A Study of Green Roof System in Malaysia

Urbanization process has caused large proportions of green area had been replaced by concrete forest and became as an impervious area. Besides, it also caused environmental issues like urban heat island, traffic congestion and air pollution. Hence, the approach to mitigate these environmental issues caused by the urbanization process were urge by Malaysia. By adopting green roof system to the existing or new building, the problem of lessening in green area and environmental problems in Malaysia can be greatly reduced. Thus, the objectives of this research are to examine the concept of green roof system in Malaysia, to identify the factors to be consider during the design and installation of green roof system in Malaysia and to determine the barriers to the implementation of green roof system in Malaysia. The research method to be used in this study were through literature review and questionnaire. Questionnaire administered to 62 respondents who are involved in the Construction industry. The data were analyzed by using SPSS descriptive analysis and Relative Importance Index (RII) ranking. Based on the findings, the top 3 significant factors to be considered during design stage are all from the structure factors which are maintenance requirement, load capacity of the roof and the use of green roof. Meanwhile the data collected for barriers to the implementation of green roof in Malaysia have proved that lack of knowledge which equivalent to lack of green roof expertise and standard guideline are the most significant barriers that hinder the adoption of green roof.