The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals. New York: Penguin, 2006.
