Barriers Affecting the Adoption of Green Building Technologies: Architects’ Perspectives

Increasingly, construction players in developing countries are trying to adopt green building technologies in the construction industry. However, their efforts are challenged by various issues. Their progression deserves academic attention. This study aims to identify barriers affecting the adoption of green building technologies in Malaysia, as one such developing country, from architects’ perspectives. This study adopted the quantitative method. 227 questionnaires were sent online and by hand to professional architects who are registered under Malaysian Institute of Architects. The findings of this study were derived from 52 returned questionnaires. Among 26 barriers affecting the adoption of green building technologies, this study identified 17 as critical. High cost of green technologies; high market prices, rental charges, and long payback period; lack of promotion; lack of interest and market demand; and risks and uncertainties involved in implementing new technologies are top five among those critical barriers. The findings of this study could provide insight to the policy maker who plays an important role in creating a sustainable environment in the construction industry. This study proposes that the policy maker should play an active role in establishing more incentive programs to assist construction players who intend to adopt green building technologies in their projects. Besides, more activities promoting the adoption of green buildings technologies should be initiated by the policy maker through the strategic partnership with construction players such as clients, consultants, and construction firms.