1 Utama Shopping Centre, operated by Bandar Utama City Centre Sdn Bhd (BUCCSB), has enlisted Solarvest Energy Sdn Bhd to install what will be Malaysia’s largest on-site solar photovoltaic (PV) and building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system. Spanning approximately 273,300 sq ft across the mall’s rooftop and parking areas, the installation is set to generate over 5,700 kWp of renewable energy, powering the entirety of the shopping complex.

Solarvest, a subsidiary of Solarvest Holdings Berhad, is responsible for the engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning (EPCC) of the solar power project. Preliminary site studies have been conducted to tailor the system to meet 1 Utama’s specific energy requirements efficiently.

Lee Li Lian, Senior Manager of Public Relations and Sustainability at 1 Utama, highlighted the mall’s longstanding commitment to sustainability since its inception in 1995. Known as Malaysia’s first Green Mall and one of the world’s largest shopping centers, 1 Utama integrates various sustainable practices and eco-friendly features, including a unique rainforest enclave and Southeast Asia’s largest rooftop garden. The new solar power installation aligns with the mall’s strategic environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals and its pursuit of zero-energy building status.

According to Davis Chong Chun Shiong, Executive Director and CEO of Solarvest, the partnership with 1 Utama reflects a broader trend of increased clean energy adoption among commercial and industrial sectors in Malaysia. He noted Solarvest’s role in supporting businesses in their decarbonization efforts and mentioned the significant growth in the company’s tender book, underscoring the country’s movement towards achieving its Net Zero Goals. This project not only aims to reduce 1 Utama’s carbon footprint but also sets a precedent for future energy-saving initiatives.