Study on the Benefits of the Implementation of Green Building Rating in Malaysia

Abstract

A green building is a sustainable design incorporating environmentally friendly practices in its construction and management. The objective of green building development is to reduce the negative impact of buildings on the environment by mitigating carbon dioxide emissions. Several countries worldwide, including Malaysia have established rating tools under the World Green Building Council to measure sustainability for various types of development. The goal is to encourage all nations to promote green building and replace conventional methods that harm the environment. In Malaysia, two of the most commonly used assessment tools for green building are GBI and GreenRE. The Malaysian government has implemented various policies to manage the construction process of green buildings, such as the National Green Technology Policy, Green Performance Assessment System, and the establishment of Green Technology Master Plan for managing green operations. However, green building projects in Malaysia are still in the formative stage, indicating that the construction industry in Malaysia is still in its infancy with regard to sustainable development. This study aims to investigate the perceived benefits of implementing Green Building Rating Tools in Malaysia. Specific factors that enable company readiness to adopt rating tools include benefits to occupants, facility management, and environmental sustainability. The research methodology used in this study was quantitative, employing a questionnaire survey with 140 respondents. The findings indicate that Facility Management and Environmental Sustainability are significantly related to Company's Readiness to adopt Green Building Rating. It is crucial for policymakers to provide incentives to project teams (developers, consultants, and contractors) to increase awareness about green construction and its implementation.