Integrating Green Building Technologies in Vocational Education: A Pathway Towards Sustainable Construction in Malaysia

This study investigates the critical incorporation of Green Building Technology (GBT) into the Construction Technology Program of Malaysian vocational colleges. The objective is to align educational frameworks with the urgent demands for sustainable construction practices in response to the escalating global warming crisis. Given the significant environmental changes driven by anthropogenic activities, such as increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) levels from fossil fuel combustion, there is a pressing need for the construction industry to adopt green technologies to mitigate these impacts. This study utilises the Nominal Group Technique (NGT), with a panel of five field experts tasked to identify and prioritise the GBT elements for integration into the vocational curriculum. These elements are vital for equipping future professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary for contributing to environmental protection and sustainability in the construction sector. The findings highlight a consensus among experts on the importance of foundational GBT topics, such as energy efficiency, sustainable materials, and indoor environmental quality, while also noting a variance in opinions on more specialised subjects like Green Building Index (GBI) tools and case studies. Additionally, the study highlights the necessity for Malaysian vocational colleges to employ GBT in their curricula. This priority is crucial not only to address immediate educational requirements but also to contribute significantly to the overarching objectives of sustainable development and global warming mitigation within the construction industry. The integration of GBT in vocational education is regarded as a vital effort in nurturing a proficient workforce that is adequately equipped to address the challenges and opportunities of sustainable construction. This alignment corresponds with global best practices and demonstrates Malaysia's commitment to sustainable development goals.