Green building materials: Readiness and cost impact for residential construction
List of Authors
  • Farhan Md Dahlan , Suhaila Ali

Keyword
  • green building materials, residential, readiness, cost impact

Abstract
  • Climate change and global warming are posing a challenge to the world. Commercial and residential buildings contribute 6% of total CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. Green building materials used in residential construction help to reduce environmental impact. However, the implementation of green building materials into residential construction in Malaysia is at a slow pace. This study was carried out to investigate developers' readiness and the cost impact of green building materials in residential construction. A quantitative approach was adopted that sought to gather factual data. A total of 250 questionnaires were then distributed to developers in Selangor. In total, 73 completed questionnaires formed a database for descriptive and ranking analysis. Based on descriptive analysis, it was discovered that the slow readiness for residential construction was caused by two main factors: support from external green expertise and the ability to solve issues with green building materials. Furthermore, most developers agreed that green residential construction is more expensive than conventional construction. However, it is not to deny that green building materials are profitable because for the life of the material, it can still provide savings to future owners. To achieve housing market readiness, the main sector players, the government, and other third parties should provide support for green residential construction implementation.

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