Low Budget ESG House (RM 5000)

 

LOW BUDGET ESG HOUSE (RM 5000)

 

We’ll simplify ESG into 3 practical parts: 

•  E (Environment): save energy + water + waste 
•  S (Social): comfort + livability 
•  G (Governance): simple tracking + control 

1. ENVIRONMENT (BIGGEST SAVINGS IMPACT) 
• Basic solar lighting support (not full solar system) 
•  Instead of full solar PV (too expensive), do this: 
•  Solar garden lights (outdoor) 
• Solar wall lights (car porch / gate area) 
•  Why: 
•  Reduces outdoor electricity usage 
• Improves security lighting automatically 
•  Cost: RM 150 – RM 600 
•  Mini rainwater harvesting system (DIY) 
• Setup: 
• 1 x 1000L water tank (or 2 x 500L drums) 
• Gutter pipe diversion 
• Basic mesh filter (leaves/debris) 
• Tap outlet 
•  Use for: 
•  Garden watering 
• Car washing 
• Floor cleaning 
•  Cost breakdown: 
•  Tank: RM 300 – RM 900 
• Pipes + fittings: RM 200 – RM 500 
•  👉 Total: RM 500 – RM 1,400 
•  Simple compost system (DIY) 
• Setup: 
• 1 plastic drum / bin (drilled holes) 
• Dry leaves + kitchen waste layering 
•  Optional: Bokashi bucket for indoor kitchen scraps 
•  Cost: 
•  DIY compost bin: RM 50 – RM 150 
• Optional Bokashi: RM 100 – RM 200 
•  👉 Total: RM 50 – RM 300 
•  Passive cooling (MOST IMPORTANT for Malaysia) 
•  Do this during design/reno stage: 
•  Cross ventilation windows (opposite sides)
•  Ceiling fan in all rooms (not overusing aircond) 
• Light roof colour (reflect heat) 
• Basic roof insulation (foil or foam layer) 
•  Cost: 
•  Ceiling fans: RM 100 – RM 300 each 
• Roof insulation (basic): RM 500 – RM 1,500 
•  👉 Total: RM 1,000 – RM 2,000 
2.  SOCIAL (COMFORT + LIVEABILITY) 
•  Natural lighting design (cheap but powerful) 
• Bigger windows in living area 
• Use light curtains (sheer + blackout combo) 
•  💰 Cost: RM 200 – RM 600 
• Small green space setup 
• 2–5 potted plants (indoor + outdoor) 
• Simple herb garden (kitchen side) 
•  💰 Cost: RM 100 – RM 300 
•  Simple layout discipline (FREE but important) 
• Built-in storage or closed cabinets 
• Avoid open clutter shelves 
• Separate shoes / laundry / living zones 
•  This improves comfort more than expensive furniture 
3.  GOVERNANCE (SMART CONTROL – LOW COST)
• Smart plugs + energy control 
• Control aircond, heater, appliances via phone 
• Track usage habits 
•  Cost: RM 100 – RM 400 
•  Motion sensor lights (small upgrade) 
• Toilet / corridor / outdoor lights auto on/off
• Cost: RM 100 – RM 300 
•  Simple energy tracking habit system (FREE) 
• Monthly electricity + water tracking in phone notes 
• Identify high usage rooms 
4. FINAL BUDGET SUMMARY (LOW-BUDGET ESG) 
• Category Cost Solar lighting RM 150 – RM 600 
• Rainwater harvesting RM 500 – RM 1,400 
• Compost system RM 50 – RM 300 
• Passive cooling upgrades RM 1,000 – RM 2,000 
• Lighting + smart control RM 200 – RM 700 
• Plants + small green space RM 100 – RM 300 
• 🏆 TOTAL: RM 2,000 – RM 5,000 
5. WHAT YOU ACTUALLY ACHIEVE 
•  Even with this budget, your house will have: 
•  Lower electricity usage 
• Less reliance on aircond 
• Outdoor solar lighting 
•  Lower water usage 
• Free rainwater for outdoor use 
•  Less waste 
• Compost reduces garbage output 
• Better comfort 
• Cooler indoor temperature 
• Better air circulation 
•  More awareness of usage 
• Smart plugs + tracking habits 
6. SIMPLE STRATEGY (IMPORTANT) 
•  If you do only 3 things, prioritize this: 
•  TOP 3 (most impact) 
• Passive cooling design (fan + ventilation) 
• Rainwater harvesting system 
• Compost system 
•  These give the highest long-term savings in Malaysia climate