Response to Written Question PT17

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YANG BERHORMAT AWANG HAJI SALLEH BOSTAMAN BIN HAJI ZAINAL ABIDIN

QUESTION:

Yang Berhormat Awang Haji Salleh Bostaman bin Haji Zainal Abidin asked the MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT to state what steps the ministry can take to encourage or facilitate the adoption of incentives for energy efficiency and green initiatives in project planning. Does the ministry have any initiatives or support plans that can encourage developers to integrate environmentally friendly practices into their projects, thereby creating a more sustainable environment?

YANG BERHORMAT MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT

ANSWER:

The Ministry of Development has implemented and continues to implement several initiatives to encourage and facilitate the adoption of energy efficiency practices and green initiatives in project development planning.

In line with the National Climate Change Policy, especially strategies related to emission reduction and energy efficiency, the Ministry has implemented various initiatives to encourage developers to integrate environmentally friendly practices into their development projects. Some of the steps and support plans currently being implemented are as follows:

• Introduction of Brunei Accredited Green Unified Seal (BAGUS) green building guidelines: The Brunei Accredited Green Unified Seal (BAGUS) is a green building recognition system introduced by the Ministry of Development Brunei in March 2016. BAGUS aims to evaluate and recognize non-residential buildings that meet certain standards in green design, environmental sustainability, and efficient energy use without compromising user comfort.

  In 2025, the Authority for Building Control and Construction Industry (ABCi) has provided more detailed Guidelines as a guide for obtaining BAGUS recognition for existing Government buildings as well as new building projects under the categories of Government, commercial, high-rise residential (such as apartments) and industrial buildings.

  Through BAGUS, the level of "greenness" or sustainability of a building is evaluated and given recognition in four different categories based on the green initiative score applied: Platinum (highest), Gold, Silver, and Certified (basic). This recognition takes into account various aspects such as energy-efficient design, reduction of water usage, use of sustainable materials, waste management during construction, and more.

  The BAGUS initiative also considers internationally recognized greening efforts such as the Green Mark Certification under the Building and Construction Authority (BCA), Republic of Singapore. On January 19, 2023, Pantai Jerudong Specialist Centre (PJSC) Building made history as the first building in Brunei Darussalam to achieve Platinum-level Green Certification under the Green Mark Certification. This achievement demonstrates high potential in achieving high standards for green buildings in the country.

• Planning Incentives for Eco-friendly Developers: To encourage developers to adopt green design principles, the Department of Town and Country Planning has integrated specific incentives into the Planning Approval procedure. Now, achieving BAGUS recognition is considered one of the planning approval criteria. Developers with projects that receive BAGUS recognition are given additional floor area bonus above the standard allowable limit according to the level of recognition as follows:

  • Platinum Recognition: An additional 20% floor area is allowed beyond the originally approved area;

  • Gold Recognition: An additional 15% floor area;

  • Silver Recognition: An additional 10% floor area; and

  • Certified Recognition: An additional 5% floor area.

  This incentive means that developers can build larger floor spaces (for example, adding units or the size of shops/offices) than usual if they achieve a certain level of green building. This step provides direct motivation for developers to invest in green features as they gain returns in the form of higher property values. Additionally, ABCi is also planning to organize the BAGUS Recognition Award to honor developers and building owners who achieve high levels in green building recognition. This award will foster healthy competition within the construction industry to achieve better standards in environmentally friendly practices.

  • Other support methods: Through the National Climate Change Policy of Brunei Darussalam and national strategies towards sustainable development, the National Council on Climate Change Brunei under the Prime Minister's Department also outlines the targets and policies serving as references in building construction, including promoting sustainable energy and energy efficiency in buildings and awareness campaigns. Additionally, the Sustainable Products Scheme was introduced by ABCi in 2022 to register sustainable building materials and products to encourage their use. According to the latest data, more than 80 products have been approved under this scheme, including local products with good carbon footprint impact.

With a comprehensive approach that encompasses guidelines, certification, and economic incentives, the Ministry of Development has and will continue efforts to create a green building ecosystem in the country. These steps are hoped to foster a culture of sustainable development among local developers, where environmentally friendly practices are no longer a side option but become mainstream in every project. In line with the National Climate Change Policy of Brunei Darussalam, these efforts align with the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions nationwide and providing a healthier and sustainable living environment for current and future generations.