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By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 26: A Semi-D show unit at SÓL Estate, a 31-acre premier residential development in Batu Kawa, has been awarded the Bronze GreenRE certification in the residential category—making it Sarawak’s first fully certified green home.
In a major step toward a greener future, EXAL Malaysia, the developer of SÓL Estate, has partnered with Solarvest Holdings Berhad, Malaysia’s largest clean energy solutions provider, and GreenRE, the country’s premier green certification body. This collaboration formalises their commitment to integrating renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure into SÓL Estate and future developments in Kuching.
Notable attendees at the signing ceremony included Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai and Deputy Secretary Daniel Goh, underscoring local governmental support for environmentally sustainable initiatives.
EXAL Group, a trailblazer in sustainable real estate, is embedding clean energy solutions into its architectural developments through its partnership with Solarvest. This marks a milestone in EXAL’s SÓLCARE sustainability initiative—a long-term commitment to enhancing community well-being while advancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) excellence.
With increasing demand for sustainable housing, EXAL and Solarvest are incorporating advanced rooftop solar PV systems and green EV charging infrastructure into their developments. These initiatives reduce carbon footprints, promote e-mobility, and lower homeowners’ energy costs.
In addition to high-efficiency solar PV systems, SÓL Estate’s EV charging stations are 100 per cent powered by renewable energy, reinforcing its status as a sustainable township. The partnership also leverages Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) to enable homeowners to validate their commitment to 100 per cent clean energy consumption.
Setting a new benchmark in green real estate
Speaking at the Redefining Real Estate in Sarawak signing ceremony today, EXAL Malaysia managing director Albert Ko emphasised that sustainability is more than just a corporate buzzword—it is a tangible commitment to environmental responsibility.
“This event signifies innovation and sustainability. With SÓL Estate, EXAL Malaysia is proving that green homes go beyond regulatory compliance. Our Phase Two has also received GreenRE certification, reinforcing our dedication to energy-efficient, comfortable, and financially viable homes,” he said.
Ko highlighted the urgency of climate change, pointing to record-breaking global temperatures and economic risks. “The World Bank estimates that climate change could cost Sarawak up to 6% of GDP annually. We cannot wait for government initiatives—every developer must take action.”
Beyond environmental impact, Ko underscored the lifestyle and financial benefits of sustainable homes. “A well-designed home with natural ventilation, high ceilings, and solar panels provides a more comfortable living environment while significantly lowering electricity costs. Even in Sarawak, solar PV offers a 10-12 per cent return on investment, making it a sound financial decision.”
Revolutionising Sarawak’s solar energy landscape
Solarvest executive director and Group Strategic officer Leon Liew highlighted that the key enabler in this equation is Sarawak’s Net Energy Metering (NEM) policy, which allows homeowners to feed excess solar energy into the grid, eliminating the need for costly battery storage.
“With Sesco’s support, the grid itself acts as a battery, making solar adoption more cost-effective,” Liew explained.
He also noted how the economics of solar energy in Sarawak have drastically improved. “Three years ago, solar panels weren’t as viable here. Now, installation costs have dropped by more than 50 per cent since the Covid-19 pandemic, and returns on investment have climbed to 10 per cent.”
With solar panel warranties extending up to 30 years, homeowners can now recover their investment within 7 to 8 years.
Liew also highlighted how integrating solar installations into housing loans can create net-positive savings: “An additional RM100 per month on a mortgage for solar panels could translate into RM150 to RM200 in electricity savings.”
Beyond immediate cost savings, Liew painted a compelling vision for Sarawak’s energy future. Currently, 80 per cent of Sarawak’s power generation comes from hydropower, with 20 per cent from gas and coal. With greater adoption of solar energy, Liew believes Sarawak has the potential to become one of the few regions globally to achieve 100 per cent green energy.
A call for developers to build greener communities
With the SOL Estate project setting a new benchmark, Ko hopes to show Sarawakians that green homes are not only good for the planet but also a smart investment for the future.
“Sustainability should not be a box-ticking exercise,” he added.
Liew called on more developers to embrace green and sustainable practices, ensuring Sarawak remains at the forefront of environmental responsibility.
This groundbreaking collaboration between EXAL, Solarvest, and GreenRE signals a transformative shift in Sarawak’s real estate landscape, reinforcing the State’s commitment to a greener, more sustainable future.
SÓL Estate: Redefining residential living in Sarawak
SÓL Estate, a RM365 million development on 31 acres in Batu Kawa, is designed for multi-generational living. The project comprises 269 bespoke residences across three phases, featuring a gated-and-guarded community with cutting-edge sustainability features.
A key highlight of SÓL Estate is its passive design approach, which optimises natural ventilation, lighting, and temperature control—an approach widely used in Australia to adapt to varying climates. Homes feature higher ceilings, cross-ventilation layouts, and eco-friendly materials.
The estate will also be defined by its lush greenery, with 800 trees planted upon completion. Its three-acre green sanctuary includes a water maze, twilight pavilion, community farm, orchard forest, outdoor fitness area, and basketball court—all designed to promote wellness and sustainability.
Set for completion in Q4 2027, SÓL Estate is a pioneering model for green living in Sarawak, seamlessly blending luxury with sustainability. — DayakDaily
