KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 13 (Bernama) -- UEM Edgenta Berhad (“UEM Edgenta” or the “Company”), the region’s leading Asset Management and Infrastructure Solutions company, yesterday launched its groupwide Net Zero Targets and announced its commitment to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2050. Graced by YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change (NRECC), the launch is a long-term testament to combating climate change and advancing a greener future for Malaysia and beyond.
 
UEM Edgenta has set forth a goal to reduce its operational GHG emissions by 26% by 2030 in the medium term. In the long term, UEM Edgenta aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. These commitments align with the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Net Zero Emissions by 2050 Global Pathway (published in 2022). The targets are set against the company's 2022 groupwide global baseline GHG carbon footprint of 17,577 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). UEM Edgenta’s decarbonisation strategy is based on a multifaceted approach, reliant on energy efficiency solutions, the generation of renewable energy sources, and the electrification of its fleet of vehicles.
 
In an era of heightened climate urgency, UEM Edgenta firmly supports Malaysia's commitment to sustainability in the economy, society, and the environment toward achieving net zero by 2050. We proudly align ourselves with the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) for 2021-2025, which prioritises sustainability in the economy, society, and the environment. Guided by the Finance Ministry's Economic 2023 Outlook Report, we embrace the National Policy on Climate Change and related policies, working towards a sustainable future. Our commitment includes exploring eco-friendly materials, adopting renewable energy models, and integrating sustainable asset management practices. We're dedicated to contributing to Malaysia's goal of achieving 20%- 23% energy efficiency savings by 2050 as outline in recently unveiled in the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). Malaysia's target to reduce carbon intensity by 45% against 2005 levels by 2030 is commendable, and UEM Edgenta is proud to play a role as a responsible corporate citizen in advancing Malaysia's sustainable development goals.

In line with the 'Edgenta of the Future 2025' vision, UEM Edgenta is launching OPUS Consultants' Sustainable Solutions, a holistic approach to enhance asset performance and value through sustainability, technology, and data analytics. This solution supports our sustainability goals, backed by government support, and offers clients the benefits of expertise, a greener future, and cost savings.

 
Building on the success of the previous RM100 million allocations under the 'Sustainable Zero-Capex Programme' for Sarawak, UEM Edgenta is pleased to announce the extension of a similar initiative amounting to RM100 million in Peninsular Malaysia, in collaborating with NRECC focusing on sustainable asset life cycle management and built environment. This expansion encompasses various sectors, including healthcare, industrial, commercial, and residential. The transformative initiative is designed to empower building and asset owners to expedite their sustainability agendas with minimal to no upfront costs through a one-stop solutions provider. Serving as the one-stop solutions provider, OPUS offers a comprehensive range of end-to-end sustainability solutions. With OPUS at the helm, the commitment is to facilitate and advance sustainable practices across various industries in Malaysia. These end-to-end solutions encompass initial consultancy and baseline assessment of greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the conversion of buildings into environmentally certified structures either for new development or existing buildings. Additionally, these services include comprehensive operations and maintenance, and a real-time monitoring through centralised command and contact centre. Cutting-edge technologies, such as IoT (Internet of Things) and digital twin, are integrated into our solutions through our sister company, EdgentaNxt, and strategic partners.
 
In his keynote speech, YB Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad eloquently remarked, "The Net Zero Target initiative stands as a momentous stride toward a more environmentally conscious future. UEM Edgenta's unwavering commitment is not only commendable but serves as an inspiring example for the broader business community. I hold firm in my belief that this initiative will play a pivotal role in expediting Malaysia's transition to a low-carbon economy. It brings us immense pleasure to learn of UEM Edgenta's resolute dedication to achieving Net Zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2050, a commitment that extends beyond our borders to encompass their global operations. UEM Edgenta's remarkable endeavours in enhancing energy efficiency, exemplified by initiatives like the Green Building Certification (GBI) program for their clients, will undoubtedly cast a positive green hue over our national built environment."
 
"Through UEM Edgenta's Energy Efficiency solutions, clients were able to achieve more than a 50% reduction in energy consumption and more than a 10% reduction in water use. The Ministry also welcomes the fact that three (3) of UEM Edgenta's hospitals in the northern part of the country achieved prestigious LEED certification. Sultanah Maliha Hospital was the first hospital in the world to receive Gold LEED status in 2020. Recently, Slim River Hospital and Kepala Batas Hospital were accredited with Platinum LEED standards in 2022 and 2023, respectively. These achievements also helped the Ministry of Health (MOH) record savings of RM90.0 million in energy consumption between 2017 and 2022 at the 32 government hospitals in the Northern Region of Malaysia, translating into a carbon reduction of 165 million kg of CO2," he added.

 
The unveiling of UEM Edgenta’s Net Zero Targets initiative marks an important step in the company’s journey towards a more sustainable future. Syahrunizam Samsudin, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UEM Edgenta, shared, “Our Property and Facilities Solutions (PFS) division partners with Edgenta NXT for data-driven facilities management, benefiting clients such as the Prime Minister’s Office and the Petronas Twin Towers. We are expanding to offer Emission Baselining and Carbon Roadmap services, aligning with our net-zero by 2050 goal. OPUS Consultants, a subsidiary of UEM Edgenta, will commercialize Sustainability Services, offering the Sustainable Zero-Capex Program and committing a total of RM200 million to support clients in achieving their net-zero ambitions. We are well-prepared to support the NETR with our expertise, collaborating with Khazanah and UEM Group to become a global sustainability services provider. We envision a National Adaptation Plan that bolsters our nation's resilience against climate change.”
 
The event featured the signing of three Memorandum of Business Exploration (MOBE) with partners Earth Finance Inc., Honeywell International Sdn. Bhd, and Yinson Green Technologies, aiming to strengthen strategic partnerships for sustainable solutions and green financing. These MOBEs will align UEM Edgenta with international standards and provide decarbonization solutions. Notable attendees included Garrett Kephart, President of Earth Finance; Sharad Yadav, Vice President & General Manager, Rest of APAC, together with Lim Yeong Chuan, Regional/Country General Manager from Honeywell International and Srinivas Tati, Senior Vice President of Yinson.