Green building practices taking hold in Malaysia

As eco-friendly construction gets its feet wet in Malaysia, local researchers evaluated the development of the country’s nascent green building index (GBI). They reported that green building in the country still needs a lot of improvement, although the federal government has been taking significant steps to support its growth.

The study was supported by the Universiti Sains Malaysia. Its findings were published in the Australian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences.

• Green building faces four major barriers in Malaysia. There are not enough appropriate knowledge and pertinent skills, few rules and regulations that cover the matter, insufficient awareness and commitment, and no element that can sustain the practice.
• Researchers conducted a quantitative survey on GBI professionals. The survey involved the use of a questionnaire. Gathered data was evaluated through statistical analysis software.
• The respondents generally agreed on the three main factors cited during the survey. Based on these analyses, the researchers came up with four acceptable hypotheses to explain the slow growth of the concept.
• Inputs to educational programs, specific guidelines, plans, procedures, and regulations will make it more efficient to develop property in Malaysia according to green building concepts and elements.
• The Malaysian government is the strongest supporter of green building. It introduced and implemented policies that encouraged the development of green technology that helps conserve the environment.

The researchers concluded that the green building index in Malaysia is at a very early stage in development. They believe it needs greater support in order to truly take off and transform the rest of the construction industry.

The full study can be read at this link.

If you are looking for more news about the movement towards environment-friendly technologies, visit Environ.news.

Journal Reference:

Mohd Wira Mohd Shafiei and Hooman Abadi. THE IMPACTS OF GREEN BUILDING INDEX TOWARDS ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN MALAYSIA. Aust. J. Basic & Appl. Sci., 11(4): 131-139, 2017.