The Contractors’ Perception on the Development of Green Building Projects in Penang

Abstract

A strategy to lessen the substantial effects of the building development on the environment, society, and economy is green construction. However, despite the positive effects of green buildings on society, numerous market hurdles prevent the growth of green buildings, particularly in Malaysia. This happens because of the lack of awareness regarding the development of green buildings. Therefore, this study aims to explore the contractor perception of the development of green building projects in Penang. A set of questionnaire survey was distributed among eighty-three (83) contractors representing construction organizations in Penang. The analysis showed that the contractors mostly agreed with the benefits of green building, indicating that the respondents are aware of green building. The results shows that financial factor with mean value of 4.66 is the main factor hampering the development of green buildings, followed by law and regulation factor (x̄ = 4.60) and quality factor (x̄ = 4.54). Besides, most of the respondents also agreed that improving the professional knowledge among contractors (x̄ = 4.70) will encourage the development of green buildings. Immediate action should be taken on the strategy either from their sides or from other authorities. Overall, this research provides insight into the perception of the development of green building projects among contractors, which can increase awareness on green building and contributing to a better environment.