Bridging generations: framework for youth engagement and education for sustainable heritage conservation in Kuala Lumpur’s built environment

The adaptive reuse and conservation of heritage buildings are essential for fostering sustainable urban environments. In Kuala Lumpur, youth engagement and education play a pivotal role in integrating sustainability practices into the built environment. This paper investigates the perspectives of youth regarding the sustainable conservation of heritage buildings, with a focus on the role of Construction Revolution 4.0 (CR 4.0). The study aims to evaluate youth awareness, involvement, and barriers to contributing to heritage conservation, emphasizing sustainable practices within Kuala Lumpur’s urban context. Using systematic review, this research identifies how technological advancements, and educational programs can empower youth to actively participate in heritage conservation. The conceptual framework is built around three key themes: level of engagement, motivations and barriers affecting their participation in built environment sustainability. Preliminary findings highlight that youth show a strong interest in sustainability but face significant challenges, including limited access to digital resources, inadequate educational programs, and low awareness of the importance of heritage conservation. The research concludes that fostering greater youth participation requires targeted educational initiatives, enhanced access to digital technologies, and increased awareness of the value of heritage in urban sustainability. The study provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, educators, and heritage conservation bodies to better engage youth in the conservation process, aiming to cultivate a generation that embraces both heritage preservation and sustainability in urban development.