Cities100: Kuala Lumpur - Carbon Inventory Leads to Action Plan

Kuala Lumpur is committed to reducing its carbon emissions by 20% by 2022, demonstrating strong climate leadership for the region.

The Challenge

According to the greenhouse gas inventory, buildings account for 55% of total emissions. Public housing makes up 64% of that figure. Leveraging emissions cuts in private buildings is a considerable challenge for cities like Kuala Lumpur.

The Solution

Malaysia's largest and most populous city performed a carbon accounting exercise to measure quantities emitted in 2015, and is using that baseline to make further cuts through to 2022. Working with the Carbon Trust and the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the city set up five-year carbon management strategies focusing on low-cost, high-impact policies. The greenhouse gas inventory was performed in line with the World Resources Institute's globally recognized accounting methodology and calculated that emissions in 2015 totaled 120,906 metric tons of CO2 equivalent. The inventory also identified buildings, transport, and outdoor lighting as the most emitting sectors. With an LED streetlight replacement program, as well as upgrading energy systems in inefficient municipal buildings, the city is showing the way for others in the region.

Environmental Benefits –  Kuala Lumpur has a consistent problem with air pollution due to illegal forest burning, industrial activity, and traffic emissions. Cutting energy consumption in the city can help to clear the haze.

Economic Benefits –  If successful, the carbon management plan will produce financial savings of $18 million compared to business as usual via energy bill savings.

About Cities100

Presented by C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), Sustainia and Realdania – Cities100 2017 showcases leading solutions to urban climate challenges in five sectors: Energy, Waste, Adaptation, Mitigation and Transportation.

Available online and in print, Cities100 provides stakeholders an accessible format to explore achievable solutions for climate action in cities, and will be a useful tool for relevant groups ranging from impact investors and development organizations, to mayors and city governments. You can access the full Cities100 2017 publication online here.