Towards Sustainable Housing: Challenges in Architectural Design for Green Retrofitting in Malaysia

Abstract

In Malaysia, there are several alternatives available to minimize the environmental impact from the construction industry, including the adoption of green building construction. Many studies, however, show that creating new green buildings may have negative influences on the environment, such as improper waste management and a rise in building stocks in Malaysia. Thus, green retrofitting is an effective measure since it utilizes existing buildings in Malaysia to retrofit buildings with sustainable elements, such as additional window openings for natural lighting. However, the application of the green retrofitting concept as a factor in sustainable development in Malaysia is still critically low, and it is not extensively applied in the construction industry. The aim of this paper is to gain an insight and in depth understanding on the challenges in implementing green retrofitting concept in Malaysia. Quantitative study is applied through the conduction of questionnaires distributed among architects working in Kuala Lumpur. It is showed that architects are aware and facing the challenges in designing green retrofitting concept for residential housing in Malaysia.