COMPARISON OF BUILDING ASSESSMENT SCHEMES IN ASEAN

Abstract

Sustainable construction is an integral process of sustainable development which is slowly reshaping the conventional construction sector. Sustainable construction is a holistic concept- affecting the different phases of construction from design stage through marketing. To help encourage adoption of sustainable construction, various building assessment schemes were developed around the world. Singapore too took the initiative by launching the first tropical building assessment scheme, the BCA Green Mark Scheme, in 2005. As if a model for the region, it has influenced countries within ASEAN to develop other assessment schemes. Malaysia followed suit, with the introduction of the Green Building Index in 2009.

This dissertation aims to analyze the similarities and differences between the two leading assessment schemes in the tropics. Through a comparative case study, the research aims to determine if a standard building assessment scheme can be developed for ASEAN. While the in-depth literature review provided the framework for the research, the comparative case study of the building assessment schemes path the framework for the survey questionnaire conducted on industry professionals in Singapore and Malaysia.

Results collated supported the hypothesis of developing a standard building assessment scheme for use in ASEAN due to minimal differences between BCA Green Mark Scheme and Green Building Index Malaysia. Respondents were largely positive that such a development would improve the effectiveness of a building assessment scheme and the integration of the two schemes were lauded.

However, further studies have to be carried out to understand the different obstacles and ways to alleviate the issue. Furthermore, other building assessment schemes within the region was not included in the research hence, the application of the results are limited within Singapore and Malaysia.