Since its inception, Putrajaya was envisioned as a ‘Garden City’ — and over the years, it has transformed into a model of urban sustainability. Putrajaya has goals to be 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), low carbon, and a cooler city.
The city is committed to providing green open spaces to reduce urban temperatures, increase carbon absorption, and for the community to have closer access to nature. Through well-planned blueprints, Putrajaya has received numerous awards & recognitions, showing how government-led initiatives can develop a green urban landscape.
From Vision to Reality: The Early Development of Putrajaya
Planned as “Garden City”, Putrajaya was founded in 1995, became the Federal Government Administrative Centre in 1999, and declared as Federal Territory in 2001. Located 25 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur, the development and management of Putrajaya is led by Perbadanan Putrajaya (PPJ).
Read also: Why Does Malaysia Have Two Capitals? Understanding Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya
Architecture Landscape of Putrajaya © Unsplash
Sustainable Urban Efforts: Putrajaya’s Green Initiatives
PPJ used Local Agenda 21 (LA 21) concepts to create plans and programs supporting sustainable development. These actions involved communities and stakeholders in many opportunities.
The Putrajaya Wetland was built in 1997 to treat catchment water originating from Putrajaya Lake. In 2003, botanical gardens and eco parks were started to be constructed, then community gardens were initiated in 2008.
PPJ started implementing large-scale tree planting in 2021, for both Putrajaya and Kuala Lumpur. The types of trees planted are native species that are suitable for the city's climate. Programs related to urban and rooftop farming have also being implemented.
Aerial View of Putrajaya Lake © Unsplash
Connecting Nature and Community: Green Open Spaces and Ecotourism
Putrajaya covers 4,931 hectares of land area, with 38% of it being developed into parks, wetlands, and lakes. Putrajaya Lake is a man-made 600 hectares climate moderator.
The green areas act as a carbon absorber, keep the city cooler, and improve air quality. The area makes nature closer to the city's community and provides public space for them to enhance their mental and physical health, and needs of relaxation.
One of Malaysia’s largest botanical gardens is in Putrajaya, with an area of 92 hectares. A popular destination for jogging, picnicking, and cycling, Putrajaya Botanical Garden features more than 750 species from various continents.
Surrounded by cyprus and pine trees, Saujana Hijau Park is a popular destination consisting of 3 themed gardens namely European Garden, English Garden and Chinese Garden. Citizens and tourists can enjoy bird watching, jogging, and picnicking.
Putrajaya Wetland Park, the country’s first and largest man-made freshwater wetland, is a public park that was designed as a “Green Lung”. This park is an urban birding hotspot, hosting more than 200 species of birds. An observation tower was created to encourage citizens to connect with nature, as part of sustainability efforts.
Taman Saujana Hijau Putrajaya © Unsplash
Building a Low-Carbon Future: Environmental Strategies in Action
Reconnecting citizens to nature will improve pro-environment behavior. Activities to address negative environmental impacts like urban farming, community gardens, and tree planting are also encouraged.
The wetland, agriculture parks and botanical gardens also improve water quality, manage stormwater, and provide urban aesthetics. The area also has great contributions as a habitat for birds, and preserving biodiversity.
The green city has to tackle increased carbon emissions and temperature by providing sustainable waste management, green technology, and promoting environmental education and awareness programs while taking roles in tourism and research.
By 2030, Putrajaya aims to have 15.000 MWh of solar energy annual electricity, 100% LED street lighting, increase urban farming, optimize current public transportation, and zero single-use plastics. The city also has targets for 100% of new buildings to adopt Uniform Building By Law for rainwater harvesting systems, also natural lighting and ventilation.
References:
- https://www.ppj.gov.my/en/second-page/eko-pelancongan
- https://www.ppj.gov.my/storage/lain-lain/723/723.pdf
- https://blog.ppj.gov.my/2014/05/background-of-putrajaya.html
- https://smart.putrajaya.my/putrajaya/
- https://una.city/nbs/putrajaya/putrajaya-pioneer-green-city
