One Shell Square Miri: Shell’s green HQ with 100 solar panels, rainwater harvesting, Borneo’s first advanced elevators

Abang Johari (centre) flanked by Siti Sulaiman on his left and other distinguished guests cutting the ribbon to launch One Shell Square Miri at Miri Times Square on Oct 9, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas
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By Karen Bong

MIRI, Oct 9: Sarawak Shell Berhad (Shell) has unveiled its new cutting-edge headquarters, One Shell Square Miri (OSSM), at Miri Times Square, featuring sustainable design elements such as 100 solar photovoltaic panels that generate 80,000 kWh of clean energy annually and a sophisticated rainwater harvesting system for its garden deck.

Built with green building technologies to optimise energy use, OSSM features low-emissivity glass panels on its facade to reduce infrared and ultraviolet light, minimising heat gain. Office spaces are equipped with sensors to further enhance energy efficiency.

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It is also the first office building to offer Shell Recharge electric vehicle charging bays. Three bays are located at the main entrance, with two additional bays in the multi-storey carpark opposite, all available for public use.

It is also the first in East Malaysia to deploy an advanced floor destination elevator system, designed to streamline travel and reduce waiting times during peak hours.

The name “One Shell Square Miri” is a tribute to the origins of Miri’s oil and gas industry, where Shell drilled its first well, Miri Well No. 1, in 1910.

Sustainability in One Shell Square Miri.

Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, who officiated the opening, highlighted that OSSM is a befitting name for Miri’s first Grade A signature corporate office and praising its Gold Green Building Index (GBI) certification for sustainability.

“This 13-storey building is another landmark structure within Miri Times Square, the new growth node for modern Miri.

“My compliments to the developer, Pantai Bayu Indah Sdn Bhd, which is a joint venture with LCDA (Land Custody and Development Authority) Holdings, for setting the benchmark for eco-sustainable developments in Sarawak. Mirians, and Sarawakians in general, should be proud of this achievement,” he said at the event which was broadcast live through Ukas Channel last night (Oct 9).

Abang Johari (right) and Siti Sulaiman checking out Sarawak’s first Shell Café at One Shell Square Miri at Miri Times Square on Oct 9, 2024. Photo credit: Ukas

Recognising Shell’s role as a long-standing partner in Sarawak’s development, Abang Johari called for continued collaboration with Petroleum Sarawak Berhad (Petros) in areas like carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) and greener technologies to advance Sarawak’s green energy ambitions.

Siti Sulaiman, Country Chair of Shell Malaysia and vice president of Integrated Gas and Upstream Malaysia, highlighted the building as a symbol of Shell’s commitment to driving energy efficiency and sustainability.

“This achievement is a testament to the unwavering support of our partners, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to each of them. With Shell’s rich heritage in Sarawak, we are excited to build on this legacy and continue our vital role in advancing Sarawak and Malaysia’s economic growth and energy transition from our new Upstream Headquarters,” she said.

Shell drilled its first well, Miri Well No. 1, in 1910.

Additional features of OSSM include open-plan workspaces, cutting-edge meeting rooms, and recreational areas to promote employee well-being and productivity.

The building is also home to Sarawak’s first Shell Café, offering signature coffee blends alongside an array of pastries, pastas, gourmet sausages, and wraps, enhancing the overall experience for staff and visitors alike. — DayakDaily

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