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A Guide to Understanding the Points System in GBI and MyCREST

 

🏗️ A Guide to Understanding the Points System in GBI and MyCREST


Reading time: 10 minutes
Key takeaway: Understanding how the GBI and MyCREST points systems work can help you design, build, and operate more energy-efficient, sustainable buildings that align with Malaysia’s green standards.

Introduction (PAS Framework)

Problem:
Ever wondered how green building certifications like GBI (Green Building Index) or MyCREST (Malaysian Carbon Reduction and Environmental Sustainability Tool) actually score your building? Many developers and business owners find the rating systems confusing and often miss out on valuable points due to simple misunderstandings.

Agitation:
This confusion can lead to costly design changes later — or worse, missing out on certification levels that boost your building’s market value and sustainability credentials.

Solution:
This article, “A Guide to Understanding the Points System in GBI and MyCREST,” breaks down how both rating systems work, what each category measures, and how you can strategically plan your project to achieve higher scores — right from the start.

Summary Box

TopicSummary
PurposeTo help readers understand the scoring structure of GBI and MyCREST certifications in Malaysia.
Main FocusCategories, weightage, and practical tips to earn higher points.
Applies ToArchitects, developers, building owners, facility managers, and ESG professionals.
OutcomeClear insight into how to plan a project that meets both GBI and MyCREST sustainability goals.

🌿 A Guide to Understanding the Points System in GBI and MyCREST

What Are GBI and MyCREST?

Before diving into the points system, it’s important to understand the purpose of these two frameworks:

  • GBI (Green Building Index): Malaysia’s first comprehensive rating system for green buildings, focusing on energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, sustainable site planning, materials, water efficiency, and innovation.

  • MyCREST (Malaysian Carbon Reduction and Environmental Sustainability Tool): A national framework developed by CIDB Malaysia to measure and improve the carbon footprint and sustainability performance of buildings throughout their life cycle — from design to demolition.

Both systems aim to make buildings greener, but they differ in focus:

  • GBI emphasizes energy and resource efficiency.

  • MyCREST emphasizes carbon footprint reduction and performance tracking.

The GBI Points System Explained

GBI uses a 100-point scale divided into several categories. The higher your points, the higher your certification level.

Certification Levels:

  • Certified: 50–65 points

  • Silver: 66–75 points

  • Gold: 76–85 points

  • Platinum: 86+ points

Categories and Weightage:

CategoryDescriptionWeightage
Energy Efficiency (EE)Focuses on lighting, air-conditioning, and renewable energy use.35%
Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)Covers air quality, thermal comfort, daylighting, and acoustic control.21%
Sustainable Site Planning & Management (SM)Evaluates site selection, connectivity, and stormwater control.16%
Materials & Resources (MR)Encourages recycled, low-carbon, and locally sourced materials.11%
Water Efficiency (WE)Considers rainwater harvesting, water reuse, and efficient fixtures.9%
Innovation (IN)Rewards innovative strategies that go beyond standard practices.8%

How to Earn GBI Points:

  • Use LED lighting and high-efficiency HVAC systems.

  • Design for natural ventilation and daylighting.

  • Implement rainwater harvesting systems.

  • Adopt smart meters for real-time energy tracking.

  • Source eco-labeled or local materials.

Each element contributes points toward the final total — so early-stage planning is critical.

The MyCREST Points System Explained

MyCREST, on the other hand, uses a carbon-based scoring approach and evaluates buildings across three main stages:

  1. Design Stage (D): Measures carbon reduction potential through design intent and materials selection.

  2. Construction Stage (C): Monitors on-site waste, energy use, and materials efficiency during construction.

  3. Operation Stage (O): Assesses post-occupancy performance through energy monitoring and occupant comfort.

Each stage awards points based on specific criteria and their carbon reduction impact.

Certification Levels in MyCREST:

  • Bronze: 40–49 points

  • Silver: 50–59 points

  • Gold: 60–74 points

  • Platinum: 75+ points

Category Breakdown:

CategoryFocus AreaExamples of Scoring Criteria
Carbon Emission (CE)Life cycle carbon emissionsLow-carbon materials, renewable energy integration
Sustainable Design (SD)Design strategies for sustainabilityPassive design, daylighting, shading
Resource Efficiency (RE)Optimized use of resourcesWater reuse, waste management
Health & Wellbeing (HW)Indoor comfort and healthAir quality, noise, and thermal control
Innovation (IN)Unique sustainability practicesSmart systems, IoT integration for energy management

How to Earn MyCREST Points:

  • Choose sustainable, low-carbon materials (e.g., recycled steel, fly ash cement).

