ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSION CONSIDERATIONS IN THE URBAN PLANNING PROCESS IN MALAYSIA

In handling global wanning issues, among the most important measures are to reduce energy consumptions and carbon dioxide emissions. While many countries have recognized the importance of the role of urban planning in energy conservation and reduction of carbon dioxide emissions, spatial planning framework in Malaysia is still lacking in this aspect. Although there are some spatial planning policies indirectly favoring energy conservation, there is still no measure that directly emphasizes on promoting energy conservation and capping carbon dioxide emissions. Energy and carbon dioxide issues should thus be taken as one of the core parts in the urban planning process. It is necessary to develop and incorporate a decision making tool to assess the overall impact of development plans on energy consumptions and carbon dioxide emissions. While achieving the desired economic and social developments, it is necessary to create a low energy-consuming, carbon dioxide-emitting sustainable society.