SAGE Open (Aug 2017)
The Green Manufacturer’s Compliance With Green Criteria Throughout the Life Cycle of Building Material
Abstract
The construction industry has significant impacts on the environment. Abound the efforts to induce a greater green implementation in the construction project, it has been argued that the usage of green building materials in construction projects can help to minimize the production of waste and greenhouse gas (GHG) emission. This article’s objective is to identify the degree of compliance with the green building materials criteria by wood and cement manufacturers. The green building materials criteria were conceptualized as part of the sustainability movement in which the term green is used to refer to a clean environment and unpolluted atmosphere. To verify the compliance of the manufacturers through the green building materials criteria, a questionnaire survey supported by an interview was conducted. The results show that most Malaysian green manufacturers complied with the green criteria, which converged all three principles including environmental impact, resource management, and recycling implementation. This article provides a basis upon which existing and new manufacturers can produce green building materials thoroughly in accordance with the listed criteria. Clearly, the manufacturers’ compliance with the green building materials criteria has several impacts on the development of the construction industry such that a green building material production process will stimulate a balanced ecosystem and prevent an environmental catastrophe.