Harnessing green procurement for sustainable excellence in the Malaysian construction industry

Achieving sustainable excellence in the Malaysian construction industry requires a fundamental shift in procurement practices. Conventional procurement methods contribute to excessive carbon emissions, resource depletion and environmental degradation, posing significant sustainability challenges. Despite growing awareness of sustainability, the adoption of green procurement remains limited due to various industry constraints. This study aims to investigate green procurement in Malaysian construction projects by identifying prevalent practices and examining key drivers influencing adoption. A quantitative research design is employed using a structured questionnaire for data collection. A pilot test was conducted with 30 respondents, including developers, consultants, and contractors. The preliminary findings are presented in this paper after the data has been analysed using SPSS software. The findings suggested that the primary green procurement practices currently adopted in the Malaysian construction industry are waste management and recycling, giving preference to certified products and procuring non-toxic and low-volatile organic compounds (VOCs) materials. Similarly, the key drivers of green procurement practices are regulations and standards of green procurement, availability of green products and services, and availability of green suppliers alongside environmental sustainability. These findings will support the development of strategic policies, frameworks, and best practices to enhance green procurement implementation across the sector. This study has significant implications for policymakers, industry professionals, and stakeholders by offering evidence-based recommendations to integrate green procurement into standard construction practices. By fostering environmental responsibility, promoting resource efficiency, and enhancing long-term resilience, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse on sustainability in the construction industry. The originality of this study lies in its focus on quantifying key determinants of green procurement adoption in Malaysia, bridging the gap between theoretical discussions and practical applications in sustainable construction.