11.4 – Sustainable practices

11.4.9 – Building on brownfield sites

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is committed to sustainable land use and urban regeneration by prioritizing the redevelopment of brownfield sites within its campus. Instead of expanding into undeveloped green areas, UKM optimizes existing land and infrastructure to support academic growth, enhance community spaces and minimize environmental impact. Through projects such as Laman Ilmu, Keris Mas Residential College and the UKMShape Office, UKM demonstrates a proactive approach to transforming underutilized areas into vibrant, functional and energy-efficient facilities. These initiatives reflect the university’s alignment with the UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030, promoting responsible construction and contributing to the achievement of SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

No.	Projects
1.	The Laman Ilmu Project
2.	Keris Mas Residential College
3.	UKMShape Office

1. The Laman Ilmu Project

One notable example of UKM sustainable development efforts is the Laman Ilmu Project, established on the former site of old wooden houses located in front of the UKM Bangi campus. This initiative exemplifies UKM’s strategic approach to redeveloping brownfield sites, transforming an underutilized and deteriorated area into a vibrant academic and communal hub that supports learning, innovation, and community engagement.

The redevelopment of Laman Ilmu highlights UKM’s commitment to urban regeneration and responsible land use, aligning with the university’s Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030. By optimizing existing land instead of expanding into new green areas, UKM minimizes environmental disturbance while promoting inclusive and sustainable campus development. The Laman Ilmu project not only enhances the aesthetic and functional value of the campus but also reinforces UKM’s contribution to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the sustainable revitalization of brownfield areas for educational and social benefit.

Link: www.ukm.my/beritaukm/ukm-bangunkan-projek-laman-ilmu/

2. Keris Mas Residential College

UKM undertook significant upgrades Block 3 of Keris Mas Residential College, expanding accommodations to provide additional rooms and improved facilities for students. In 2024, The construction of this building has been fully completed and is ready for occupancy. A notable example is the upgrading of Block 3, Keris Mas Residential College, where UKM repurposed and expanded an existing building footprint instead of developing new land. This redevelopment approach aligns with the principles of sustainable construction and land optimization, minimizing environmental disruption and conserving green spaces on campus.

Completed in 2024, the upgraded facility provides additional student accommodations with improved amenities, energy-efficient systems and enhanced accessibility features. The project not only increases the housing capacity for students but also reflects UKM’s commitment to low-carbon and sustainable campus development, in line with the UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 and SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. Through such initiatives, UKM effectively utilizes existing infrastructure to meet future needs while maintaining ecological balance and promoting responsible campus growth.

3. UKMShape Office

UKM showcases its commitment to sustainable campus development through the redevelopment and adaptive reuse of existing brownfield sites. A prime example is the transformation of the former Puri Pujangga Hotel into the new UKMShape Office. The Puri Pujangga Hotel, once a three-star accommodation facility within the UKM Bangi campus, featured 40 guest rooms, five function rooms, and a Halal-certified coffee house that served both the university community and the public. However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the hotel ceased operations and was permanently closed in 2020. Rather than leaving the site idle, UKM took a proactive step in 2023 to repurpose the area for academic and administrative use.

Through this redevelopment, UKM constructed a new, modern office complex on the same site, now serving as the UKMShape Office, the university’s central hub for managing both local and international students. Completed in 2024, this project demonstrates UKM’s forward-thinking approach to optimizing existing land resources while minimizing environmental impact. By revitalizing a non-operational facility into a functional and energy-efficient office space, UKM not only supports its Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 but also contributes to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities exemplifying responsible redevelopment on brownfield land within a university setting.