The Design Village Outlet Mall (DVOM) has created history as Malaysia’s first fully certified GreenRE Platinum shopping mall, solidifying its status as a leader in sustainable retail development.
The prestigious recognition was officially announced at a special ceremony graced by YAB Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, alongside key industry leaders, government officials and sustainability advocates.
In his address, Chow commended PE Land (Penang) Sdn Bhd, the developer and operator of Design Village, for its pioneering sustainability initiatives that align with the Penang 2030 vision and the Penang Energy Framework (PEF).
“This landmark achievement demonstrates how sustainability, innovation, and responsible business practices can work hand in hand to create a greener, more resilient future for Penang. Design Village Outlet Mall is setting a new benchmark for energy efficiency, renewable energy adoption, and waste management, which will inspire other commercial developments across Malaysia,” said Chow in his speech.
A Commitment to Sustainability – Achieving GreenRE Platinum certification requires meeting stringent environmental standards, and Design Village has exceeded expectations, earning 107 out of 120 possible credits in key sustainability areas, including:
• Energy Efficiency: Full marks for an optimized air conditioning system and 100%
LED lighting, ensuring maximum energy savings.
• Renewable Energy Leadership: A 3,584-panel solar farm generating 1,971.2 kWp, covering 28.5% of the mall’s energy consumption, reducing grid dependency by 2,868 MWh annually.
• Sustainable Materials & Waste Management: Full points for using responsibly
sourced materials and an advanced waste management system.
• Indoor Air Quality & Ventilation: Highest scores for providing a healthier shopping environment with superior ventilation in common areas.
• Innovation in Green Features: Recognition for cutting-edge sustainability solutions integrated into the mall’s design and operations.
“Sustainability is not just an achievement; it is a continuous journey. At PE Land Penang, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of green innovation and making zero landfill waste a reality within two years. Our efforts go beyond compliance—we are setting new industry standards,” said Andy Song, Chief Operating Officer of PE Land (Penang) Sdn Bhd.Beyond Certification: A Zero Waste and Net-Zero Vision Beyond achieving GreenRE Platinum status, Design Village is actively working towards:
• Zero Landfill Waste by 2027, partnering with Maeko for food waste composting and exploring glass recycling solutions.
• Upgrading its car park system to eliminate paper tickets, improving sustainability and customer convenience.
• Expanding its solar PV system, aiming for even higher renewable energy
contributions if regulatory conditions allow.
• Implementing a Green Leasing Model to encourage tenants to adopt energy-efficient and waste-reducing practices.
• Enhancing connectivity with public transport to reduce carbon emissions.
• Enhancing its GreenRE Platinum Certification, Design Village is installing the first 120kW DC fast-charging station for electric vehicles (EVs) at its premises, along with 12 units of 22kW AC chargers.
Fully powered by clean energy, these chargers further promote low-carbon mobility within the compound. Davis Chong, Executive Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of Solarvest Holdings Berhad, said:
“We applaud Design Village’s commitment to sustainable retail development through a series of clean energy initiatives. We are proud to be part of this journey, introducing Batu Kawan’s first fast-charging EV facility powered entirely by renewable energy, alongside additional AC chargers. Batu Kawan, one of the high-growth areas within the state, is projected to house more than 250,000 residents by 2036, creating vast opportunities for economic and community growth. The addition of Powerbee DC charger enhances access to fast EV charging, strengthening the area’s urban infrastructure while complementing Malaysia’s push toward carbon neutrality.”
Set to launch in August 2025, this initiative aligns with Malaysia’s green energy aspirations and reinforces the commitment of both Solarvest and Design Village to promoting renewable energy solutions for a cleaner future.
A Shared Mission for a Sustainable Penang – The Chief Minister reiterated the state’s support for sustainable business initiatives, highlighting Penang’s commitment to:
• Mandatory renewable energy adoption for all new public buildings, with a minimum of 5% self-generated energy.
• New Building Energy Intensity (BEI) standards to drive energy efficiency in
commercial and retail properties.
• Enforcement of the ‘No Plastic Bag Everyday’ Campaign by September 2025.
“Design Village is more than just a retail destination—it is a model for the future of sustainable commercial spaces. The success of this project reflects the power of collaboration between the government and forward-thinking businesses like PE Land Penang,” added Chow.
As the first fully certified GreenRE Platinum outlet mall in Malaysia, Design Village Outlet Mall continues to redefine the future of retail, demonstrating that sustainability and commercial success can go hand in hand.
Source – Design Village Outlet Mall