KUALA LUMPUR: The new state-of-the-art Cyberjaya Mosque has been shortlisted for The Plan International Award 2016 for its groundbreaking green technology and sustainable design.
Besides adhering to the industry's highest standard Platinum rating of the Green Building Index (GBI), by incorporating recyclable materials and energy efficient equipment the mosque minimises energy usage to reduce its running costs.
It will be one of the first mosques in the world to use solar panels to generate electricity and subscribing to a FIT scheme.
The energy generated from the mosque's solar panels are also supplied to the national grid, contributing to the country’s supply of renewable energy.
The mosque’s main prayer hall has been designed to be air-conditioned for two hours during Friday prayers and during prayers of other special Islamic occasions.
At other times, fans and ventilators will be sufficient to sustain an average daytime temperature of 26 degrees Celsius within the mosque’s main prayer hall.
Built at a cost of RM173.3 million, the new age mosque's architect Azim A. Aziz drew inspiration from the bespoke design of the 51-year old Masjid Negara in Kuala Lumpur.
The mosque was completed last year after construction was commissioned in 2012.
Its opening, in fact, was built to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Masjid Negara last year.
Its contemporary modern design incorporates traditional Islamic design elements with a goal of portraying Islam as a progressive religion, as well as reflecting the simplicity and purity of modern Malaysian mosque architecture.
The design is in line with Cyberjaya being a 'green city of the future', with main emphasis towards a modern approach.
To support this project's bid for The Plan International Award, readers can visit http://www.theplan.it/eng/project_shortlist/190 and click on the "wish" button on the top right screen to register a vote.
Each click counts as one vote for the project.