  • Incorporate energy modeling and simulation to validate design performance.

  • Implement BIM (Building Information Modelling) to optimize design coordination.

  • Track carbon performance post-construction.

Key Differences Between GBI and MyCREST

AspectGBIMyCREST
FocusEnergy efficiency and sustainability designCarbon emission reduction and life-cycle assessment
Assessment StagesOne-time design-based certificationThree stages: Design, Construction, and Operation
Measurement UnitPoints based on design criteriaPoints based on carbon reduction potential
AuthorityGBI Accreditation PanelCIDB Malaysia
RecognitionWidely recognized in Malaysian private sectorEmphasized in public sector and government projects
Innovation CategoryBonus for new technologiesEncourages digital tools (BIM, IoT, LCA)

Why the Points System Matters

Understanding the points system gives you a strategic edge in project planning. It helps you:

  • Allocate budget efficiently — focusing on high-impact criteria.

  • Align design and construction goals.

  • Gain investor and tenant trust by achieving recognized certifications.

  • Support ESG and carbon reporting requirements.

Buildings with higher green certification scores:
✅ Have lower operating costs.
✅ Are more attractive to tenants and buyers.
✅ Qualify for government incentives and financing benefits.

Common Mistakes That Lower Your Score

Even with good intentions, many projects lose points due to oversight. Avoid these:

  • Late integration of sustainability consultants.

  • Using outdated energy simulation tools.

  • Ignoring post-occupancy performance data.

  • Poor documentation during submission.

  • Neglecting renewable energy opportunities.

Tip:
Start integrating GBI or MyCREST assessment from the design stage — not after construction begins.

How to Combine GBI and MyCREST Strategies

Many Malaysian developers aim to get dual certification to maximize their project’s sustainability profile.
Here’s how to align both:

  • Use GBI’s site planning and MyCREST’s carbon tracking simultaneously.

  • Apply BIM for energy simulation — valuable in both systems.

  • Align material selection to meet both GBI (local sourcing) and MyCREST (low carbon) criteria.

  • Conduct energy audits post-construction to maintain certification performance.

Case Example: A Malaysian Office Building

Project Goal:
Achieve both GBI Gold and MyCREST Gold certifications.

Strategies Used:

  • Energy-efficient facade design with shading fins.

  • 100% LED lighting and solar PV installation.

  • Rainwater harvesting system.

  • Waste segregation and reuse during construction.

  • BIM-based coordination to minimize rework.

Result:

  • Achieved GBI Gold (82 points) and MyCREST Gold (70 points).

  • Reduced energy consumption by 32% compared to a conventional building.

  • Improved occupant satisfaction and reduced operational costs.

The Role of Professionals and Consultants

Both frameworks recommend involving certified professionals early:

  • GBI Facilitators — guide you through documentation and scoring strategy.

  • MyCREST Assessors — help calculate carbon scores and verify compliance.

  • Energy Auditors — validate performance before and after certification.

Their expertise ensures accurate submissions and higher certification success rates.

The Future of Green Building Certifications in Malaysia

With Malaysia’s Low Carbon Nation Aspiration 2040 and National Energy Transition Roadmap, both GBI and MyCREST will play an even bigger role.
Expect:

  • Stricter carbon benchmarks.

  • Integration with ESG reporting systems.

  • Digital submission platforms for faster approval.

Businesses that understand these systems today will lead tomorrow’s sustainable market.

Final Thoughts

Understanding “A Guide to Understanding the Points System in GBI and MyCREST” gives you the clarity to design smarter, build greener, and reduce long-term costs. Both systems encourage the same ultimate goal — creating energy-efficient, environmentally responsible buildings that support Malaysia’s sustainability agenda.

If you’re planning a new project or retrofitting an existing building, don’t wait until it’s too late to aim for certification.

💬 WhatsApp or call us at 013-300 6284 to get professional guidance on how to start your GBI or MyCREST journey with Techikara Engineering today.

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