In line with the Government's intention to reduce the national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity per Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, the Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment & Climate Change (MESTECC) and the Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia) have developed the Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF), a framework that guides the implementation of low carbon measures in a city/ township. This framework, substantiated by an assessment system called the Low Carbon Cities Assessment System (LCCFTRACK), allows for the performance of cities and townships on their contribution to the carbon emission levels of the country to be qualified and monitored. Established in 2011, the framework helps stakeholders in cities and townships to define their priorities and develop action plans to reduce their carbon emissions as it focuses specifically on strategies and measures towards carbon reduction.
The objectives of the LCCF are: -
- To encourage and promote the concept of low carbon cities and townships in malaysia;
- To increase the compatibility of cities/township with their local natural system;and
- To guide cities in making choice/decisions towards greener solutions.
Key elements / components of the LCCF:
The LCCF is based on four (4) main elements which are: 1) Urban Environment, 2) Urban Transportation, 3) Urban Infrastructure and 4) Buildings. These four elements are further broken down to 15 performance criteria and 41 sub-criteria to help stakeholders to comprehend the cities’ carbon footprint and to take the applicable reduction measures in achieving national climate aspirations.
The Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF) provides the elements on which the low carbon city approach will be hinged, whereas Low Carbon Cities Assessment System (LCCFTRACK) is a dedicated online carbon assessment system which was designed to support the implementation of the LCCF. The LCCFTRACK utilises the ingredients from the LCCF and converts them into carbon equivalents. The LCCF and the LCCFTRACKare not separable and should be read in conjunction with each other. The usage of both is sequential, starting with the framework.
Among the benefits gained by cities and townships in implementing the LCCF are: -
- Reduced carbon emissions of the country derived by the efforts of Local Authorities and the communities;
- Improved efficiency and use of sustainable practices among Local Authorities (energy, water resources, solid waste);
- A catalyst for green technology-based industries;
- Provision of new services and opportunities in the country in terms of low carbon development.
The Low Carbon Cities Framework is a dynamic framework that reflects the current progress of the country as well as the current international direction. The second version of the framework was launched in 2017 and is available at the following link: http://www.lccf.my/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/LCCF_Book-Version-2-2017.pdf. To ensure that the LCCF and the LCCFTRACK stays relevant and is aligned with international standards, the framework needs to be continuously improved and updated. As the national framework, LCCF must always be aligned with the global effort on climate change mitigation.
Information about the LCCF and the LCCFTRACK is available at the following link: http://www.lccf.my/
The review of the LCCF and the assessment system is conducted under a UNDP-GEF project called the Green Technology Application for the Development of Low Carbon Cities (GTALCC). The project was initiated to facilitate the implementation of low carbon initiatives in at least five Malaysian cities and showcase a clear and integrated approach to low carbon development. The objective will be achieved by removing barriers to integrated low carbon urban planning and development through 3 components :
1) Policy support for the promotion of integrated low carbon urban development, which will enable cities to implement and adopt integrated low carbon urban development plans;
2) Awareness and institutional capacity development, which will expedite appraisal, approval and the implementation of strategic urban development, and ensure cities are aware of planning and implementing low carbon technology applications, and;
3) Low carbon technology investments in cities, where there is an increase in investment in low carbon technologies with more low carbon projects implemented.
The project will be implemented over 5 years in Cyberjaya, Iskandar Malaysia, Melaka, Petaling Jaya, and Putrajaya. It is expected to be generate direct GHG emission reductions of 346,442 tonnes CO2eq by end of project and 2,152,032 tonnes CO2eq over the lifetime of project investment.
The Ministry of Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change (MESTECC) is the implementing partner of this project. The Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA), an agency under MESTECC is the implementing agency of this project.
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