Navigating Environmental Sustainability Challenges: Identifying Key Green Building Features and Mitigating Barriers in the Malaysian Property Sector

Padzil Fadzil Hassan; Nor Mahirah Samsuddin; Afzan Ahmad Zaini; Muhamad Zaihafiz Zainal Abidin; Chong Wan Siang

Authors

Padzil Fadzil Hassan Department of Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Jalan Datuk Mohammad Musa 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
Nor Mahirah Samsuddin Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Jalan Datuk Mohammad Musa 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
Afzan Ahmad Zaini Department of Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Jalan Datuk Mohammad Musa 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia
Muhamad Zaihafiz Zainal Abidin Centre of Studies for Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Architecture, Planning and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, 40450 Malaysia
Chong Wan Siang Department of Quantity Surveying, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), Jalan Datuk Mohammad Musa 94300 Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia

Keywords:

Green Building Features (GBF), Barriers, Malaysian Construction Industry

Abstract

This study addresses the persistent challenge of advancing environmental sustainability within the Malaysian property sector. Despite ongoing efforts to identify and overcome obstacles, these initiatives have faced limited success, emphasizing the necessity for additional research and targeted interventions. This paper presents research with the primary aims of identifying suitable Green Building Features (GBF) for adoption and elucidating the barriers hindering their integration. The methodology involves a critical review of existing research literature to establish the research constructs. Subsequently, data from 88 selected respondents were collected to identify key GBFs and barriers. The findings underscore the importance of renewable energy sources, natural ventilation, and daylighting systems as essential GBFs, along with their perceived ranking in promoting GBF adoption. Barriers to adoption include inadequate building codes and incentives, lack of awareness and knowledge, high costs, resistance to changing property development practices, limited governmental and owner support, restricted availability of materials and green technology, insufficient technical expertise, and a lack of public awareness.