News roundup: Property leaders set standard for sustainable design, and other headlines

For PropertyGuru’s news roundup, leading developers are proactively integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into every aspect of their business practices. In other headlines, Malaysia’s KPKT introduces a new public housing model, while President Xi Jinping promises there will be no letup in China’s drive to combat air pollution.

Real estate leaders setting the standard for sustainable design and ESG

The real estate industry is experiencing a major transformation, driven by leading developers who are actively shifting their projects toward a more sustainable future.

These developers are proactively integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into every aspect of their business practices. ESG principles guide developers to go beyond physical structures and consider the ecological and social impact of their projects.

According to PropertyGuru Singapore, real estate developers are no longer simply building structures; they’re creating sustainable environments that benefit people, the planet, and their bottom line. By embracing ESG principles, they’re tackling challenges associated with design and construction, and setting a new standard for the industry.

Malaysia’s KPKT to introduce new public housing model

The Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) of Malaysia is coming up with a new model of public housing named the Program Residensi Rakyat (PRR), said its minister Nga Kor Ming.

He said the PRR would be well-integrated, sustainable, and liveable, accommodating quality commercial viability, green spaces, community centres, and other features.

The construction cost of each PRR unit, he said in a Bernama report, would also be increased to MYR300,000, offering the low-income group quality homes with a piecemeal price.

Xi emphasizes no letup in drive to combat air pollution

Ten years ago, when President Xi Jinping held a banquet for world leaders attending the 22nd APEC Informal Leaders’ Meeting in Beijing, he mentioned “APEC blue”, a gag used by some internet users to describe the clear air above the Chinese capital they fear could only be temporary.

He assured the world leaders: “We will do a better job at protecting the environment in the future. I hope and believe that, with persistent efforts, the APEC blue will be here to stay.”

Led by Xi’s overarching vision that lush mountains and lucid waters are invaluable assets, China became the world’s first developing nation to roll out across-the-board measures to tackle air pollution.

China has been the country with the fastest improvement in air quality in the world. Within a period of 10 years from 2013 to 2023, the number of days with heavy air pollution went down from 58 days to only eight days.

Recently, China Daily reported the president saying there will be no letup in the national drive to combat air pollution. The draft national budget plan submitted to national lawmakers for deliberation will allocate funding of CNY34 billion for air pollution prevention and control, aiming to offer continuous support for clean heating in northern regions during winter.

The Property Report editors wrote this article. For more information, email: [email protected].