The Ipoh City Council, or Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh (MBI), is committed to implement green and low carbon city practices by setting a carbon emission reduction target of 4% by year-end 2019 and increasing reductions every year until 2030. MBI also gives its full support to the State and Federal Government agenda by setting an overall target of 45% carbon emission reduction by 2030, with the aim of making Ipoh City a comfortable Low Carbon City to live in.[1]
Key Urban Development Focus Areas for Ipoh City[2]
MBI has identified the following aspects on their 2030 Roadmap:
Urban Environment
The goal is to encourage the growth of a sustainable development which accounts for the natural environment whilst also empowering the adoption of green city technology.
Urban Transportation
MBI is committed towards developing a friendly, smart, and low carbon transportation network.
Urban Infrastructure & Buildings
In terms of infrastructure development, the focus is on enhancing energy efficient resource management systems and providing the low carbon infrastructure that will strengthen low carbon development projects.
Building
Bolster the adoption of Green Building practices to reduce carbon emissions.
LCC 2030 Challenge – 2020 Assessment[3]
Zone | Baseline | Audit | Reduction | Reduction |
Kawasan Perancangan Pusat | 15,074.39 | 13,764.00 | 1,310.39 | 8.69 |
For LCC 2030 Challenge assessment period of 2020, MBI achieved a carbon emissions savings of 1,310.39 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to a reduction of 8.69% from the baseline.
MBI Green Initiative Programs[4]
MBI has successfully launched several initiatives in the city which have been able to garner support from its residents and foster the adoption of better living practices with greater awareness on the benefits of lowering our carbon footprint.
- Bercham Landfill BioGas
A dedicated biogas plant has been developed to generate energy (electricity) from solid waste, reducing carbon emissions which produces positive outcomes for local communities and the environment.
- Trash2Cash & iCycle
This sustainable recycling project helps to educate and rewards the public for keeping the environment clean. The programme also advocates for the reduction of plastic waste production by recycling or reusing plastics. The iCycle system creates an ecosystem that enables ease-of-access for users with 15 recycling centres throughout MBI territories.
- Bike Sharing System
A fleet of smart bikes has been deployed around Ipoh which encourages family activities and relaxation as well as providing smart mobility over short distances. These help to conserve energy, enhance the urban environment and promote a healthy lifestyle.
- Ipoh Car Free Day
This programme takes place every last Sunday of the month. The city has demarcated certain areas of the city as carbon-free zones, which means that cars and other motorised vehicles are not allowed to enter these areas. These areas also host events that bring members of the community closer together.
- Geopark Lembah Kinta
With the rich abundance of natural habitats such as rivers, lakes, cave formations and other biodiverse ecosystems, the Geopark in Lembah Kinta has developed infrastructure to connect the 17 sites throughout the state. These sites preserve the natural beauty of the surrounding areas and provide refuge for much flora & fauna.
References
[1] Pelan Tindakan Pelaksanaan Bandar Rendah Carbon :Low Carbon City Framework – Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh (2019) [pg 2]
[2] Pelan Tindakan Pelaksanaan Bandar Rendah Carbon :Low Carbon City Framework – Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh (2019) [pg 3]
[3] LCC2030C Audit Report
[4] iGEM 2020 – Virtual Microsite – https://virtual.igem.my/virtual/exhibition-hall/