JKR GREEN INITIATIVE SAVES GOVERNMENT OVER RM743,000 AS OF JULY – DG

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- The Public Works Department (JKR) successfully recorded a reduction in carbon emissions of 1.59 million kilogrammes of CO₂ equivalent and energy savings of two million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year, equivalent to financial savings of over RM743,625 for the government as of July 2025.

Its director-general, Datuk Seri Roslan Ismail said the achievement was the result of implementing various sustainability initiatives under the department, including energy management plans and green ratings in construction projects.

"In addition, a total of 143 building projects and 91 road projects have received green rating accreditation under the pHJKR system, contributing to a collective carbon reduction of over 29 million kilogrammes of CO₂ equivalent," he said when speaking at the JKR Greenday 2025: Green Generation Empowering Change opening ceremony here today.

bootstrap slideshow

Earlier, the ceremony was officiated by the Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, and was also attended by JKR staff and industry strategic partners.

Meanwhile, Roslan said the achievement aligns with JKR's efforts to support the national aspiration to reduce carbon emissions by 45 per cent by 2030, as well as the government's commitment towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

He said the department is currently drafting the JKR Sustainable Development Policy 2026–2030 to ensure the department's policies and direction remain relevant, progressive, and competitive in facing future challenges.

"JKR also practices various sustainability instruments such as green ratings (pHJKR), the Green Product Scoring System (GPSS), the implementation of the Construction Waste Management Plan (CWMP), as well as MS ISO 14001 and MS ISO 50001 certifications to strengthen energy and environmental governance," he said.

He also said that the JKR Greenday 2025 programme serves as a platform to enhance understanding and knowledge sharing related to green practices, while also preparing technical personnel to face the challenges of sustainable development.

“The younger generation needs to be the driving force behind industry change through responsible green practices. Programmes like Greenday serve as a platform for us to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable development in all aspects of project planning and implementation," he added.

With the theme "Green Generation: Empowering Change," the programme attracted over 300 participants and featured eight guest speakers from various sectors, in addition to the participation of strategic organisations supporting green initiatives in the construction sector.

The event also saw the presentation of JKR pH Certificates to 12 selected projects in recognition of the commitment and cooperation of the project teams that successfully achieved a three-star rating and above.

The Works Ministry, through the JKR, reaffirms its ongoing commitment to supporting the sustainable and resilient development of the nation's infrastructure, in line with the MADANI Government's aspirations that emphasise the values of well-being, inclusivity, and sustainability in shaping a progressive and competitive society.

-- BERNAMA