Challenges in green retrofit methods for sustainable building transformation

Green retrofit (GR) is recognised as a pivotal strategy for reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency. GR intended to transform or improve the function from the old or existing building into a green building aims to achieve building sustainability and carbon free. Many appropriate methods of green retrofit can be applied to existing buildings from the elements of design or technology such as energy-efficient equipment, insulation and etc. However, there are a few issues related to the utilisation of the GR method, such as the inattentiveness of construction participants in approaching various methods of GR, constraints that limit the implementation of a GR, and a lack of strategies for implementing GR. Therefore, this research aims to determine the challenges of the green retrofit implementation in transforming existing buildings into green buildings. The quantitative approach was adopted using questionnaire surveys to 218 construction professionals in Perak, Malaysia, involving architects, engineers, quantity surveyors, and contractors registered with CIDB (G6-G7). Random sampling method was used where only 103 feedback were returned. The data collected was then analysed using SPSS version 30 quantitative software. The findings reveal that most of the respondents agreed on the challenges to implement GR methods in building sustainable transformation. There are several challenges agreed by the respondents, such as insufficient funds, high capital, lack of incentives to apply retrofit, the behaviour of people around, and lack of awareness of the method used and sustainability concept, which hinder the widespread adoption of GR practices. Findings generated have proven that the research objective for this research have been met. The outcome contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable construction practices and offers strategic recommendations for advancing GR in Malaysia.