Malaysia public backs sustainable construction, but industry lags

By AI, Created 9:52 AM UTC, May 20, 2026, /AGP/ – Saint-Gobain’s 2026 Sustainable Construction Barometer finds 71% of Malaysians view sustainable construction as a priority, above the global average. The study points to a gap between public demand and industry buy-in, suggesting awareness and cross-sector coordination will be critical in Malaysia’s built environment shift.

Why it matters: - Malaysia’s public is pushing for more climate-resilient, healthier and adaptable buildings faster than much of the industry is. - The gap matters because it could slow action on housing quality, climate resilience and inclusive growth unless builders, policymakers and financiers align. - The findings suggest awareness and collaboration could turn public support into actual changes in the built environment.

What happened: - Saint-Gobain’s Sustainable Construction Observatory published the 2026 Sustainable Construction Barometer on April 29, 2026. - Malaysia was included in the qualitative international study for the first time. - The study surveyed perceptions from 30,000 citizens and 4,800 construction-sector stakeholders across 30 countries. - Stakeholders included local government representatives, built environment professionals, students and association members. - In Malaysia, 71% of citizens said sustainable construction is a priority. - That compares with 63% globally. - Only 55% of Malaysian industry stakeholders said sustainable construction should be prioritized. - That trails the 65% global figure for stakeholders.

The details: - 63% of Malaysian stakeholders said sustainable construction could create equal or more value than traditional construction. - The study measured value in terms of economic profitability and environmental, social and heritage benefits. - Only 29% of Malaysian citizens said they are closely familiar with what sustainable construction entails. - Malaysians most often defined sustainable construction as buildings that can withstand natural and climatic hazards such as extreme temperatures and heavy rains. - That definition was selected by 35% of respondents. - 34% identified evolutive construction that can adapt to new uses as a top definition. - 32% pointed to construction that supports occupant well-being and health. - Among local stakeholders, 87% said they understand sustainable construction. - 13% of stakeholders said they had never heard of the concept. - 37% of citizens and 41% of stakeholders said raising public awareness is key to accelerating sustainable construction. - 40% of citizens and 45% of stakeholders said stronger awareness and collaboration among stakeholders is important for change. - The study found architects and building engineers are seen as the most important stakeholders in driving progress. - The full 4th Sustainable Construction Barometer is available here. - The study was fielded from Oct. 16 to Nov. 14, 2025. - The methodology covered 1,000 citizens per country across 30 countries.

Between the lines: - The results show a classic adoption gap: public demand is ahead of institutional readiness. - The findings also suggest the term “sustainable construction” is not yet consistently understood by the public, even as support is strong. - Lynette Siow, chief executive officer of Saint-Gobain Malaysia and Singapore, said public expectations can push for clearer policies and stronger alignment across the ecosystem. - Siow also said developers, contractors, policymakers, financiers and manufacturers will need to balance environmental ambition with social and economic realities.

What’s next: - Saint-Gobain is positioning awareness-building and shared understanding as the next step for Malaysia’s sector. - The report points to cross-sector collaboration as the main lever for turning citizen support into projects and policy. - The company says it will continue supporting the industry through smarter material choices and solutions aimed at greener and more resilient communities.

The bottom line: - Malaysia has public momentum for sustainable construction, but the sector still needs to catch up to convert that demand into action.