Cost and environmental impact appraisal of ibs adoption: a case of residential construction in Klang Valley, Malaysia

The construction sector significantly contributes to global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for approximately 37% of energy-related emissions. In Malaysia, the residential building construction industry is essential for meeting housing demands, yet it exacerbates environmental issues due to significant resource consumption and material waste. The Industrialized Building System (IBS) has emerged as a sustainable solution, promoting prefabrication and modular construction to enhance efficiency and reduce waste. Despite government initiatives such as the MyIBS2030 Roadmap and the Construction Industry Transformation Programme (CITP), IBS adoption in residential building construction remains limited due to high upfront costs, resistance to change, and logistical challenges. This study assesses the financial and environmental benefits of IBS implementation in Klang Valley’s residential sector, utilizing Life Cycle Costing (LCC), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and stakeholder surveys for a comprehensive evaluation. Findings indicate that IBS can shorten construction timelines by 30%, reduce lifecycle costs by 40%, and minimize material waste by 25%, demonstrating its potential for sustainable residential construction in Malaysia. Furthermore, the study explores barriers to IBS adoption and proposes practical strategies, including financial incentives, green procurement policies, centralized logistics, and public awareness campaigns. These insights provide valuable guidance for decision-makers and industry professionals, promoting sustainable construction practices that align with Malaysia’s housing needs and environmental objectives. The proposed recommendations support Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 9, 11, and 13, emphasizing innovation, sustainable urban development, and climate action.