Evaluating the Effectiveness of Green Building

Liew, Cheng En (2026) Evaluating the Effectiveness of Green Building. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology.

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Abstract

Green buildings have emerged as a critical response to the growing demand for sustainable development in the construction sector. They are designed not only to minimize environmental degradation but also to improve human health, comfort and productivity. Despite the proliferation of green certified projects in Malaysia, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, uncertainties remain regarding their actual effectiveness and the barriers hindering widespread adoption. This study evaluates the effectiveness of green buildings through a dual focus which are assessing their environmental and occupant related benefits and identifying the challenges that restrict broader implementation. The research employed both primary and secondary data collection methods. Primary data were gathered through structured questionnaires administered to occupants of green-certified commercial buildings, while secondary sources included journals, reports and relevant literature. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) with frequency and mean examinations providing insights into the perceptions and experiences of respondents. The findings confirmed that green buildings deliver substantial health-related benefits with occupants reporting fewer respiratory issues, reduced stress and enhanced mental well being. Features such as improved ventilation, natural lighting and the use of non-toxic materials were strongly associated with higher satisfaction levels. Additionally, respondents emphasized the positive influence of green buildings on productivity, citing better indoor air quality, acoustic comfort and consistent indoor temperatures as factors that support concentration and performance. However, the study also highlighted several barriers to adoption. High construction and maintenance costs remain the most pressing challenge, compounded by limited expertise in green building design, difficulties in sourcing sustainable materials locally and insufficient government support. Hesitation among developers and skepticism among end-users further restrict the mainstreaming of sustainable practices. These findings reveal a clear performance gap between the design intentions of green buildings and their real-world implementation, emphasizing the need for systemic changes. The study contributes to sustainable construction discourse by providing empirical evidence from the Malaysian context. It recommends expanding government incentives, enhancing professional training, strengthening supply chains for sustainable materials and promoting occupant awareness to maximize the potential of green buildings. Ultimately, bridging the gap between design expectations and operational outcomes is essential to ensure that green buildings fulfill their dual purpose of environmental stewardship and improved quality of life. By addressing both benefits and barriers, this research underscores the pivotal role of green buildings in advancing Malaysia’s sustainable development goals