The LIGHT Waterfront Penang project will have underwater gardens of coral reefs in the waterways built around the residential phase of the RM6.5-billion development. Lit underwater with lights powered by wind generators, residents will have a clear view of the reefs from their balconies or windows.
According to a press release, Jelutong Development Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of IJM Properties Sdn Bhd, will implement eco-friendly technologies and designs into its residential and commercial mixed-development.
The green designs and technologies will be implemented based on guidelines prepared by The Leadership in Energy Environment and Environmental Design (LEED).
The statement explained that the use of environmentally-sensitive systems and low-impact materials within the 338-acre of reclaimed development will result in an energy-efficient, healthier and environmentally sustainable buildings, benefiting both the residents and the environment.
“THE LIGHT Waterfront will be an iconic landmark that will distinguish Penang Island as a world-class destination with a waterfront living resort and lifestyle hub of an international standard,” said Jelutong Development Sdn Bhd managing director Teh Kean Ming in the statement.
“With our leading-edge designs, we want to continue to seamlessly create a new standard for business, tourism, real estate and hotels for the region by also incorporating leading edge green technology into our development,” he added.
“THE LIGHT Waterfront will have a major positive impact on the entire development of Penang. However, construction and development will also have a major impact on many of the world’s most pressing environmental problems such as climate-change, waste generation and depletion of natural resources. As a responsible and leading property developer, we want to encourage the incorporation of green technology that would be friendly to the environment which will in turn, benefit our customers via cost savings on utilities,” said Teh.
Among the eco-friendly technologies that will be installed and implemented are wind-turbines, solar panels, a state-of-the-art water management system, green roofs and the use of recycled materials on selected areas within THE LIGHT Waterfront as well as the management and reduction of solid waste.
Another “green” feature that will be unique to THE LIGHT Waterfront is the harvesting of coral reefs in the waterways that will be built around the residential phase of the development.
Besides creating a healthier marine life, the coral reefs will also function to beautify the development, especially at night when the reefs will be lit with a soft underwater glow. The underwater glow, powered by wind generators, will allow residents a clear view of the underwater world directly from their balconies or windows.To maintain the success of the coral reefs, Jelutong Development will engage THE LIGHT Waterfront’s future residents and visitors in educational programmes on the harvesting efforts, backed by a “reef support group”. Through the group, residences and visitors can also monitor growth progress and the progress of the marine life within the coral reefs.
To lessen the need for generated electricity at THE LIGHT Waterfront, wind turbines will be erected at the central axis – The Plaza – which will function as both art pieces as well as alternative sources of electricity. These wind turbines, a unique feature that will not be found anywhere else in the region, will greatly benefit both residents and the environment as power generation is generally the most expensive feature to add to a development while taking in the highest amount of energy.
Solar powered panels will also further reduce energy loads, heating water for private homes and private swimming areas. In addition, effective window placements can provide more natural light and lessen the need for electric lighting during the day.
To reduce the impact on water treatment plants and to minimise water waste, Practiced Water Management will be implemented whereby rainwater will be used for irrigation and gardening.
Greywater - non-industrial wastewater generated from domestic use such as dish-washing or laundry - can also be used for the same purposes, i.e. irrigation, gardening, washing of cars or the flushing of toilets.
During the construction phase, Jelutong Development will also focus on reducing the amount of materials going into landfills. Recycled materials will be used during construction such as recycled timber decks and armor rocks as well as recycled road foundations.
Jelutong Development plans to encourage tenants and residents at THE LIGHT Waterfront to participate in a recycling programme at the development’s Recycling Centre for plastic, glass, metal and paper.
THE LIGHT project was launched on Nov 23 last year by IJM Properties Sdn Bhd, a division of IJM Corporation Bhd.The development is the island’s first integrated waterfront city. It will be built within the 338 acres of reclaimed land along Penang’s eastern coastline.
The 152-acre LIGHT development with a total Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM4 billion, will include waterfront resort-homes and an international-class lifestyle hub.
THE LIGHT will be developed in three phases, with 42 acres in Phase One set aside for the development of six parcels of high-end waterfront residential development comprising of 1,186 units.
In Phase Two, 103 acres will be developed into a commercial and retail city. The commercial city will consist of the Gateway Tower, family-class hotel, resort hotel, boutique and spa hotel, high-rise business hotel, exhibition centre, offices and showrooms. Also to be developed will be banquet and conference facilities as well as a waterfront promenade with dining and entertainment facilities, a cultural hall, visitor centre and waterfront amphitheatre.
The retail sector will have shopping, entertainment and dining facilities with a Family Mall, an IT Mall, a Fashion Mall and an Active Mall. It will also feature a waterfront dining and entertainment district, located along the promenade.
Other unique features within Phase Two include performances on a floating stage and a marina with water taxis and a floating restaurant.
Phase Three will have seven acres set aside for the development of a seafront park.
Trees will be planted along the coastline of the project with a 2km greenbelt as well as greenery integrated into the project designs.
THE LIGHT will be developed over a period of 10-15 years with Phase One expected to be completed in 2012. - By The Star
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