Design Village Outlet Mall (DVOM) has become Malaysia’s first fully certified GreenRE Platinum shopping mall, setting a new benchmark for sustainable retail development in the country.
The achievement was announced on 8th March 2025 at a ceremony attended by Penang Chief Minister YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow, along with industry leaders, government officials, and sustainability advocates.
The Chief Minister praised PE Land (Penang) Sdn Bhd, the mall’s developer and operator, for its sustainability initiatives that support the Penang 2030 vision and Penang Energy Framework.
“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 YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow.
Excellence in Sustainability
Design Village earned 107 out of 120 possible credits for its environmental efforts, which include a fully optimized air conditioning system, 100% LED lighting, and a 3,584-panel solar farm that generates 1,971.2 kWp of power.
The solar installation reduces the mall’s dependency on the power grid by 2,868 MWh annually, covering 28.5% of its energy needs.
The mall also received top marks for sustainable materials, waste management, indoor air quality, and innovative green features.
Andy Song, Chief Operating Officer of PE Land (Penang) Sdn Bhd, emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to environmental responsibility.
“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,” he said.
Future Green Initiatives
Beyond the certification, Design Village has set ambitious goals for the future, including achieving zero landfill waste by 2027. The mall has partnered with Maeko for food waste composting and is exploring glass recycling solutions.
Other planned initiatives include expanding the solar power system, implementing a Green Leasing Model for tenants, upgrading to a paperless car park system, and improving public transport connections.
The Chief Minister highlighted Penang’s broader sustainability commitments, including mandatory renewable energy for new public buildings and the 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,” said YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow.
Located in Batu Kawan, Design Village Outlet Mall continues to demonstrate that environmental sustainability and business success can work together effectively.
