An Investigation into the Determinants of Sluggish Green Building Adoption in Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

Abstract

Global concerns regarding energy conservation, climate change, and the depletion of non-renewable resources have catalysed a worldwide shift toward sustainable architecture. Despite the clear societal benefits, green building remains an uncommon practice in Malaysia due to unique market barriers prevalent in developing nations. This disparity is particularly pronounced in Ipoh; as the capital of Perak, Ipoh trails behind other Malaysian cities in Green Building Index (GBI) certifications, failing to set the necessary precedent for regional sustainable development. This study employs a qualitative methodology to investigate the factors hindering green building adoption in Ipoh. Primary data was gathered through interviews with experienced property managers and validated by two GBI-certified informants to ensure a correlation between academic literature and real-world conditions. The findings identify high material costs—driven by an insufficient local supply chain—and a shortage of specialized labour as primary "sluggishness" factors. Furthermore, the research compares theoretical demand drivers such as cost savings and prestige against practical field insights such as owner awareness and aesthetic structural design. The results confirm that the obstacles identified in the literature are deeply rooted in the practical reality of Ipoh's property sector. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this study provides a framework for improving green building implementation, offering valuable insights for real estate stakeholders and supporting government efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of urban development.