Skip to main content

A Deep Dive into the MyCREST Rating System and Criteria.

A Deep Dive into the MyCREST Rating System and Criteria.


🕒 Reading Time: 10 minutes

💡 Key Takeaway:

Understanding the MyCREST Rating System and Criteria can help building owners and developers design smarter, more sustainable, and future-ready buildings that align with Malaysia’s green goals.

A Deep Dive into the MyCREST Rating System and Criteria

Introduction (PAS Framework)

Problem:
The construction industry is one of the biggest energy consumers and carbon emitters. Yet, many developers still struggle to understand how to measure or improve their building’s sustainability performance.

Agitation:
Without a clear framework, even well-intentioned projects risk falling short of environmental standards — missing opportunities for cost savings, investor appeal, and compliance with Malaysia’s sustainability targets.

Solution:
That’s where MyCREST (Malaysian Carbon Reduction and Environmental Sustainability Tool) comes in. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the MyCREST Rating System and Criteria, helping you understand how it works, why it matters, and how it can transform your next project into a green success story.

Summary Box

TopicDetails
TitleA Deep Dive into the MyCREST Rating System and Criteria
PurposeTo help developers, engineers, and architects understand the MyCREST framework and its sustainability benefits
Focus AreasDesign, construction, operation, and carbon reduction
OutcomeLearn how to apply MyCREST principles to achieve sustainable, energy-efficient buildings

Understanding the MyCREST Framework

A Deep Dive into the MyCREST Rating System and Criteria starts with understanding its core purpose — promoting sustainability across the entire building lifecycle.
Developed by CIDB Malaysia, MyCREST combines carbon assessment and green building practices to encourage designs that minimize environmental impact.

It’s not just about earning a certificate — it’s about creating a roadmap for sustainable growth.

Key Objectives of MyCREST

  • Reduce carbon emissions from building design to operation.

  • Encourage energy-efficient designs and technologies.

  • Promote the use of eco-friendly materials and renewable energy.

  • Support human health and comfort within the built environment.

  • Enable data-driven performance tracking for long-term improvement.

Structure of the MyCREST Rating System

To truly grasp A Deep Dive into the MyCREST Rating System and Criteria, we must look at its three main stages:

1. Design Stage (D)

This stage focuses on how sustainable thinking is embedded into the planning and design process.
Key criteria include:

  • Energy modeling and simulations

  • Passive design strategies

  • Renewable energy integration

  • Green material selection

  • Site selection and environmental management

2. Construction Stage (C)

The construction phase measures how sustainability goals are implemented in practice.
Criteria assessed include:

  • Waste management and recycling

  • Construction energy tracking

  • Pollution control

  • Worker welfare and safety

  • Material sourcing transparency

3. Operation Stage (O)

This stage ensures that the building continues performing efficiently long after completion.
Performance is measured based on:

  • Energy and water consumption data

  • Indoor air quality

  • Maintenance practices

  • Occupant satisfaction surveys

Scoring and Rating in MyCREST

In A Deep Dive into the MyCREST Rating System and Criteria, scoring is a crucial part. Each project earns points for fulfilling sustainability indicators.
The total score determines the certification level, similar to other green building standards like GBI or LEED.

MyCREST Rating Levels

LevelScore RangeAchievement
1-StarBasic complianceEntry-level sustainability
2-Star55–69 pointsGood performance
3-Star70–84 pointsExcellent sustainability
4-Star85–100 pointsMarket leader in green building

Weightage Categories

Points are distributed across categories such as:

  • Energy Efficiency (EE)

  • Water Efficiency (WE)

  • Material and Resources (MR)

  • Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

  • Innovation and Design (IN)

  • Management and Planning (MP)

Each category aligns with Malaysia’s Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF) and National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR).

Key Criteria in Detail

Let’s look deeper into what makes A Deep Dive into the MyCREST Rating System and Criteria so valuable for developers and investors.

1. Energy Efficiency

  • Optimize building orientation to reduce heat gain.

  • Incorporate energy-efficient HVAC, lighting, and appliances.

  • Use renewable sources like solar PV.

  • Perform energy modeling to forecast performance.

2. Water Management

  • Install low-flow fixtures and smart meters.

  • Harvest rainwater for landscape use.

  • Treat and reuse greywater where feasible.

  • Track water performance for continuous improvement.

3. Materials and Resources

  • Use locally sourced and recycled materials.

  • Ensure low-VOC finishes for healthier interiors.

  • Promote modular or prefabricated components to reduce waste.

4. Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

  • Provide adequate natural lighting and ventilation.

  • Maintain optimal thermal comfort.

  • Use air purification systems to maintain indoor air quality.

5. Sustainable Site Planning

  • Protect biodiversity and minimize land disturbance.

  • Encourage public transport connectivity.

  • Integrate green roofs, walls, and open spaces.

6. Innovation and Design

  • Adopt smart technologies and IoT monitoring systems.

  • Experiment with AI-based energy optimization.

  • Introduce community engagement or education programs.

Why Developers Should Care About MyCREST

A Deep Dive into the MyCREST Rating System and Criteria wouldn’t be complete without highlighting why it matters.

1. Competitive Market Advantage

Green-certified buildings attract tenants and investors faster. They stand out in Malaysia’s evolving property market.

2. Long-Term Cost Savings

Energy and water-efficient systems lead to reduced operational costs — a win for both owners and tenants.

3. Regulatory Alignment

MyCREST supports Malaysia’s National Low Carbon Cities 2030 Challenge and helps prepare for stricter sustainability reporting.

