The role of quantity surveyors in advancing ESG practices in the construction industry

The growing emphasis on sustainability in the Malaysian construction industry has underscored the significance of advancing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) practices. ESG served as an excellent sustainable evaluation tool, providing a set of standards to guide company’s behaviour in the aspects of environmental protection, social dynamics and corporate governance. Companies with strong ESG practices have demonstrated higher returns on equity and lower volatility, attracting investors committed to sustainable development. Quantity Surveyors (QSs), whose work practices inherently align with ESG principles, are well positioned to drive impactful ESG outcomes. However, research on the extent of QSs’ involvement in ESG implementation remains limited. This study aims to explore the evolving role of QSs in advancing ESG practices in the Malaysian construction industry, identify implementation barriers and propose initiatives to address the challenges. To gain a deeper understanding of ESG practice, a comprehensive literature review was conducted, exploring various contexts relevant to the research gist. Empirically, a qualitative study will be conducted using semi-structured interviews to gather insights from construction professionals, targeting on QSs and middle and top-level management. As sustainability becomes a fundamental value in construction, this research is expected to be a reference for the stakeholders, policymakers, and regulatory bodies, fostering the integration of QSs' expertise into ESG-driven development for a more sustainable built environment.