Key people capability criteria of green procurement implementation for construction projects / Afiqah Iliyana Samsul Bahari

The adverse environmental impact of construction activities has called for a greener approach to be adopted urgently. In the Twelfth Malaysian Plan (2021-2025), the Malaysian government introduced the concept of green procurement in works, mainly for the construction industry. However, implementing green procurement for construction in Malaysia is still in the introductory phase, even though it has gained popularity among construction academics and practitioners worldwide. Green awareness in the construction industry has been addressed in the National Construction Policy 2030 and Sustainable Development Goals, but until today, the implementation of green procurement has yet to be established. Past researchers have identified awareness and knowledge as the main challenges in adopting green practices. Therefore, this research aims to develop the people capability of green procurement in adopting a green procurement framework for construction projects in Malaysia. The objectives of this research are to identify the people’s capability criteria to adopt green procurement practices, to investigate the key capability criteria for successful green procurement in the construction industry, and to establish the key capability building framework for the construction industry in Malaysia. This research was conducted using a mixed-methods approach through focus group discussion (FGD) and the questionnaire as the primary survey tool. Questionnaires were distributed to experienced practitioners attached to construction stakeholders in Kuala Lumpur. This research has identified the four key people capabilities, namely anticipatory, system thinking, interpersonal and strategic. The research contributes to creating a more ecologically responsible community in Malaysia's construction sector and supporting government policies such as the National Construction Policy 2030 to move towards a greener approach.