4. Enhanced Property Value

Buyers and investors now prioritize sustainability in their decisions — making MyCREST-certified buildings future-proof.

5. Improved Occupant Wellbeing

Better air quality, natural lighting, and comfort lead to higher productivity and satisfaction among building users.

The Certification Process Explained

A Deep Dive into the MyCREST Rating System and Criteria also involves understanding how the certification process works.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Register your project with CIDB Malaysia.

  2. Engage a MyCREST Accredited Professional (AP) to guide compliance.

  3. Conduct energy and carbon modeling at the design stage.

  4. Submit documentation and evidence during construction.

  5. Perform post-occupancy monitoring for the operation stage.

  6. Undergo final assessment and receive certification.

Case Example: Applying MyCREST in Practice

Let’s say a Malaysian university wants to build a new campus block.
By applying A Deep Dive into the MyCREST Rating System and Criteria, they:

  • Designed classrooms with natural daylight and cross ventilation.

  • Installed solar panels to offset power use.

  • Recycled 60% of construction waste.

  • Used eco-certified furniture and materials.

The result?
A 3-Star MyCREST certification and a 20% reduction in operational costs — proof that sustainability and practicality can go hand in hand.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Even with the best intentions, many teams face hurdles when adopting MyCREST.

Challenges

  • Limited awareness among contractors.

  • Budget concerns for green materials.

  • Difficulty in collecting accurate energy data.

Solutions

  • Conduct early-stage sustainability training.

  • Use lifecycle cost analysis to show long-term savings.

  • Deploy smart meters and IoT systems for data tracking.

MyCREST vs Other Green Rating Systems

AspectMyCRESTGBI (Green Building Index)LEED (USA)
FocusCarbon reduction + lifecycle approachEnergy and materialsGlobal best practices
OriginMalaysia (CIDB)MalaysiaUSA
StagesDesign, Construction, OperationDesign, ConstructionDesign, Construction
CostLowerModerateHigher
Ideal ForMalaysian climate and policy alignmentLocal commercial projectsInternational recognition

This comparison shows that MyCREST is tailor-made for Malaysia’s context, making it the most practical choice for local developers.

Future of Green Buildings in Malaysia

Malaysia’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 means tools like MyCREST will become increasingly important.
Emerging trends include:

  • Integration of AI-based energy monitoring systems.

  • Adoption of carbon-neutral construction materials.

  • Government incentives for low-carbon buildings.

A Deep Dive into the MyCREST Rating System and Criteria shows how early adopters can stay ahead — gaining both environmental and economic advantages.

Final Thoughts

In this deep dive into the MyCREST Rating System and Criteria, we’ve explored:

  • The structure and scoring of MyCREST.

  • Its importance in Malaysia’s sustainability roadmap.

  • Real-world benefits and certification processes.

If you’re a developer, building owner, or consultant looking to boost your building’s green performance — now’s the time to act.

👉 WhatsApp or call 013-300 6284 today to learn how Techikara Engineering can help your project meet MyCREST standards and achieve real sustainability impact.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

How to Develop an Effective Energy Management Strategy for Your Company

  https://www.techikara.com/ How to Develop an Effective Energy Management Strategy for Your Company Reading Time: Approximately 7-8 minutes Key Takeaway: As a corporate leader or facility manager in Malaysia, you're facing increasing energy costs and, critically, new compliance requirements under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA) 2024. Simply reacting to high bills or fixing one-off problems isn't enough anymore. What you need is a structured, long-term plan to control your energy use – in other words, an effective energy management strategy. But where do you start? How do you move beyond quick fixes to truly embed energy efficiency into your company's DNA? This article will guide you on How to Develop an Effective Energy Management Strategy for Your Company, showing you how a systematic approach not only reduces costs and strengthens sustainability efforts but also ensures you meet your legal obligations and stay competitive in Malaysia's evolvin...
Post a Comment
Read more

What is Measurement & Verification (M&V)? Proving Your Energy Savings

  https://www.techikara.com/ What is Measurement & Verification (M&V)? Proving Your Energy Savings Reading Time: Approximately 7-8 minutes What is Measurement & Verification (M&V)? Proving Your Energy Savings. Reading Time: Approximately 7-8 minutes Key Takeaway: As a corporate leader or facility manager in Malaysia, you're constantly seeking ways to optimize operations and reduce costs. You've likely invested in energy-saving projects, perhaps after an energy audit or to comply with new regulations like the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA) 2024. But how do you really know if those investments are paying off? Is that new air conditioning system truly saving you money, or is it just a slightly lower bill due to cooler weather? This is where What is Measurement & Verification (M&V)? Proving Your Energy Savings becomes absolutely critical. M&V provides the essential, unbiased proof that your energy efficiency efforts are deliverin...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Ultimate Guide to the EECA 2024: What Every Malaysian Business Needs to Know.

      https://www.techikara.com/ The Ultimate Guide to the EECA 2024: What Every Malaysian Business Needs to Know Estimated reading time: 10 minutes   K ey takeaways:   ●       New Regulations for Major Energy Users: The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA) 2024 now requires businesses in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan that use 21,600 gigajoules (GJ) or more of energy annually to comply with new regulations. This includes appointing a Registered Energy Manager (REM), implementing a formal Energy Management System (EnMS), and conducting regular energy audits. ●       Mandatory Requirements for Office Buildings: Initially, the Act targets office buildings with a Gross Floor Area (GFA) of 8,000 square meters and above. Owners or managers of these buildings must apply for and display an official energy intensity label, which rates the building's ef...
Post a Comment
Read more