Comparative Study between Green Building and Conventional Building in Malaysia

Sum, Pei Chee (2025) Comparative Study between Green Building and Conventional Building in Malaysia. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

This research investigates the comparative advantages of green buildings versus conventional buildings in Malaysia, emphasizing their environmental, social, and economic impacts amid rising concerns about climate change and urbanization. As the nation grapples with rapid urbanization and environmental challenges, the construction industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices that minimize the negative effects associated with traditional building methods. Green buildings, known for their potential to reduce energy consumption and environmental degradation, are positioned as a viable solution to these pressing issues. To gather comprehensive insights, a structured survey was developed and distributed using Google Forms, targeting a diverse range of stakeholders in the Malaysian construction sector, including architects, builders, developers, policymakers, and potential property buyers. The survey aimed to evaluate perceptions of environmental benefits, financial considerations, awareness levels, and the influence of regulations on green building practices. After data collection, responses were exported to Excel for initial organization and cleaning, and then imported into SPSS for detailed statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics, including frequencies and means, were calculated to summarize participant responses and identify prevailing trends in perceptions of green buildings. Reliability testing using Cronbach's Alpha assessed the internal consistency of the survey items, with an acceptable threshold of 0.70 indicating reliable measurement of the constructs studied. The findings revealed a generally positive perception of green buildings among respondents, particularly regarding their environmental benefits, such as reduced energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improved indoor air quality. Participants acknowledged that green buildings can contribute to healthier living environments and promote sustainable resource use. However, despite this positive outlook, significant barriers to the adoption of green building practices were identified. Many respondents expressed concerns about the higher initial costs associated with green construction, which can deter investment even when long-term savings on energy and maintenance are considered. Additionally, a lack of awareness and understanding of the benefits of green buildings was evident among respondents, indicating a pressing need for enhanced educational initiatives. The reliability analysis confirmed satisfactory Cronbach's Alpha values across the survey items, indicating that the constructs measured were coherent and consistent. Nevertheless, the item related to financial concerns exhibited a lower corrected item-total correlation, suggesting it may not align as closely with the overall construct. This finding points to the potential need for refinement in future research efforts to better capture the complexities surrounding financial perceptions of green buildings. In conclusion, this research underscores the critical importance of promoting green building practices within Malaysia's construction industry to address urgent environmental challenges. By leveraging sustainable construction technologies and materials, the industry can significantly reduce its ecological footprint while fostering social and economic benefits. The study highlights the necessity for greater awareness, education, and policy support to facilitate the integration of green buildings into mainstream construction practices. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, industry practitioners, and researchers, paving the way for more sustainable development initiatives in Malaysia and contributing to the global discourse on sustainable construction.