A Review on the Implementation Barriers to Low-Carbon Practices in Malaysia’s Real Estate

A Review on the Implementation Barriers to Low-Carbon Practices in Malaysia’s Real Estate

Mohd Azlan Ab. Jalil¹, Noorsidi Aizuddin Mat Noor^*2, Nurul Saadah Lokman³, Farhana Diana Deris⁴

^1,2,3Real Estate Department, Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia

^2,4Centre for Real Estate Studies (UTM CRES), Institute for Smart Infrastructure and Innovative Construction (ISIIC), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 81310, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

²Mass Appraisal, Housing and Planning Research Group, Real Estate Department, Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia

Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia

Publication Information

Journal Title: International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS)
Author(s): Jalil, Mohd Azlan Ab.; Noor,Noorsidi Aizuddin Mat; Lokman,Nurul Saadah; Deris,Farhana Diana Deris
Published On: 04/24/2025
Volume: 9
Issue: 1
First Page: 4088
Last Page: 4098
ISSN: 2454-6186

Cite this Article

Jalil, Mohd Azlan Ab.; Noor,Noorsidi Aizuddin Mat; Lokman,Nurul Saadah; Deris,Farhana Diana Deris;Jalil, Mohd Azlan Ab.; Noor,Noorsidi Aizuddin Mat; Lokman,Nurul Saadah; Deris,Farhana Diana Deris, Volume 9 Issue 1, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), 4088-4098, Published on 04/24/2025, Available at https://rsisinternational.org/journals/ijriss/articles/a-review-on-the-implementation-barriers-to-low-carbon-practices-in-malaysias-real-estate/

Abstract

This study, covering operational and embodied emissions, investigates how the real estate sector in Malaysia mitigates or fails to meeting global decarbonisation targets. The purpose was to assess the sector’s problems and prospects for cutting emissions and to offer actionable strategies. The study combined quantitative data analysis based on conditions from national databases and qualitative insights from stakeholder interviews using a mixed-method approach. Focusing on key developments such as the Tun Razak Exchange and Forest City, case studies were offered to provide practical examples of low-carbon practices. It emerged that the sector generates 40 percent of global CO₂ emissions, with 70 percent from its building operations and 30 percent from construction activities. Energy usage patterns influenced operational emissions, while embodied emissions were dependent on material choice and construction method. We also found that inconsistent policy frameworks, along with stakeholder misalignment, were major barriers. But the study identified how renewable energies, digital tools for carbon tracking, and circular economy practices could be incorporated. This study highlighted a need for a lifecycle approach to dealing with the interdependencies between operational and embodied emissions. Policies are recommended to be harmonised, stressing the importance of stakeholder collaboration and supporting community-based initiatives. It provides the roadmap for the real estate sector to achieve its carbon neutrality, and the achievement brings environmental, social, and economic benefits. Future study could examine the scalability of community-driven projects or the application of advanced technologies to advance the imperative of decarbonization. By arming stakeholders with useful tools and strategies for creating sustainable value, this article helps contribute to global climate change mitigation.

Keywords: Built Environment, real estate, emissions, climate change, carbon footprint