Kuala Lumpur (CNN Business) The world is heating up, making us rethink not just how we live but where we live and work too.

Buildings account for nearly 40% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, and more renewable energy will be needed to meet targets mandated by the Paris climate accord, according to Architecture 2030, a nonprofit group that works with construction companies.

Malaysia is tackling the challenge head-on. Architects have to take into account a year-round tropical climate in addition to the effect of carbon emissions from their projects.

Air conditioning is central to the debate. In a place like Malaysia it's essential. But it's also powered by huge amounts of energy that significantly heats up the planet.

Placing air conditioning vents on the floor rather than higher up can slash the amount of energy used.

Dr. Tan Loke Mun, an architect based in Kuala Lumpur, has spent years thinking about how to ensure homes and offices offer comfort without adding to the climate crisis.

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